Modern Wedding Showers have the Personal Touch
These days, there is little that is uniformed about bridal showers. Though gifts are almost always given and opened, showers have expanded to fit the personal style of the bride, from décor, to venue, to guest list. While some may want to stick to finger sandwiches, tea and petite fours, today’s soirées can have the same attitude that the bride has.
Typically, someone will step forward and volunteer to plan your shower (usually your Maid of Honor, or a bridesmaid), so all you have to do is show up!
Guest list.
What you do depends on who is invited, so you may want to give your shower planner a clue as to if you’d enjoy a larger event (40+ guests), or a more intimate affair. As for the invitees, it’s usually just the bridal party, friends and family (both sides), but friends of the mothers are also sometimes included.
Venue.
Aesthetics and accessibility are most important when choosing a location, so try to think of a nearby place where everyone will be comfortable. Restaurants, or the hostess’ home are popular choices, but you could also have you shower at the beach, a park, a bar, a café…
Invitations.
Invitations should be sent out at least 6 weeks in advance; you’ll want them to have plenty of time to find the perfect gift! Beautiful and high-quality invitations can ordered online, or in specialty stores. When you buy them, consider purchasing matching Thank-You notes as well.
Decorations.
How to decorate the shower is completely contingent on the venue. What is appropriate – and what is allowed! – will differ greatly from one location to another. For public locations, always check to see what can be provided for you, and what is off-limits.
Menu.
Offering a glass a wine and a few hors’ devourers when they first arrive will get the party started, but showers are typically luncheons, so the guests will probably expect a meal. Always offer entrée choices, and be aware of any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, kosher, low carb…) that guests may have. You don’t want them to leave hungry!
If the shower is hosted in a restaurant or café, the guests should pay for themselves as well as the bride, just as if it were a birthday dinner. If it’s hosted in a home, guest may bring some food or wine, but it should not be assumed, and they should not be asked to contribute money.
Favors.
Whether a framed picture or mini boxes of truffles, the favors they receive on their way out are more than just a thank-you, they’re also a representation of you, and who you are. Talk to your shower hostess about what she’s thinking about. You may want to make something special, like cookies with your new initials on them, or if it’s a winter wedding, knit them some gloves!
Options.
Although you are not planning the shower yourself, you can still make it clear what kind of a shower you’d prefer. Some guests will assume that it is a child-friendly party, so if you’d rather an adult event, you should let people know. Modern showers are much more focused on the bride’s personality, than on rules or etiquette. Many brides prefer a non-traditional get together, like including men (“Jack & Jill” showers) into the mix.
Just like every aspect of your wedding, your shower is a celebration and a reflection of you and your passions. Unlike many other aspects of your wedding, the shower has very loose traditions, so you can have exactly the party you want, without creating a scandal!