When thinking about writing the planning tips for this page, I decided to defer it to my good girlfriend, Gwynne Hotchkiss. Because of a string of recent weddings both in her family and among her friends, Gwynne has become the queen of the bridal shower. If anyone can make a bridal shower fun and memorable, it’s Gwynne.
How to Plan a Bridal Shower
By Gwynne Hotchkiss
Things you will need
Martini Shaker
Favorite drink mix
Martini glass
Ice
Pen
Paper
When my older sister got married, I was only twelve years old. I was a junior bridesmaid and as such was invited to the shower. We played games that at the time I thought were rather odd. For example, scooping cotton balls out of a bowl while blindfolded didn’t make much sense to me. At the time, I also thought it was hilarious to see grown women playing dress-up with toilette paper. Since then my affinity for bridal showers has exponentially decreased with each one I’ve attended.
Then my best friend got engaged, and to my horror the responsibility of planning one fell to me. With the help of my favorite martini and a bit of creativity, I discovered a painless way to plan a shower. Here’s how it goes:
- Sit down and mix yourself your favorite drink.
- Write down the names of people to invite. You’ll need to invite her mother, the groom’s mother, any sisters, and all bridesmaids. If you’re the maid of honor chances are you know, or have heard the names of, the people the bride will want to be there. Be aware though that the guest list should be limited to those invited to the wedding.
- If the list is small finding someone to host the party in their house should be simple. If its not, check with local hotels and event halls for availability. Once you’ve got a date, all you need are invitations and addresses. Invitations are best addressed while watching your favorite chick flick- preferably one starring your favorite hunky actor (or actress).
- Mix another drink.
- You’ll need food and drink at the party. Coffee, tea, and champagne punch are easy. If you would like to do fun cocktails and mocktails, check out the drinks recipes in the recipe section. For food, check out local bakeries. Mini cupcakes are common and can be ordered in the wedding colors. Some bakeries will make bread dyed different colors. These loaves can be cut to make tea sandwiches and the bride will get a kick out of it. Fruit and cheese platters can be picked up at any local deli. If you are more adventurous and like to cook, check out the recipes in the recipes section.
- Mix another drink.
- Make a list of all the boring games you remember playing at bridal showers. Do not use any of them… Especially the ones involving toilet paper- come on; you are a mature, sophisticated person- rise above the bathroom paper.
- Make a list of games you’ve played with your girlfriends that you remember enjoying. This can include everything from “rate the cuteness of the bartenders” to card games. The point is not to be practical. We’re going for inspiration.
- Look at the games you’ve enjoyed. See if any of them can be adapted to the number of guests you plan to invite. If you need to you can divide the guests into groups. Games like “Martinis and Men” are great. The rules are simple and easy to learn. It’s a match making game that will get your guests talking, and more importantly laughing. You can divide guests into groups of about eight and make it a several round contest.
- Mix another drink.
- Make a list of cheesy prizes and favors you’ve gotten at any party you’ve attended. Do not purchase any of these as prizes or favors for the shower.
- Think of things you would actually like to get as gifts. Gift cards are fantastic and can be played up. A coffee shop gift card can be put into a clear cup with brown and white tissue paper to resemble your favorite caffeinated beverage. The game “Martinis and Men” can be turned into a prize. The overall winners of the championship game can win the game. Just be sure to limit it to the best two out of three, or you’ll never get to the presents.
Bridal showers should be fun. So once you’re done planning take a couple aspirin and drink plenty of water. Then take a deep breath and fill in the details.
TableStar Games note: If you are under the age of 21 years old, make your favorite non-alcoholic drink. For great recipes,
click here.
