Outside of simply celebrating the couple, couples’ showers represent a wonderful opportunity for your closest friends and family to gather together in advance of your wedding. Families can meet, friends can put faces with names, and everyone will feel more at ease on your wedding day because they have already spent time together.
How to plan couples shower?
Three (or More) Months Before
- Talk to the bride. Does she want all women or coed? ...
- Set the date—shoot for a month or two before the wedding. ...
- If the bridal shower will take place at a tea salon, private dining room, restaurant or nightclub, make the reservations as soon as possible.
- Create the guest list for the bridal shower. ...
What is the purpose of a wedding shower?
What Is the Purpose of a Wedding Shower?
- The Purpose. The purpose of a wedding shower is to shower the bride-to-be with gifts to be used in the bride and groom's new home.
- Who Puts on the Shower. The maid of honor usually organizes the shower, although it is also common for an aunt of either the bride or groom to throw a ...
- Who to Invite. ...
- Invitation Etiquette. ...
- Thank Yous. ...
How often do married couples shower together?
While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty, or have other reasons to showermore often). Short showers(lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice. Is peeing in the shower safe?
How to plan couples wedding shower?
Steps to Planning a Bridal Shower
- Create a shower budget. The very first step to plan a bridal shower is to create a budget for the entire process. ...
- Pick a date. ...
- Create the guest list. ...
- Select a theme. ...
- Choose a location. ...
- Send invitations. ...
- Set the menu. ...
- Find shower decor. ...
- Plan the games and activities. ...
- Create a shower playlist. ...
What is a couple shower?
What to do with friends at a wine tasting couple shower?
What to do when guests of honor have wanderlust?
What do bridal shower invitations look like?
What is a ladies luncheon?
What to do with friends outside?
What do you stock up on for a wedding?
See 4 more
About this website
What is the point of couples showers?
A couple shower allows both members of the couple to attend and invite their friends, which means it'll likely become a coed shower with all of the guests in attendance. Plus, it sets a fun precedent for a joint bach party and mixed wedding parties.
Who should host a couples shower?
Traditional etiquette dictates that the maid of honor—not the mother of the bride—should host the shower. Some etiquette rules were meant to fade away into oblivion, like the one about family members of the bride not hosting her bridal shower.
Are couples wedding showers a thing?
What Is a Jack and Jill Party? A Jack and Jill party is a coed wedding shower where the couple is given gifts they need to start their new life together. It's like a bridal shower, but the groom and his family and friends are also in attendance.
What do you call a couple's shower?
Couples showers, wedding showers, Jack and Jill showers. Whatever you like to call them, they're all focused on one happy task: celebrating the bride AND the groom! Here are 5 reasons you should consider a couples shower.
Who pays for a couples wedding shower?
Standard etiquette dictates the person hosting the shower would be the one who pays for it. However, if multiple people are hosting the shower (or if multiple people want to contribute to the event), that's absolutely fine too.
What do you serve at a couples bridal shower?
Offer guests plenty of grazing options, like charcuterie spreads, fresh fruit and veggies, hand-held finger foods like crostini, tacos or small sandwiches, as well as a few sweet treats on a dessert table like bridal shower cake, cupcakes, ice cream, cheesecake or brownies.
What is the difference between a wedding shower and bridal shower?
A wedding shower is a more modern and inclusive take on the time-honored shower for the bride. Wedding showers are also more appropriate for same-sex marriages where there is no traditional "bride." The bridal shower is traditionally hosted by the maid of honor.
What do you do at wedding showers?
What do You do at a Bridal Shower? Most bridal shower guests spend time mingling, eating, playing games, and honoring the bride-to-be. As a guest, you'll want to remember the celebration is all about the bride and her special day ahead, so most activities during the day will reflect this.
Can you have a couples shower and a bridal shower?
Can you have both a wedding shower and a bridal shower? A couple can have both a wedding shower and a bridal shower, but there are a few caveats. The events should have different hosts, different guest lists, and be held in different locations.
What is the point of a Jack and Jill party?
Historically, a Jack and Jill was a celebration before the wedding in order to raise money for the couple. An example of this would be holding a party and charging invited guests an admissions fee of ~$5, which would go toward the engaged couple. Another example would be charging for drinks, or even holding a raffle.
How do you word a couples shower invitation?
More traditional gatherings may want to open with bridal shower invitation wording like: "Please join us for a bridal shower honoring [bride]." "Help us shower [bride] with love." "Come celebrate [bride] before she ties the knot."
Does the mother of the groom pay for the bridal shower?
Today it's the maid of honor and bridal party or the bride or groom's mother who throws the bridal shower. Typically, whoever throws the event is the one must cover the costs.
Who throws the bridal shower?
The maid of honorWho hosts? The maid of honor traditionally takes on the role of chief planner. But she isn't a one-woman shower machine: She relies on the bridesmaids to help her with planning logistics. On the day-of, the girls run the show, making sure everything goes smoothly and guests are taken care of.
What is the difference between a wedding shower and a bridal shower?
The difference is pretty simple, where the bridal shower is designed for just you and the girls, the wedding shower is a co-ed party where the bride and groom both get showered with gifts and love. If you're a bride who likes to party and celebrate, then a wedding shower and bridal shower!
Can you have a couples shower and a bridal shower?
Can you have both a wedding shower and a bridal shower? A couple can have both a wedding shower and a bridal shower, but there are a few caveats. The events should have different hosts, different guest lists, and be held in different locations.
7 Types of Co-Ed Wedding Showers | Martha Stewart
Bridal showers traditionally have a female-only guests list, but many of today's brides are tossing aside that outdated etiquette and hosting a co-ed event instead. The decision to mix sexes allows a bride to share the shower with her husband as well as female and male relatives and close friends.
Pros and Cons of Having a Coed Wedding Shower - Zola
Theme it. A coed wedding shower is a great opportunity to introduce a fun theme for the event and/or for the gifts guests will bring. Here are some ideas for shower themes: Stock The Bar: Guests bring a bottle of wine, alcohol, or another bar cart accessory so the couple will be stocked up for the future. Round The Clock: Guests are assigned a time of day to theme their gift around.
What is a Couples Shower?
Sometimes referred to as a “jack and jill shower”, a couples shower is like a bridal shower, except both the bride and groom are celebrated together. In our opinion, couples showers are more fun than bridal showers. Here’s 3 reasons why!
Both Friend Groups Come Together Before the Wedding
Don’t you think your friends will appreciate the opportunity to celebrate you AND your spouse-to-be? The answer is yes! Moreover, a couples shower allows you to combine both sides of your new family. This opens the door for new memories and connections.
Couples Themes Are More Interesting
The best couples shower themes are the ones that are based on something that the bride and groom both enjoy. For example, if taco Tuesdays is a staple of your relationship, then celebrate it! Who wouldn’t love a make-your-own-taco bar? Are you frequent travelers? Then consider basing the theme off of one of your favorite travel destinations.
Games and Activities for Everyone
From charades and beer pong to cornhole and flip cup–there’s generally more fun to be had when the guys and girls are both participating.
Breaking Gender Norms
Not everyone identifies specifically as a bride or groom. Why put a label on anything these days? Instead, just bring everyone together–it will be way more fun that way!
What is a couple shower?
A couple shower is closer to a cocktail or dinner party than it is to a bridal shower. Female and male relatives, as well as close friends, are invited. The party still revolves around gifts, but they're presented to both the bride and the groom, and generally they are a mix of home goods and guy-friendly gadgets.
What is an entertainment shower?
Entertainment Shower, where guests dress up as famous characters and bring gifts like videos, CDs, and theater tickets. Assign everyone to perform their favorite movie lines.
What is an around the world shower?
Around-the-World Shower, where you serve international cuisine like paella, stir-fried vegetables, or gnocchi, and salivate over gifts such as a pasta maker, a wok, or a fondue pot.
What to do when the bride and groom can't bear to celebrate apart?
If the bride and groom can't bear to celebrate apart, get the whole group together and throw a shower with the girls and the guys.
What to give for a pool party shower?
Pool Party Shower, where you set up relay races and diving-board contests. Cook hamburgers by the pool and give gifts such as portable grills and plastic serving items like trays and martini glasses.
Can you limit the guest list for a coed shower?
You might want to limit the guest list to the couple's contemporaries who consider girl/boy proximity a given. Steer clear of people who may be offended by a coed shower, but don't neglect loved ones who wouldn't want to miss out on these festivities.
What is the difference between a bridal shower and a couples shower?
A bridal shower typically involves only the bride and her girlfriends, whereas a couples shower involves both sets of family and friends.
What to do at a wedding shower?
If you’re going a more traditional route, you can stick to the typical wedding shower events like making a wedding registry and receiving gifts from your guests.
How to make a wedding party look like a celebrity?
Encourage guests to come dressed up as a celebrity or celebrity couple! Roll out the red carpet and have everyone walk across it as they arrive . Allow a few close friends to pretend that they’re the paparazzi by taking pictures of guests as they arrive. Consider having a backdrop with the bride and groom’s names (and wedding date) for people to take pictures in front of. You can even award prizes for the best costumes and hand out your own version of an Oscar or Grammy!
What to do when guests say "wedding"?
Have each guest start with a ring. If any guests say words like “wedding,” “bride,” or “groom,” their ring can be taken away by another guest that catches them saying it. Whoever has the most bling by the end of the shower gets a prize!
Can you invite anyone to a wedding shower?
Invite any and everyone! Leave no friend uncalled, no distant cousin without an e-invite! Keep reading for tips on how to throw a memorable couples shower with the proper couples wedding shower etiquette.
Is a bridal shower a rule breaking?
With more and more couples planning non-traditional weddings, the rule breaking has even extended to the bridal shower. Couples wedding showers are becoming more common (and more fun)!
What is the purpose of a wedding shower?
No matter the culture, the wedding shower has the sole purpose of showering the bride with your attention and love, celebrating her and her big day, and showing her your happiness for this moment in her life . There may be cultural nuances to consider—during American wedding showers, it’s customary to have gifts opened in front of all guests, and for brides to thank guests in person, on the spot, for their gift and their presence, while in other cultures this is inconsiderate.
Why do people have showers at weddings?
For the bride, a wedding shower is a great way to gather with family and friends one more time before the wedding. This is quality time that you can spend with them ahead of your wedding day to enjoy all of the festivities that the event brings.
Who Attends the Wedding Shower?
The bride is the guest of honor at such an event, but other attendees on the guest list include her family and closest female friends. Depending on the culture and geographical location, that can mean an intimate part of 20 to a larger gathering of a few hundred. Most times, guests at the shower have also been invited to the wedding. While male members typically do not participate, having a hybrid wedding shower for the happy couple is a trend that is gaining popularity. That’s when the groom and some of the men of the family join the festivities later in the day.
How to prepare for a wedding?
The First Look ✨ 1 The bride’s close friends and family make up most of the guest list at this fun event. 2 This is your quality time celebrating the bride and her upcoming wedding ceremony. 3 There may be cultural nuances to consider, so prepare ahead and be well-informed.
Do men participate in a hybrid wedding shower?
While male members typically do not participate, having a hybrid wedding shower for the happy couple is a trend that is gaining popularity. That’s when the groom and some of the men of the family join the festivities later in the day.
Do you RSVP for a wedding shower?
If you’re invited to a wedding shower, it’s expected that you RSVP confirming your attendance. Check if there is a gift registry where the bride has outlined the gifts that she would like to receive on the occasion. Unless you know the bride well and have a special wedding gift in mind that she will appreciate, do not get her anything that is not listed. This is common wedding shower gift etiquette that you'll want to follow at most showers. Arrive for the event on the date and time specified, and adhere to any attire mentioned.
What is a couple shower?
Outside of simply celebrating the couple, couples’ showers represent a wonderful opportunity for your closest friends and family to gather together in advance of your wedding. Families can meet, friends can put faces with names, and everyone will feel more at ease on your wedding day because they have already spent time together. A couple’s shower is also a great party to consider if you would like to skip an engagement party in favor of an event that will ask your guests to get together closer to your wedding day rather than days or weeks after you have gotten engaged.
Why do we have bridal showers?
As we mentioned, bridal showers have always been hosted to honor the bride. They’re usually solely attended by the women closest to her, and the themes of the showers have women in mind (as they should!). Also, the games played and gifts presented are definitely more geared toward the gals. While this tradition is exciting for some, it can feel like too much for others. We love that couples’ showers offer a modern twist, a chance for both partners to share the spotlight (an important point for brides who don’t love attention or receiving lingerie in front of loved ones!), and a chance to dim the light on many decades old traditions.
What is the key to planning a couple's shower?
We’ve mentioned this many times now, but the key to planning a great couple’s shower is to invite couples! The mix of guests (and genders!) is what makes them fun. But, don’t shy away from inviting family and friends who are not married or in a relationship. Single guests can and should attend!
Can you play games at a bridal shower?
But, you can definitely still inject friendly competition into a couple’s shower! In fact, we recommend it because games are a great way for guests to get to know each other. Think about playing game show style games, like Jeopardy or Family Feud, or plan a board game night with a plan to play party games, like Charades, Pictionary, or Heads Up. You can also choose backyard game classics, or plan a co-ed field day!
Do bridal showers honor the bride?
Not (So) Steeped in Tradition. As we mentioned, bridal showers have always been hosted to honor the bride. They’re usually solely attended by the women closest to her, and the themes of the showers have women in mind (as they should!). Also, the games played and gifts presented are definitely more geared toward the gals.
What Is The Point Of A Bridal Shower?
The point of a bridal shower is to allow the bride and her closest female friends and female relatives to celebrate ahead of the big day. Furthermore, these guests can ‘shower’ her with gifts which will help her to settle into family life with her husband to be.
When do bridal showers take place?
Bridal showers typically take place 1-3 months before the big day; and they’re certainly a celebratory event.
What are some alternatives to a bridal shower?
The best alternatives to a traditional Bridal Shower include experiences, classes, overnight stays, and trips/days out.
What are some practical gifts for a bride?
Traditionally, these gifts are very practical in nature. Household items such as pots, pans, appliances – pretty much anything that will help the bride and her groom for their upcoming life together.
Is a bridal shower a make or break event?
While it is true that Bridal Showers are a tradition, and most brides do end up having one; this is not a make or break event.
Is there a rule that says a bridal shower has to be held anywhere in particular?
In fact, there are no hard or fast rules that say a Bridal Shower has to be held anywhere in particular.
Do you have to have a bridal shower?
You do not have to have a Bridal Shower after all.
What is a couple shower?
A couple shower allows both members of the couple to attend and invite their friends, which means it'll likely become a coed shower with all of the guests in attendance. Plus, it sets a fun precedent for a joint bach party and mixed wedding parties.
What to do with friends at a wine tasting couple shower?
Do your friends love a good bottle of vino? Toast to them at a wine-tasting couple shower. Offer appetizers that your guests can pair with the wines.
What to do when guests of honor have wanderlust?
If the guests of honor have a serious case of wanderlust, plan a shower they'll love. Display pictures of the couple traveling the world and offer food from each notable destination.
What do bridal shower invitations look like?
Bridal shower invitations often look the same: flowers, foil, and cursive writing. If that design represents the couple and the shower, go for it! If it doesn't feel like the couple, look around for creative options.
What is a ladies luncheon?
A ladies’ luncheon or high tea are adorable themes for a wedding shower, but they aren't the only options. Plus, they can exclude guests who don't identify as female. A couple shower allows for a variety of creative themes that'll include anyone you're inviting. See some of our favorites, below.
What to do with friends outside?
Gather all of your friends and grill outside. Pick up yard games, burgers (or veggie burgers) and drinks for a super-fun event.
What do you stock up on for a wedding?
Stock up on the couple's favorite champagne and beer so that there's a drink for everyone in attendance.
The Idea
The Guest List
- You might want to limit the guest list to the couple's contemporaries who consider girl/boy proximity a given. Steer clear of people who may be offended by a coed shower, but don't neglect loved ones who wouldn't want to miss out on these festivities.
Rethink Tradition
- Try cocktails in lieu of tea, barbecue instead of buttered scones. Think about themes: 1. Entertainment Shower, where guests dress up as famous characters and bring gifts like videos, CDs, and theater tickets. Assign everyone to perform their favorite movie lines. 2. Sports Shower, where you could organize a basketball game, rounds of tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, or ta…
Make Everyone Feel Comfortable
- Since the rowdiness factor can shoot sky-high when boys are involved, make sure the girls know that the guest list includes folks of both genders. Include this information on the invitation, or cal...
- As guests arrive, play a name game so that everyone gets introduced and feels at ease. Have everyone say how they know the couple of honor.
- Since the rowdiness factor can shoot sky-high when boys are involved, make sure the girls know that the guest list includes folks of both genders. Include this information on the invitation, or cal...
- As guests arrive, play a name game so that everyone gets introduced and feels at ease. Have everyone say how they know the couple of honor.
- When playing games, put the girls on one team and the men on the other to keep physical contact among possible strangers at a comfy minimum.
