Entertaining at home -- Bridal Showers
By Katie Henchir of Signature Style Wedding Specialists
If orchestrated with finesse and attention to detail, throwing the shower at home can be advantageous and a dream come true for every planner. Home entertaining cuts cost and provides planning flexibility on all levels; time, menu, décor and even the guest list. Home entertaining empowers the planner to be as creative, fun and open-minded as they wish - there are no rules.
The main ingredients to a delightful shower include: theme, décor, menu, games and favors.
Theme
Using a theme helps planners to create a particular atmosphere for the shower. When choosing an appropriate direction, consider the unique personality of the bride-to-be; is she sophisticated, wild or maybe a world traveler? Select the theme that best suits the bride-to-be. Some of our favorites include: "Rockin' Cook-Out", "Can You Fondue" and "Garden Party".
Décor
The décor and background music play an important role in fostering an effective atmosphere. Since the party's at home you can be resourceful and recycle those old vases or play favorite CD's. Use comfortable, familiar favorites to create your theme, as well as a sense of peacefulness in this warm welcoming environment. Of course some items will have to be purchased, but it is helpful to use what's around or in storage to decorate for the occasion.
Menu
First comes the strategy and then comes execution. One of the reasons theme parties are relatively easy to plan and organize is because they provide a focus in decision- making. Carry the theme throughout every aspect of the day, especially the menu. Once the food selection is determined, planners can self-prepare the food, have the event catered, or ask guests to bring their favorite dish - all in conjunction with the theme.
If the meal is made at home, try working with easy to prepare with dishes that can be arranged in advance of the shower - to free up time during the party -- such as veggie platters, seasoned olives, baked artichoke hearts or lasagna. Also, consider creating menus and placing them at the entrance or at each table. Pour "signature drinks" to spice up the shower, whether it is something traditional like red wine or exotic like Electric Lemonade. Finally, remember to serve the food at the desired temperature. No-one wants melted ice cream.
Games
An entertained guest makes for a happy planner, so be sure to add games to avoid having guests be forced to endure gift opening without fun interruptions. Games get the attendees involved, make them laugh and offer opportunity to meet the new friends. The best way to incorporate games to the shower is to space them out - every 45 min or so.
Helpful Hints for Shower Entertainment:
Keepsakes
Provide stationary and colored pens on each table and ask each attendee to write tips on love and how to have a successful marriage. At the shower's end, collect the notes and creates a scrapbook of "Marriage Recipes" for the bride-to-be.
Bingo a Go-Go
Create bingo cards with a variety of names of the attendees or expected gifts on them. When the gift is opened from the attendee, their appropriate block is covered. When the card is full, the winner receives a prize.
Newlywed Game
Generate a list of questions for the husband-to-be to answer - and ask him to answer them in advance of the shower. Write the questions down on small pieces on paper to be drawn at random for the bride-to-be to answer. Have the "real" answers ready on large pieces of construction paper to reveal to the laughing crowd. After three correct questions are answered, offer the bride-to-be a special prize or, if the bride answers correctly have the attendee who selected and read the question receive a prize.
Favors
It is a tradition to give favors at the shower but lets be realistic, who needs another candle? Be creative and consider the theme. An option to consider is to throw a planners' craft party and make the favors! You can easily make notepads with art paper, jewelry or other easy crafty gifts - go to your local craft store for advice. Another option is to have a raffle for gift certificates or package prizes.
General Tips
Listed below are a few general tips to aid in planning the home shower.
Invite the mother of the bride and the bride's maids to plan, prepare, pay and "work" at the shower.
Create a task list including "Action Items", "Responsible Parties", "Estimated Costs", "Actual Costs", and "Deadlines". Updates should be given to whoever is helping out periodically.
Save all the bows and create the fake bouquet for the rehearsal dinner.
Consider having the bride's maids present a group gift.
During gift opening, one planner should note the attendee and gift, one to present the gift, one crafting the bow, and one collecting the trash.
Present the bride-to-be with prepared Thank you cards. Address and stamp the cards either during the shower or before.
Examples of Home Showers:
Theme: "Rockin' CooKout Style"
Menu: Chicken, burgers, and hotdogs on the grill
Corn on the cob
Kabobs
Potato Salad
Fruit Salad
Klondike Bars
Signature
Drinks: Mike's Hard Lemonade
Décor: Red & White Checkered Table Cloth
Red & White plastic utensils and plates
*Be sure plates are strong and durable to avoid accidents
Straw Cowboy hats filled with fresh flowers
Listen to the Dixie Chicks
Games: Volleyball
Horseshoes
Favors: Corn on the cob skewers
Kabob skewers
Raffle a grill set
Theme: "Can you Fondue"
Menu: Cheese Fondue served with meats, vegetables, and bread
Seasoned Olives
Artichoke Hearts
Spinach Salad
Carrot Cake
Signature
Drinks: A choice of wines
Décor: Cranberry Scented Candles
Dim lights
Fresh Flowers
Add color to the tables by using a variety of table clothes with matching colored bows on chairs
Listen to Frank Sinatra
Games: "Name that Cheese/Wine" - cheese/wine tasting contest
Favors: Give away the flowers and candles as a set
Raffle a fondue pot
Also see:
• Dinner party suggestions
Katie Henchir is the co-founder of Boston-based Signature Style Wedding Specialist. si g n a t u r e . s t y l e is a consulting firm dedicated to creating unique, personalized experiences with an attention to detail and finesse that will make avery wedding a memorable expression of the bride and grooms' distinct personalities." Contact signature style at 617-536-6484.
