|
Home
Bridal Showers:
Traditionally, most bridal showers have been held in homes. They
are warm and cozy, and you generally don't have to worry about
making too much noise. The down side is they are often too small
for a large number of guests. One of the first things required
in planning is deciding how many people the home can comfortably
hold. Then move as much furniture as possible so the guests can
sit in an arrangement that will allow for pleasant conversation.
Allow as much time as possible to notify the guests of the shower
date, and keep in mind that you still may have to remind them
shortly before the event.
One
of the best conveniences for a home shower is disposable party
products. Check out our bridal
shower decorations and supplies. It's always nice to go with
a continuing theme from the invitations, plates, cups and napkins
to the decorations and favors.
Check with the bride to see what colors she's using for the wedding,
and if she has any type of theme planned (western, beach, Victorian,
garden, etc.). You may want to follow that theme or go with a
completely different one (tea party, barbecue, outdoor picnic,
etc.). Keep in mind that the shower may be attended by guests
of all ages, and keep the party fun for everyone. Some ideas that
may be fun for younger guests may not be appropriate for older
ones.
Name
tags that also show the guest's relationship to the bride-to-be
can be a nice ice breaker. A special name
tag for the guest of honor will make her feel especially important.
If you are having a luncheon, try and get everyone seated as quickly
as possible. Make allowances for any special dietary needs and
be sure that everyone is served promptly. Once the meal is finished,
decide if you want to play a game or two. There are some easy
and cute ideas in our games
section. Or, the Internet is a wealth of information for games.
After
the games the honoree will open the gifts. Of course someone is
designated to record information. Make sure everyone can see the
gifts or pass them around if that is feasible. When the gifts
have been opened and the guests are departing, it's a nice touch
to photograph the bride with each departing guest. Have double
prints made and let the bride include one in each of her thank
you notes. That's a very thoughtful gift for both the bride and
the guest. Most of all, relax and have fun!
Back To Top
Restaurant
Bridal Showers:
Today's hostess is often pressed for time and a restaurant
or banquet hall shower provides the space needed in an elegant
atmosphere. They handle clean up and food preparation, so the
work is minimized. The key to a successful restaurant shower is
to make the guests feel welcome and to choose a comfortable atmosphere
for conversation and sharing.
Select
a restaurant in a convenient location. Plan the event far enough
in advance so that you can make the reservations. It may be difficult
at that time to estimate the number of guests attending, but try
to check with as many guests as possible in advance of mailing
invitations, so that you can give the restaurant an idea. When
choosing the menu, try the food yourself. It is important to respect
your guests dietary needs as well, so you may want to share the
menu in advance or ask if there are any special restrictions.
See if the restaurant has an alternative available if a guest
just can't tolerate the selection. Ask the servers to notice if
any guest turns down the meal and have them ask if the guest would
prefer an alternative. If you are bringing your own cake, be certain
that the restaurant allows that.
If
hosting a large group, you may want to use placecards. It is also
a nice touch to have name tags for each guest indicating their
relationship to the bride-to-be. A special name
tag for the guest of honor will make her feel especially important.
Decorations add a warm touch, but keep them simple. A cluster
of helium balloons and a banner over the gift table add a festive
touch. Check out the beautiful themes
available from 4Showers.com. Floral arrangements are nice
for the table and can also be given away as prizes. There probably
will be little time for games, but the lottery
style scratch off game cards are perfect for this type of
shower. The Internet is a wealth of information on shower games.
Favors are an important part of the shower and thank the guests
for coming. For an informal shower, the recipe
card holders are very cute and the wedding
cake candles are lovely for a more formal event. There are
many ideas
to choose from. How about a tea party with tea
favors?
When the bride-to-be is opening gifts, try to place her in an
elevated area so that each guest can see the gift. Have someone
announce in advance who the gift is from and show the gift to
everyone. Keep in mind your allotted time frame so that all of
the gifts can be opened comfortably without the Maitre D' rushing
you.
When
the guests are leaving, it's a nice touch to have someone photograph
the honoree with each departing guest. Have double prints made
and let the bride include one in each of her thank you notes.
It's a thoughtful gift for both the guest and guest of honor.
Back
To Top
Office
Bridal Showers:
The first decision to be made is the location of the shower.
Will it be in the office or at a restaurant? Will it be during
the lunch hour or after work? If it is going to be held in a restaurant,
make reservations far in advance and guarantee a private setting.
If it will be held at work, verify that an area will be available
and check with the personnel department to be certain there will
be no conflict. Deciding who to invite may be difficult in a large
business, because some people may feel left out. Check with the
bride to be for suggestions. One person should act as the host
or hostess to facilitate the process, and that person can delegate
other chores. Usually the immediate coworkers contribute to the
shower expenses. Decorations
and supplies should be easily disposable. Decide in advance
if lunch will be part of the program, or only desert. You may
decide on something easy like pizza, however, some offices decide
to make it a potluck.
Favors
are easy and fun for all of the guests, but there probably will
be little time for games. An exception would be the lottery
style scratch off game cards are perfect for this type of
shower. Another idea is to ask each person to write down their
suggestions for a happy marriage. Those can be funny or serious
and read just before the honoree opens the gifts. Designate someone
to take pictures and get doubles printed so the bride can have
one set and the others can be posted and shared.
Gifts
can be purchased individually, however, usually all the guests
contribute towards one or two larger gifts. That is more practical
in terms of time and space. Since the guest of honor will be on
her own to get the gift or gifts home, that should also be a consideration.
Even a gift certificate would be appropriate.
Keep
in mind that time is a factor if the party is being held during
working hours. The host or hostess should keep everyone and everything
on schedule. A clean up committee should be chosen in advance
and should be responsible for returning the room to its original
appearance. Have fun, but remember, this is still an office environment.
Back
To Top
Couples
Bridal Showers:
In the past showers tended to be for women, with women, but
times have changed. Since couples usually work hard all week,
they treasure their spare time together and like the idea of having
a party they can share. Men are also taking a more active role
in wedding planning activities and often have definite opinions
about the gifts they want and need as a couple. The one most important
thing to consider in hosting a coed shower is to make the men
feel welcome.
No
cutesy decorations or favors for these showers. Food shouldn't
be dainty either. Consider a BBQ, pizza, giant sub sandwiches,
or a deli style buffet. Structure is much less important because
you're all there to have a good time. If you are mixing people
who know each other with those who don't, have name tags with
the relationship to the bride or groom. Favors
can still be given (and will be appreciated), but give something
that would be appreciated by a couple. Votive
candles or candy
items are always a good choice.
A
theme shower is always fun. Consider an outdoor theme and have
everyone bring camping equipment, lawn furniture, BBQ accessories,
etc. as gifts. Another idea is a household tool party. Every new
home needs tools like fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, shovels,
rakes, screwdrivers, hammers, etc. "If you make it a byog party
(bring your own glass), and everyone brings the same wine glasses,
they can be used at the party and then given to the couple as
a gift. Make sure someone brings the wine and a couple of extra
glasses for the honored guests. A food basket is always a welcome
gift. How about a picnic basket full of goodies? Another fun idea
is the A
Batch of Romance" Gift Set.
An
easy and fun game for couples is the lottery
style scratch off game. There are other cute games
or try playing charades with characteristics of the couple as
the clues. For example "He snores like a buzz saw". "She is a
neat freak". By splitting into groups, the women can write the
personal habits and history of the men and vice versa. Take plenty
of pictures and have someone in charge of video taping the event
so that both can be given to the bride and groom-to-be. A couples
shower can be a great way to combine a celebration and an evening
out with friends.
Back
To Top
Home
Baby Showers:
Traditionally, most baby showers have been held in homes.
Homes are warm and cozy, and you generally don't have to worry
about making too much noise. The down side is they are often too
small for a large number of guests. One of the first things required
in planning is deciding how many people the home can comfortably
hold. Then move as much furniture as possible so the guests can
sit in an arrangement that will allow for pleasant conversation.
Allow as much time as possible to notify the guests of the shower
date, and keep in mind that you still may have to remind them
shortly before the event.
One
of the best conveniences for a home shower is disposable party
products. Check out baby shower decorations
and supplies. It's always nice to go with a continuing theme
from the invitations, plates, cups and napkins to the decorations
and favors. Check with the Mom-to-be to see if she has any type
of theme planned for the baby's room (pastel colors, primary colors,
animals, blocks, etc.). You may want to follow her lead in the
colors you use for the shower.
There
are many types of baby showers you can plan ( tea party, barbecue,
outdoor picnic, etc.). Keep in mind that the shower may be attended
by guests of all ages, and keep the party fun for everyone. Some
ideas that may be fun for younger guests may not be appropriate
for older ones. A cute favor idea is to make cookies, frost them
with the Mom's name, wrap them and put them next to a cute baking
favor like the baby
shower rolling pin recipe card holder. You could even put
a recipe card for the cookies behind the recipe card that's included
with the favor!
Name
tags that also show the guest's relationship to the Mom-to-be
can be a nice ice breaker. It's also nice to identify the guest
of honor with a special
button. If you are having a luncheon, try and get everyone
seated as quickly as possible. Make allowances for any special
dietary needs and be sure that everyone is served promptly. Once
the meal is finished, decide if you want to play a game or two.
There are some easy and cute ideas in the game
books that accompany shower themed supplies and decorations.
Or, have every guest supply the hostess with one of their baby
pictures in advance. She can then copy them onto one or two pages
and number them. Each guest gets a copy and must name each of
the people pictured. The one with the most right answers wins.
After
the games the honoree will open the gifts.
Of course someone is designated to record information. Make sure
everyone can see the gifts or pass them around if that is feasible.
When the gifts have been opened and the guests are departing,
it's a nice touch to photograph the Mom-to-be with each departing
guest. Have double prints made and let the Mom include one in
each of her thank you notes. That's a very thoughtful gift for
both the Mom and the guest. Most of all, relax and have fun!
Back
To Top
Restaurant
Baby Showers:
Today's hostess is often pressed for time and a restaurant
or banquet hall shower provides the space needed in an elegant
atmosphere. The restaurant handles clean up and food preparation,
so the work is minimized. The key to a successful restaurant shower
is to make the guests feel welcome and to choose a comfortable
atmosphere for conversation and sharing.
Select
a restaurant in a convenient location. Plan the event far enough
in advance so that you can make the reservations. It may be difficult
at that time to estimate the number of guests attending, but try
to check with as many guests as possible in advance of mailing
invitations, so that you can give the restaurant an idea. When
choosing the menu, try the food yourself. It is important to respect
your guests dietary needs as well, so you may want to share the
menu in advance or ask if there are any special restrictions.
See if the restaurant has an alternative available if a guest
just can't tolerate the selection. Ask the servers to notice if
any guest turns down the meal and have them ask if the guest would
prefer an alternative. If you are bringing your own cake, be certain
that the restaurant allows that.
If
hosting a large group, you may want to use placecards. It is also
a nice touch to have name tags for each guest indicating their
relationship to the Mom-to-be. Don't forget a name
tag for the guest of honor. Decorations
add a warm touch, but keep them simple. A cluster of helium balloons
and a banner over the gift table add a festive touch. Don't forget
to give the guests a cute
favor. For an informal shower you might want to consider a
recipe
card holder or perhaps you'll want to make the shower a tea
party and include tea
favors. Whatever you decide, the guests will appreciate your
thoughtfulness. Another nice touch is to provide some music, maybe
something baby oriented. Check with the restaurant to see if soft
music would be possible during the meal.
Games
are usually not appropriate at a restaurant, but if the restaurant
is quite casual and you have a very private area, a simple
game might be considered. The Internet is a wealth of information
on shower games, or you can ask the guests to take the letters
in the Mom's name and The Dad's name and create baby names. Give
a prize for the funniest or the guest who came up with the most
names. When the Mom-to-be is opening gifts,
try to place her in an elevated area so that each guest can see
the gift. Have someone announce in advance who the gift is from
and show the gift to everyone. Keep in mind your allotted time
frame so that all of the gifts can be opened comfortably without
the Maitre D' rushing you.
When
the guests are leaving, it's a nice touch to have someone photograph
the honoree with each departing guest. Have double prints made
and let the Mom include one in each of her thank you notes. It's
a thoughtful gift for both the guest and guest of honor.
Back
To Top
Office
Baby Showers:
The first decision to be made is the location of the shower. Will
it be in the office or at a restaurant? Will it be during the
lunch hour or after work? If it is going to be held in a restaurant,
make reservations far in advance and guarantee a private setting.
If it will be held at work, verify that an area will be available
and check with the personnel department to be certain there will
be no conflict. Deciding who to invite may be difficult in a large
business, because some people may feel left out. Check with the
Mom-to-be for suggestions. One person should act as the host or
hostess to facilitate the process, and that person can delegate
other chores. Usually the immediate coworkers contribute to the
shower expenses. Decorations
and supplies should be easily disposable. A cluster of balloons
and a banner would be appropriate. Decide in advance if lunch
will be part of the program, or only desert. You may decide on
something easy like pizza, however, some offices decide to make
it a potluck.
There
probably will be little time for games, but the lottery
style scratch off game cards are perfect for this type of
shower. You might also ask each person to write down their suggestions
for keeping baby happy. Those can be funny or serious and read
just before the honoree opens the gifts. Designate someone to
take pictures and get doubles printed so the Mom-to-be can have
one set and the others can be posted and shared.
Gifts
can be purchased individually, however, usually all the guests
contribute towards one or two larger gifts. That is more practical
in terms of time and space. Since the guest of honor will be on
her own to get the gift or gifts home, that should also be a consideration.
Even a gift certificate would be appropriate.
Keep
in mind that time is a factor if the party is being held during
working hours. The host or hostess should keep everyone and everything
on schedule. A clean up committee should be chosen in advance
and should be responsible for returning the room to its original
appearance. Have fun, but remember, this is still an office environment.
Back
To Top
Couples
Baby Showers:
In the past showers tended to be for women, with women, but
times have changed. Since couples usually work hard all week,
they treasure their spare time together and like the idea of having
a party they can share. Fathers are also taking a more active
role in planning for the new baby and often feel left out in the
celebrations. The one most important thing to consider in hosting
a coed shower is to make the men feel welcome and comfortable.
No
cutesy decorations for these showers. Food shouldn't be dainty
either. Consider a BBQ, pizza, giant sub sandwiches, or a deli
style buffet. Structure is much less important because you're
all there to have a good time. If you are mixing people who know
each other with those who don't, have name tags with the relationship
to the parents-to-be. Don't forget an extra special name
tag for the Mom-to-be. There are also cute gifts for the Dad-to-be,
so don't forget about him. How about a "Coach"
t-shirt? Favors can be given (and will be appreciated), but
give something that would be appreciated by a couple. Votive
candles and food items are always a good choice. You could
make cookies with baby themed cookie cutters, frost them with
the baby's name (if known) or a question mark and the couples
last name. Wrap the cookies in cellophane and put them next to
a cute baking favor like the baby
shower rolling pin recipe card holder. You could even put
a recipe card for the cookies behind the recipe card that's included
with the favor! (Men love cookies!)
A
theme shower is always fun. Consider an outdoor theme and have
everyone bring outdoor play equipment for the baby. Gift
ideas could include baby bike seats, strollers, playpens, car
seats, baby push lawn mowers, etc.. Another idea is a to give
the couple a special gift like a baby-sitting coupon and movie
theater tickets. Books, videos and toys are always good gifts.
(Men love toys!)
Games
should be easy and funny. Take the couples first names and see
how many baby names can made from the letters. Give a prize for
the most names devised and the funniest. Fill baby bottles with
a favorite beverage and see who can drink up first. (Chances are
the men won't need help burping). Have all of the guests bring
their baby pictures. Number them and see who can guess the most
correctly. Prizes should be something silly like Frisbees or Nerf
basketball sets. Take plenty of pictures and have someone in charge
of video taping the event so that both can be given to the new
parents. A couples shower can be a great way to combine a celebration
and an evening out with friends.
Back
To Top
|
