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Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash |
This is a guest post by Ronnie Burg.
Traditionally, bridal showers are held
at the home of the host, who is typically the maid of honor. However,
in recent years, more brides have opted for unconventional bridal
showers.
Here are five of the latest
up-and-coming bridal shower trends.
1. Couples' Wedding Showers
Traditionally, bridal showers have been
exclusively female affairs. The maid of honor typically organizes the
event and invites the bridesmaids, the bride's close female friends
and close female relatives of the bride and her future husband, as
well as the guest of honor: the bride, herself.
However, many modern brides are
choosing to break with tradition and opt for coed wedding showers.
Sometimes referred to as "Jack and Jill" showers, these
events are held in honor of both the bride and the groom.
Some brides-to-be want their wedding
showers to be all about them, and there's certainly nothing wrong
with that. The bride-to-be deserves a day in the spotlight if that's
what she wants.
Yet, some soon-to-be brides would
rather include their future husbands in the celebration. As always,
the maid of honor should respect the bride's wishes when planning the
bridal shower. Make sure both the bride and groom are comfortable
with a co-ed shower.
2. Community Service Bridal Showers
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Photo by Robert Baker on Unsplash |
A community service bridal shower is a
generous way for the bride and her guests to celebrate by giving
back.
In lieu of gifts, guests might
contribute donations to a charity or cause that has special meaning
to the bride. For instance, if the bride is an animal lover, guests
might bring donations for the local animal shelter.
Guests can volunteer together by
building a house with Habitat for Humanity, holding a charity car
wash or participating in a walk, run or bike ride to raise money for
a cause.
3. Destination Bridal Showers
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Photo by Katja Grasinger on Unsplash |
A destination bridal shower ensures
that the setting of the event is as unique and memorable as the bride
herself.
Vineyard
A vineyard or
winery is a picturesque setting for a wedding, rehearsal dinner or
bridal shower. Many vineyards offer private indoor and outdoor venue
spaces for charming, intimate gatherings. A vineyard is also the
perfect location for an event with a rustic, country theme.
Why host a boring,
forgettable luncheon when you could instead treat yourself and your
guests to an exquisite variety of food and wine pairings with minimal
effort on your part?
Need a more
affordable option? If a wine tasting at a vineyard or winery is out
of your price range, you can host your own wine-and-cheese party at
home or at a local park.
If good food, good
friends and good wine sounds like your idea of a perfect day, a
vineyard bridal shower might be the ideal choice for your special
celebration.
Brewery
If you're more of
a beer lover than a wine connoisseur, a brewery might be the perfect
location to celebrate your upcoming wedding with your loved ones.
A craft beer
tasting is a fun, casual, and unique option for a shower. A brewery is
also a great choice for those planning coed "Jack and Jill"
showers.
Spa Day
Her Royal Highness
Meghan (Markle) celebrated her
bridal shower by enjoying a spa day with some of her closest
friends. The venue, Soho Farmhouse in the heart of the English
countryside, provided a luxurious retreat for "Princess Meghan"
and her guests.
You don't need to
be a princess to indulge in a day of pampering and relaxation.
Commemorate your bridal shower by treating yourself and your
bridesmaids to a day at the spa.
Specific amenities
vary by location, but many spas feature manicures and pedicures,
soothing massages, rejuvenating facials, revitalizing skin
treatments, glamorous makeup sessions, calming aromatherapy, plush
robes, and a peaceful, comfortable setting to relax and unwind. What’s
not to love about that?
Beach Day
A beach-themed
bridal shower invitation is the perfect way to invite guests to
join you for a day of fun in the sun. Celebrate your upcoming wedding
by getting your friends together for a day at the beach.
A bridal shower at
the beach is especially fitting if you're planning a beach wedding
for the big day. Party in style
with a fun, tropical theme. Nautical décor and seaside-inspired
treats add to the ambiance and help you and your guests feel as
though you've been transported to an island getaway.
A beachy theme
evokes a carefree summer spirit at any time of the year. Even if you
don't live near the ocean, you can still create a seaside vibe. A
poolside or lakeside gathering also lends to the nautical theme.
If you'd like a
more formal affair, you can plan an elegant brunch or luncheon at a
marina overlooking the water. If a casual event is more your style,
set a date for you and your friends to pack up your swimsuits and
head to the local beach or pool.
Art Gallery or Museum
A destination
bridal shower at an art gallery or museum is perfect for a cultured,
sophisticated bride. An art gallery or museum is an elegant,
memorable setting that's sure to please a bride who loves the arts.
4. Themed Bridal Showers
A bridal
shower theme can be tailored to suit any bride and any wedding.
Boho-Chic
If the bride-to-be
has a flair for boho-chic style, then a laid back gathering with a
bohemian vibe will make her day. Plan a low-key picnic in your
backyard or at a local park. Bring along plenty of richly patterned
tapestries, pillows and quilts to create a cozy, imaginative
atmosphere.
In keeping with the
whimsical, boho theme, guests should wear flowy or lacy fabrics,
vibrant floral patterns and fanciful flower crowns. Everyone will
feel like a free-spirited, fairytale princess for the day.
Tea Party
An afternoon tea
party is a dream come true for the bride who adores feminine, vintage
style. A tea party bridal shower is unique without being too over the
top. This theme is ideal for the bride who wants a traditional
wedding shower that stands out from the rest.
Delight your
guests with a tea
party bridal shower invitation. Then create an elegant, whimsical
atmosphere by decorating with soft, pastel hues.
Set out dainty tea
sets and delicate handkerchiefs for napkins. Old-fashioned, fine
china adds an air of timeless sophistication to the event.
5. Activity Bridal Showers
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Photo by Jake Melara on Unsplash |
Most bridal showers follow a
predictable routine: Guests meet (somewhat awkwardly) for food and
beverages, watch the bride open her gifts, play a few cliché bridal
shower games, then go home with a stereotypical party favor they'll
probably never use.
Though some brides are perfectly
content with the traditional format, others want those planning their
bridal showers to think outside the box. For this reason, bridal
showers centered around a specific activity are becoming increasingly
popular.
Cooking Class
A cooking class
provides a fun activity for the bride and her guests. If the
bride-to-be loves to cook (and eat!), then a cooking class bridal
shower will delight not only her but everyone in attendance.
Painting Party
For the creative
bride, a painting party is a fun way to engage with guests and create
a memorable keepsake in the process. Some businesses, such as Wine
& Design, even offer private party options, so the bride can
celebrate with just her family and friends while doing an activity
everyone can enjoy.
Painting,
jewelry-making, flower-arranging or sculpting are unconventional
options for a one-of-a-kind bridal shower.
Group Hike
A group hike is a
fun option for a bride who loves exercise and the great outdoors.
There's no need to keep guests cooped up in a stuffy living room; get
out and about and enjoy an invigorating walk in the natural beauty of
your local park.
As a bonus, many
parks offer free or reasonably priced admission, making this an
affordable option for the bride on a budget.
Yoga Retreat
A yoga retreat is
a great way to celebrate the yoga-loving bride-to-be. Additionally, a
yoga retreat bridal shower perfectly complements the boho-chic theme.
At times, planning
a wedding can be stressful for even the most level-headed brides and
bridesmaids. A rejuvenating yoga retreat can help everyone feel
refreshed and ready for the big day.
Final Thoughts
Every bride is unique, and every bride
deserves a bridal shower that suits her individual style and
personality. Unconventional bridal showers that are uniquely tailored
to the bride are becoming increasingly popular. These nontraditional,
up-and-coming bridal shower trends can help every bride-to-be enjoy
the memorable wedding shower of her dreams.
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