Forget boring old centerpieces, flowers are taking over wedding decor in a whole new way these days. Floral garlands and wreaths are gracing everything from the aisles to the ceilings to the tables and the chairs, and adding instant romance to ceremony and reception spaces alike. This is one of those trends we can definitely jump on board with, and you can too!
The bridal shower is a pre-wedding tradition dating all the way back to the 1890’s. Born out of earlier dowry practices, it was a way to present gifts to the bride-to-be for her future domestic duties as a wife. While we can certainly say a lot has changed in the world over the last 100 plus years since its origin, the bridal shower itself has changed very little.
Personally, we think it’s about time to shake things up in the wedding shower department, don’t you? And we can’t think of a better way to do just that then getting the groom involved in the tradition with a co-ed shower. If you’re thinking of having a couple’s wedding shower, we have 10 tips for you to make sure it’s a successful one:
1. Pick a Theme
Picking a theme is a great idea for any party as it helps tie all the elements of the event together, but it’s especially helpful for a couple’s shower since it requires you to consider both individuals getting married. Whether it’s a mutual love of donuts or a shared sense of adventure, make sure to pick a theme that you both love and will reflect you as a couple.
2. Keep Decor Gender Neutral
This should be a piece of cake if you’ve picked a theme like we recommended above. If you haven’t picked a theme, just try and avoid the pink and ruffles that are usually associated with a bridal shower and go with more gender neutral decor instead.
3. Celebrate your Differences
It’s great to acknowledge your similar interests, but celebrating your differences is equally important. Whether it’s “his and her’s” signature cocktails or photos from your childhoods, make sure to find fun little ways to show off your individual personalities.
4. Keep it Casual
Avoid hosting a formal shower. A co-ed shower will invariably be a larger affair with more invited guests so it’s best to keep things low-key, which in turn will help to keep costs down and headaches to a minimum during the planing process.
5. Play Some Games
Women have been subjected to awful bridal shower games for decades, so it’s only fair to subject the gents to a few humiliating activities as well, don’t you think? Instead of going for traditional games like the toilet paper wedding dress game, choose games that incorporate both partners such as the newlywed game and other trivia based games.
6. Create a Registry with Items for Both of You
Bridal shower gifts tend to be items meant for the kitchen, the bedroom and the bathroom, and while these gifts are technically for both of you to use, they aren’t usually the most interesting of presents. For a co-ed shower consider creating a separate registry full of items and experiences that you are both really excited about enjoying together, saving the more practical items for your wedding registry instead.
7. Get Involved in the Planning
Usually the bridesmaids organize the bridal shower, leaving the details a surprise for the bride. To ensure the success of of a co-ed shower, however, it’s best if you and your fiance get involved in the planning process; that way you can ensure that the people you both want will be there, and that the event is fun for both of you.
8. Provide Alternative Activities During Gift Opening
Let’s face it, the gift giving portion of the wedding shower isn’t always the most exciting part for some people. To keep guests from getting bored, make sure there are other activities available during that time – video games in another room, lawn games, a photo booth, whatever will keep your guests entertained.
9. Keep it Short and Sweet
No one likes an event that drags on and on without an end in sight. Set a defined start and end time for your shower and keep it to 2-3 hours. If the festivities stretch beyond that, that’s fine, but the scheduled end time allows guests to relax instead of wondering how long they should stay and if they’re being rude by leaving.
10. Just Have Fun
After all, what’s the point of having a shower if it’s not fun? Really, there are no rules, so forget about what a shower is supposed to look like and do what makes you and your fiance happy instead. It’s just that simple.
Photo One: Hallmark.com; Photo Two: ruffledblog.com; Photo Three: diynetwork.com; Photo Four: abeautifulmess.com; Photo Five: snippetandink.com
How do you make the most wonderful time of year, even more wonderful? With a wedding of course! Michelle and Tristan tied the knot in Ann Arbor, MI just before Christmas, surrounded by 20 of their closest friends and family as they gathered at the couple’s favorite restaurant for an intimate and cozy ceremony and reception.
In order to share the celebration with those that could not make it due to the limited nature of the guest list, they held a day-after brunch for extended family and a few friends, and enlisted the talents of Mishelle Lamarand to capture their beautiful wedding day in photographs for those not in attendance to enjoy!
Michelle, 25 & Tristan, 25
Ann Arbor, MI
Wedding Date: December 22, 2013
Number of Guests: 20
Wedding Ceremony Location: Vinology
Wedding Reception Location: Vinology
Not even a weekend of rain couldn’t dampen Lauren and Mike’s spirits on their wedding day. Despite originally planning on an outdoor ceremony, the couple rolled with the punches and moved their wedding indoors to their cozy cottage instead, exchanging vows in a beautiful candlelit ceremony in front of a stone hearth. While the inclement weather may have forced them inside for their ceremony, it didn’t stop them from braving the elements with their photographer Heather Jowett to capture some stunning outdoor portraits, rain and all!
Lauren, 31 & Mike, 30
Leland, MI
Wedding Date: October 6, 2013
Number of Guests: 10 (not including bride and groom)
Wedding Cost: $17,000
Wedding Ceremony Location: Living room of a 100 year old cottage on Lake Leelanau; we had planned to hold the ceremony outside on the lake shore, but a weekend of rain forced us indoors.
Wedding Reception Location: same + rest of house and outside
Cascading waves are a way for you to channel your inner screen siren. This vintage-inspired hairstyle is an alluring option for brides who are looking for up-do alternatives. Vintage waves are characterized by a deep side-parting and brushed out, soft curls. Volume at the roots transform the style and give it some retro oomph. For shorter hair, marcel and finger waves that lie flat on the head with a smoother finish will work well.
This hairstyle rates high on the old-Hollywood glamour charts. Sweeping your hair over to one side further enhances the look. As does a coat of red lipstick and an embellished hair-slide. A light hairspray will keep your hair intact during the day. This loose hairstyle alleviates any up-do and bobby pin related dramas, which means a night of carefree dancing awaits you.
