Over the last few weeks, I have attended and helped plan a couple of wedding showers- a traditional bridal shower and a Stock the Bar party. Both were a lot of fun, but obviously very different.
The Stock the Bar was for both the bride and groom and hosted at a close friend’s home here in Boston. Since they couple is from down south, they already had showers there as well. I had never attended a shower where men were present, but I have to admit, it definitely made things a lot more interesting- and I laughed far more than you would expect at a wedding shower. While the gifts were not the cliche registry gifts (they revolved around… wellllll, stocking a bar), the guys still managed to keep a running commentary as gifts were opened. The host did an amazing job with little details- I never knew she was so crafty and talented! It was also fun to see the bride-and-groom-to-be interact throughout the night- sharing stories, just loving each other.
The traditional bridal shower was typical down to a T. But the maid of honor (one who actually did her job well) had everything done in such a classy way (with a little help from moi)- from the flowers to the favors it was all perfect. I can honestly say I have never seen the bride with such a big smile on her face. It was such a good feeling knowing I was part of making that smile appear.
A couple of things to note:
- I grin like a fool when I am taking pictures. Yes, when I am behind the camera I still cheese with the best of them.
- A Yankee Candle is not an acceptable gift to bring to a wedding shower- be a little more thoughtful- PLEASE!
- Etsy has the BEST gift ideas for wedding showers. I swear, this is now my go-to spot for off the registry gifts (I usually try to give one registry and one thoughtful gift).
- Champagne is a must for any shower- traditional or non-traditional. Who doesn’t love some bubbles?!
- Whatever you do, make sure the bride is happy. If you notice her getting stressed out because her mom is driving her crazy, for goodness sake, step in!
- Serve the cake while the gifts are being opened. It gives the guests something to do besides ooohhh and aaahhh.
That’s all I’ve got today. What are some great showers you’ve attended? Any tips?
Hi, I'm Kate. I'm fairly new to this whole blogging thing, but loving it already. Please reach out with any questions!
Another Clean Slate 
Thanks so much for linking up with us for Wildcard Wednesday!
Marquis
simplyclarke.com
Thank YOU for letting me join in the fun!
Champagne is a must for anything!! 🙂
You know it!!!
A Yankee Candle – that is hilarious! I love the idea of serving cake during presents…that is always a awkward time.
Jill
Classy with a Kick
You can only exclaim about a dishtowel so many times 🙂 Shoveling cake in your mouth helps!
What a beautiful shower! And I love the cupcake liners with pics on them.
I know!! And she made them herself!
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and saying hi! I love this post…great idea about serving cake while the bride is opening gifts! It’s so awkward with everyone watching you 🙂
Seriously… I’d much rather everyone’s attention was on their food!
just letting you know I’m following you here and via bloglovin’. found you thru throwback thursday.
Awesome! Already following you from your blog hop!
What cute ideas!
I’m stopping by from the Wildcard Wednesday linkup. Your blog is fun and I love what I’ve read so far. I am now following along via bloglovin and twitter.
I added you as well 🙂
Surprisingly, I don’t think I’ve ever been to a baby shower. Weird, huh? Anyway, I’ve gotten a ton of comments from you on my blog and I just want to come by and say thanks and hi! I love your little site, it’s so simple and pretty 🙂
I’m sure it is only a matter of time! Really enjoy your site.
Ahhh those cupcakes look Delicious!
They were as good as they look!
Sounds like you really had loads of fun! wedding showers are a real hoot, aren’t they? Thanks for all the tips, especially the one about Etsy.
Deecoded
Stock the Bar party is new to me but love the concept. I have seen a lot of co-ed wedding showers in the last 10 years. Those can be fun. I enjoy showers with a theme.
I think it would be a fun idea for a housewarming party as well!