TRENDS IN WEDDING SHOWERS
Today's showers are still all fun and games -- except these days, the games are actually fun (and taking place in exotic locales). No longer viewed as a way for the couple to fish for more gifts, showers are now just like any other party on your engagement schedule -- a festive celebration with your nearest and dearest (oh yeah, with plenty of presents!).
Destination Showers
First, showers moved out of the home and into restaurants and country clubs. Now, they’re traveling even farther: a weekend away at the beach or in the country. If you’re worried about spending a full weekend with all the ladies, plan it around an event like a private vineyard tour and wine tasting, or a spa weekend.
Activity Showers
A shower can still be a girly gab-fest, but it’s even more fun when you learn something. Call in a pro to tutor the gals in whatever they love -- hire a local florist to teach Flower Arranging 101; a chef to give a lesson on making quick, delicious appetizers; or go retro and bring in the owner of your local yarn shop to show everyone how to knit and crochet.
Couple Showers
Some couples like to do everything together, and the shower is no different. A couple shower is closer to a cocktail or dinner party than it is to a bridal shower. Female and male relatives, as well as close friends, are invited. The party still revolves around gifts, but they're presented to both the bride and the groom, and generally they are a mix of home goods and guy-friendly gadgets. The shower can range from an afternoon barbecue to a cocktail party at your favorite restaurant or bar.
Groom Showers aka Power Showers
Who says grooms can’t be showered alone? With multiple showers becoming the norm, the groom’s side is getting into the act, throwing a luncheon or small soiree in his honor. Themes include: Poker Night, Power Tools, and more.
Q: I'm really shy. Do I have to open presents in front of everyone?
A: Sorry to say it, but yes. When shower guests take the time to buy you the perfect presents, they expect to see you open them (and enjoy your reaction to them!). There are ways to dim the spotlight, though. Enlist your maids to help speed up the process: They might create an unwrapping assembly line where they tear off tape, remove the wrapping, and open the card -- so all you have to do is open the box, read the card, and show your appreciation. Or consider having an activity during the gift-opening process. Guests could sign a "words of wisdom" book, create a page for your shower scrapbook, or pass around the presents so the focus is on the goods, not you.
Q: Should registry information be mentioned in the invitation?
A: Since the foundation of a shower is to, well, shower the bride with gifts, it's perfectly acceptable to list where the couple is registered, as well as any theme gift ideas (i.e., a sex in the kitchen shower where guests bring something for the bedroom and the kitchen).
Q: What do I do if the gift is a bit provocative? Do I still pass it around for everyone to see?
A: If it's a negligee or another piece of lingerie, hold up the item so guests can ooh and aah, but refrain from passing it around. If your invitees have a good idea of who's attending the shower (Grandma, your mother-in-law) they will probably buy something tasteful and appropriate. There's no reason to be embarrassed over beautiful underpinnings. But if someone has gone out on a limb and showered you with, say, "honeymoon essentials," it's probably best to leave everything in the box and share a witty quip, something like, "I'd rather leave this present to everyone’s imagination."
Q: I haven't decided whether or not I'm going to change my name. How do I make sure I don't get any monogrammed gifts?
A: Unless you put out an APB (All Presents Bulletin), which wouldn't be the most couth idea, you don't really have a choice in the matter. But you can try to spread the word. Share this information with your mom, your future mother-in-law, your bridesmaids, and whoever is hosting the party. Unless your registry details are listed on the invitation, guests will usually ask one of these key people for guidance. At this point, your team can mention that you'd prefer to stay away from monogramming.
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