Shower Power: Who's in charge
The history of showers dates back 300 years or so, to Holland. One story has it that a Dutch woman fell in love with a poor man and her father refused to give her a dowry. Her friends and neighbors decided that marrying for love rather than money should not be frowned upon, so they came to her rescue. The group gave the maiden all the goods she needed in order to start a home with her beloved, and her father was so impressed by the effort he consented to the marriage. A second story claims that it was the maiden's father who was poor, so the women of the community showered the maiden with many practical gifts, which ultimately became the dowry she needed to wed. Thus, the first bridal shower "hosts" were female members of the bride's community.
Since then, showers have become, quite simply, celebrations of upcoming marriage. But close female friends and relatives still host the gatherings. Traditionally, the maid of honor (often with the help of the bridesmaids) is the organizing force behind the shower, say the Wedding Women. But nowadays just about anyone can do the honors, including the bride's immediate family (which used to be a serious etiquette no-no). Times have changed when it comes to the guest list, too: What was once an all-girl gathering can now be a coed affair. The gift list has also been modernized. While brides still receive practical items at their showers, other gifts range from sexy lingerie to camping gear to books, depending on the theme of the shower.
Theme schemes
The theme of a shower is up to the hostess. A theme isn't necessary, but it can make decorating, choosing favors and food, and gift-giving easier. Plus, a theme usually makes the party more fun. Some popular examples include:
Around-the-Clock: Guests give gifts related to an hour of the day assigned to them.
Kitchen (or Bedroom or Bath): Gifts and games relate to the chosen room.
Pampering: You can bring in a masseuse or facialist to pamper everyone, but the bride gets the best treats -- spa gift certificates, bath products and so on.
Lingerie: Guests can do damage at the nearest Victoria's Secret store.
Wine tasting: Add some cheese and crackers and you're all set.
Tasty Treats
Speaking of food, the hostess is also in charge of deciding what to serve at the shower. Many showers involve brunch or lunch, but you can also serve coffee and cake (in the mid-morning, mid-afternoon or after dinner), hors d'oeuvres (early evening) or finger sandwiches and tea (mid-afternoon). And shower food doesn't have to cost a fortune. Your local deli can no doubt put together an oversized (usually four- or six-foot) sandwich for everyone to share, or you can have a make-your-own-pizza party, suggest the Wedding Women. Here are some other simple yet satisfying shower ideas from iVillagers:
I had a Saturday brunch for a friend of mine and it was very nice. I served muffins, coffee, juice, fruit salad, bagels and scrambled eggs. Part of the reason this worked so well is that there were enough options to accommodate those with special diets. It was also easy on the budget. --debi_sillygirl If the shower will be in the afternoon, make it a tea. Serve cookies, mints, petit fours, cress and salad sandwiches, cherry tomatoes stuffed with chicken or shrimp salad, cheese and crackers and, of course, tea. For Southern flair, serve mint juleps, orange pekoe iced tea, iced fruit tea or pink lady punch." --So Sherry77
For my bridal shower, my mother did the whole white-and-pink-bells business, with streamers and bridal shower paper plates, etc. As for things to serve, how about small sandwiches, pigs in a blanket, cold cuts and things like that? --stretch123
Sounds good to us! Happy shower planning!
