15 Bridal Shower Alternatives That Guarantee a Good Time (2024)

FAQs

What is another way to say bridal shower? ›

Pro Tip: If the card's printed message has already said “shower,” or if you just find the term sort of fusty and old-fashioned, here are a few alternative ways to refer the gathering: celebration, special day, happy day, big day, party, pre-party, bachelorette, bridal fête, pre-wedding hootenanny.

Also, think beyond the traditional bridal shower. Perhaps a couple's shower, where both partners are guests of honor and loved ones of all genders attend, might be more appropriate. Or, consider hosting an activity shower, where guests participate in a cooking class, pottery painting or spa services.

A sprinkle is like a shower—but a little “lighter.” What's a Sprinkle? Sprinkles are often hosted for parents-to-be of second or third children, but can also be utilized for the firstborn. Instead of guests bringing large gifts, the gifts are usually on the smaller side—perhaps diapers, wipes or gift cards.

Traditional etiquette dictates that the maid of honor—not the mother of the bride—should host the shower. Nancy is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Some etiquette rules were meant to fade away into oblivion, like the one about family members of the bride not hosting her bridal shower.

When it comes to the question “who hosts a bridal shower,” the most popular answer is usually the maid of honor. One of the most important maid of honor duties is leading the charge to plan the bridal shower, from choosing a venue to sending out bridal shower invitations, planning games to choosing favors.

Mentioning it on the invitation is a subtle and acceptable approach. For example: "In lieu of gifts, contributions to the honeymoon fund are warmly welcomed." Setting up an online bridal shower registry is another convenient way to request monetary gifts.

A Jack and Jill party is a co-ed shower for celebrating with close friends and families before the wedding. The traditional purpose was a fundraising event for the wedding and honeymoon. Modern Jack and Jill parties are relaxed gatherings with food, games, and gifts.

Keep It Short. Weichelt says bridal showers should ideally last between two and four hours. Anything shorter and guests will feel like they didn't have a chance to spend time with the bride; anything longer and they'll be itching to head home. Three hours might just be the sweet spot, then.

Spread the word to your wedding party (if you've chosen them) and family. If you say something from the get-go, you'll curb any eager party planner's ideas to start, well, planning (we all have that one friend). Your trusted confidantes can then spread the word to others for you.

What are some good this or that questions? ›

Funny This or That Questions

Would you rather not brush your teeth for a week or not shower for a month? Would you rather have a bad haircut or bad hair dye? Would you rather a speeding ticket or a parking ticket? Would you rather see babies dressed as animals or animals dressed as humans?

How many bridal shower games should be played? Depending on how long the bridal shower will last and the time duration of each game, you can plan for two to four of them—just be sure to leave guests plenty of time to eat, drink, and mingle, too.

Sample Phrases to Use

Another option is, "I'm honored to be included, but sadly, I won't be able to attend." Keep it short, sweet, and genuine. Express your excitement for the couple while declining gracefully: "I'm thrilled for the happy couple, but I can't make it to the shower."

With wedding season right around the corner, we're in the midst of wedding preparation season, which means bridal showers are popping up on our calendars left and right. Bridal showers are a fun occasion to celebrate the bride-to-be with a small, close group of family and friends.

Enter the modern equivalent to a traditional bridal shower: the groom roast. As known as a man shower, bro bath, groom shower, or guy gathering; the groom roast is a “shower”-type event where the groom is surrounded by important men in his life, celebrating, and having a little fun.