New & Improved- Bridal Showers that are actually fun!

I always thought bridal showers were a tad boring. Sorry, ladies but towels folded to look like cakes and ribbons tied to paper plates are kind of mind-numbing to me. Understandably some brides have large showers, sometimes co-ed with hundreds of guests. However, if your lifestyle does not dictate that kind of event or if you are just uncomfortable sitting in a big chair opening gifts – you are not alone.

Since many brides today are having multiple showers, having one smaller, intimate affair for your and just a dozen or so of your closest friends can be a fun, activity-based theme party. The focus is less on the gifts and the time is spent bonding with your (already best) besties.  I have found  these creative, unique and exciting bridal shower ideas that I am dying to share! Keep in mind that these are probably geared toward a smaller guest list and more intimate bridesmaid shower,  if the number of your bridal shower invitees  has three digits, a nice luncheon will do just fine.

Mani/Pedi parties can be held in your home or at the salon/spa. This kind of pampering becomes a  relaxing gabfest where gals let their hair down and just enjoy one another’s company. There are dozens of companies who promote these parties along with tips for food, decor, advice, invites, etc. Find the company that best suits your  needs, is within your price point and work with them to finalize all of the details. This can be as simple as taking half a dozen girls to the spa or having a catered affair in your home for twenty.  Don’t forget to  make sure all health and cleanliness standards are adhered to no matter the location!    Bonus; the favors can be a pair of bedazzled flip flops for the journey home or a sassy spa product!

Scrapbooking Shower – Guests are asked to bring a handful of pictures  to be included into a scrapbook that will be presented to the bride at the end of the shower. Each guests is given variety of items to adorn their page and all of the necessary tools to complete their page within the time frame.  A catered lunch of your choice is served  and guests can enjoy the  afternoon sharing memories, laughing and remembering when.  At the end of the day when the bride is presented with her scrapbook she will not only have memories of the photos in the book, but the memory of making the book itself. You will not believe how crafty and creative you and your friends can be with all of the right papers and accessories.  According to Jocelyn Tobias of Defining Moments,  the scrapbooking theme takes the bridal shower back to its origins of closeness, bonding and conversation. The ladies will leave the  shower feeling warm and fuzzy and the scrapbooks? They are a magnificent must-have for any bride. Although this is best done in-house, there are ways t o put together ‘kits’ for each page featuring fun decor items and interesting papers However, it is essential to have someone on hand who knows what they are doing and can put the finished product together at the end of the day.

Basically, You can have whatever kind of party you want, especially if it is something the bride really loves. However, there are some rules that you cannot avoid: 

Do not invite anyone who will not be invited to the wedding.

Bridal Showers should be 6-8 weeks before the wedding.

The Bridal Shower is generally hosted by the maid of honor or the bridesmaids as a group.

Invitations should be sent 4 weeks in advance.

For more information and the latest trends in wedding planning, log on to www.bridalshowexpo.com to get tickets to a show in your area. You can find everything you need for a successful event in one location… at Bridal Expo.

Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago