SHOWER SHAKE-UP
THE THEME
THE GUESTS
Tradition Says: Tea parties and luncheons
Tradition Says: Close female friends and family of the bride
MODERNIZING THE PRE-WEDDING PARTY TRADITION.
Modern Twist: “I always advise
those planning showers to think about their friend’s interests and style,” says Caitlin Kenney, founder of the online resource Ultimate Bridesmaid. “What moves them? What inspires them? What would they rather do more than anything in the world? That’s your theme. Your creativity is the only restriction. Whether it’s microbrewing, geology, Doctor Who, traveling, Italian food, cats—all of these would make fun and, most importantly, personal shower themes.”
Modern Twist: Whether you have
Ideas We Love: Wine tasting,
Ideas We Love: Co-ed showers
By Brittny Drye
The traditional “bridal shower” is, by definition, stereotypically femme, involving visions of tea sandwiches, heteronormative games and bubbly. While there is certainly no right or wrong way to host these pre-wedding fêtes, it’s important for friends and family who are in planning mode to ensure it reflects the VIP.
20 LOVE INC.
belly-dancing classes and barbecues
one, two or zero brides, the traditional guest list has gone out the window. Feel free to double up with your partner (and their friends) for the celebration or turn it into a weekend getaway. “I’m seeing showers and bachelor/ette parties morphing into one event that takes place over a long weekend,” says Kenney. “The formalized aspects of wedding showers are falling away and what’s left is friendship and the celebration of a life event, which can both be universally embraced.”
featuring male and female guests and soonlywed showers that celebrate both individuals at the same time