How to Throw a Couple's Shower: Best Ideas for a Co-Ed Bridal Shower (2024)

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The bridal shower is a pre-wedding tradition that was born out of earlier dowry practices. The bridal shower was a way of showering bride-to-be’s with gifts for their future domestic duties as a wife.

These days things are changing and modern brides are veering away from the classic girls only bridal showers and toward a more male-friendly approach by getting the groom involved in the tradition by throwing a couple’s bridal shower.

If you are planning a co-ed shower, read on to learn how to throw a couple’s shower

What is a Couple’s Shower and How is it Different from a Bridal Shower?

ACouple’s Showeris a modern pre-wedding celebration that honors both members of the couple, not just the bride.

Unlike a traditionalbridal shower, which is typically a women-only gathering focusing on the bride, a Couple’s Shower is a coed event where both partners can celebrate their upcoming union with a wider circle of friends and family members, inclusive of all genders. Here are the main differences

• Hosts: While there can be overlap in who hosts, a Couple’s Shower often includes friends of both partners in the planning.

• Guests: The guest list for a Couple’s Shower is typically coed, welcoming all genders, as opposed to the female-only attendees at many Bridal Showers.

• Timing and Venue: Timing for both events is similar, often a few months before the wedding. The venue can range from someone’s home to a public venue, applicable to both types of showers.

• Gifts and Activities:Gifts at a Bridal Showerare often centered around the bride or the couple’s home. At a Couple’s Shower, the presents might cater to shared interests. The activities can be more diverse and inclusive, reflecting the hobbies or preferences of both individuals.

With the evolving dynamics of celebrations,the Couple’s Showeris a testament to the more inclusive and shared nature of modern relationships, breaking away from the gender-specific roots of traditional Bridal Showers.

Planning the Perfect Couples Shower

A Couples Shower is an exceptional event that celebrates both partners as they prepare for their upcoming nuptials. It is essential to consider the wedding planning timeline, striking location, inclusive guest list, and a detailedchecklistto ensure a seamless celebration.

Choosing the Right Location

The choice oflocationis pivotal in setting the tone for the couples shower. Options may range from an intimate backyard gathering to a sophisticated event at a local venue.

One should choose a site that resonates with the couple’s personality and party theme. For instance, anautical-themed eventmight be best set at a yacht club or even on a boat. Make sure to consult with the couple and the guests to choose a date that is convenient for both the couple and the guests.

Creating a Thoughtful Guest List

An inclusiveguest listis key to a memorable couples shower. Consider inviting friends and family who are significant to both individuals. The list should reflect the couple’s social circles and ensure that all guests feel comfortable and valued.

Additionally, you can suggest the couple create awedding registryto help guests in selecting gifts that would be most appreciated.

Setting a Timeline and Checklist

Atimeline and checklistare the backbones of the planning process. They maintain organization and ensure nothing is overlooked. Here is an example checklist to consider:

• 3 Months Out: Choose location, set the date, create the guest list.
• 2 Months Out: Send out invitations,plan decorations, decide on the menu.
• 1 Month Out: Confirm RSVPs, finalize activities and games, and purchase favors.
• 1 Week Out: Check weather for outdoor events, confirm with vendors, create aschedule for the day.

Keeping a well-organized checklist aligned with the wedding planning timeline can make the difference between a frantic event and a flawlessly executed celebration.

Choosing the Couples Shower Theme

When planning a couples shower, the theme is the heart of the event. It should resonate with the couple’s personalities and set the stage for decorations, invitations, and activities.

Choosing a Couple’s Shower Theme

Acouples wedding shower themeshould be mutually enjoyable and reflective of the couple’s interests. From rustic charm to modern chic, options are abundant.

When picking a theme for a coed shower it is helpful to consider both the bride and the groom since the shower is now for the couple and not for the bride alone.

Make sure you pick a theme that is more gender neutral and the couple would love. When planning to throw a couple’s shower here are themes that will work well

Pool Party

Get the fun on by throwing a pool party! Let guests take aswim and set up diving board contests. Set up a grill and have guests take thecouple’s signature drink.

Send guests home with gifts such as glassware, portable grills

Barbecue Theme

Not cut out for indoor parties? An outdoor barbecue is the answer. Plan the barbecue complete with a hot grill and a cooler of cold drinks.

Give guests gifts such a barbecue equipment, serving items.

Entertainment Couple’s Shower Theme

Have guests dress up as famous characters and bring gifts like their favorite movies, CDs and books to help the couple start their entertainment library.

Sports Theme

It’s time to bring the game on! Organize a sports shower and let guests enjoy themselves playing games such as basketball, volleyball, tennis etc.

While playing this games you can have the girls on one teamand the guys on the other team to keep physical contact at the barest minimumand make everyone comfortable.

Game Themed Co-Ed Shower

Let guests have fun by playing fun shower games such as He Said She Said, What’s in Your Phone and so on. You can also incorporate board games into the shower.

Invitations and Accessories for a Jack and Jill Party

Theinvitationsshould give guests a hint of the shower theme. For a garden party, opt for invitations with floral prints or botanical motifs.Accessoriescould include:

• Custom name tags accented with greenery designs
• Themed photo booth props for capturing memories

Co-ed Wedding Shower Invitation Wording

The wording onco-ed wedding shower invitationsneeds to be inclusive and inviting. Highlight that it’s a celebration for both individuals as a couple.

Phrasing like “Join us to celebrate the future Mr. & Mrs.” sets the tone for acouples shower. Ensure the details about the event are clear and concise, offering a warm welcome to guests of all genders.

Decorations for Couple’s Bridal Shower

If you’ve picked a theme the decor should be an easy one as all you need do is to tie your décor with the theme.

If you haven’t picked a theme or won’t have a theme for theJack andJillpartytry to go with more gender neutral decor.

Incorporate items likemason jarsfor a rustic feel or geometric shapes and metallic finishes for a modern look. Use a consistent color palette and thematic elements to transform the venue. For the garden theme, consider:

• Table Centerpieces: Small potted plants or floral arrangements withgreenery
• Lighting: String lights or lanterns to evoke an enchanting outdoor setting

Co-Ed Shower Entertainment and Games

Couples showers are a splendid opportunity to celebrate the union with friends and family, and selecting the right mix ofentertainment and gamescan greatly enhance the enjoyment of all attendees.

Ideas for Co-Ed Shower Games

The ideal couples shower includes a variety ofwedding shower gamesthat are both engaging and inclusive.Here are games to consider for the couples shower.

• Bingo: A timeless choice, where cards can be filled with wedding-themed prompts.
• Pictionary/Charades: Energize guests with acting and drawing and offer a lively atmosphere.
• Trivia/Jeopardy: Test guests knowledgeabout the couple’s journey together.
• Board games: These are always a welcome addition togame night.

You can also go for gender neutral games like he said she said game, what did the groom say, what’s in your phone and other games like these.

Incorporating Music and Activities

Music sets the tone of any event. Hiring aDJallows for a curated playlist that can adapt to the mood of the party. For a more immersive experience, alive bandcan provide a background of classics and favorite hits, delighting guests and encouraging spontaneous dancing.

Integrating activities like dance-offs or sing-alongs can add another layer of interaction, ensuring that every moment of the couples shower is filled with amusem*nt.

Catering and Beverage Ideas

In planning a couple’s shower, the food and drink arrangements are a central element that can make the event memorable. Customizing the menu and beverages to suit the couple’s tastes encourages a personalized touch, while incorporating interactive elements like specialty bars adds a fun and engaging aspect to the celebration.

Food and Drink for Couple’s Wedding Shower

Thefood and drink selectionat a couple’s shower should cater to a wide range of preferences, while also reflecting the couple’s favorite flavors. Options can include:

• Appetizers: Cheese platters, gourmet sliders, and sushi rolls.
• Mains:Artisanal sandwiches,themed food stations, or a buffet featuring cuisine that resonates with the couple’s culinary journey.
• Desserts: A diversedessert tablewith a collection of sweets such as mini pastries, chocolate fountains, and cupcakes.
• Beverages: Non-alcoholic choices like fruit-infused water or signature sodas alongside alcoholic options likemimosas,beerfrom a localbrewery, and a variety ofwine.

Specialty Bars and Tastings for Couple’s Shower

Specialty bars and tastings bring an interactive twist to the event:

• co*cktail Bar: A mixologist can prepare customco*cktails, including classics and couple-themed drinks.
• Wine Tasting: Asommelier-guidedwine tastingoffers guests a sophisticated experience, pairing wines with specific appetizers or dishes.
• Brewery Corner: Featuring a selection of craftbeerfrom a localbrewery, possibly with a guided tasting session.
• Popcorn and Snack Bar: A casual twist with gourmetpopcornflavors paired with the couple’s favorite casual beverages, such as root beer or lemonade.
• Leis and Libations: Incorporating a tropical theme with colorfulleisfor guests and tropical mixed drinks.

By thoughtfully selecting an array of food and drinks and integrating unique bar experiences, a couple’s shower can be transformed into an event that’s enjoyed by all attendees, with the added benefit of celebrating the couple’s individual tastes and personalities.

Favors for Couple’s Shower

If you are hosting a co-ed party choose prizes and favors that are gender neutral as men are not likely to appreciate a hair tie or bracelet.

Here are gender neutral favors guests will appreciate

• Picture frames

• Coffee mugs

• Mini pizza cutter

• Potted plants

• Key chains

• Coffee baskets

• Gift cards

• Books

• Bottle of wine

Etiquette and Tips for Hosting a Co-Ed Bridal Shower

When planning aco-ed bridal shower, it’s vital to adhere toetiquettethat ensures both members of the couple feel celebrated. Proper planning for invitations, gifts, andfestivities tailoredto all guests will create aninclusive and memorable event.

Shower Etiquette for a Co-Ed Bridal Shower

• Invitations:Ensure that both sides of friends and family are invited.
• Activities:Opt for games and entertainment that appeal to a wide audience and foster interaction between guests.

Gift-Giving at a Couple’s Wedding Shower

• Collective Gifts:Suggest group gifts where multiple guests can contribute to a larger, more substantial present.
• Defined Needs:Encourage the couple to specify their preferences to prevent unnecessary or duplicate items.

Helping the Couple with Their Wedding Registry

• Registry Creation:Recommend they create a registry that reflects their combined needs and interests, ensuring product diversity to suit various budgets.
• Sharing Information:Integrate registry details into shower invitations or a wedding website to make it easily accessible for all guests.

Co-Ed Bridal Shower Guest List and Invitations

• Expanding the List:Invite friends, family, and acquaintances of both individuals, avoiding exclusion of significant relationships.
• Clarity on Invitations:Use inclusive language and address invitations to all members of a household or partnership if applicable.

Hosting a Co-Ed Bridal Shower Brunch or co*cktail Party

• Menu Selection:Provide a diverse menu that caters to different dietary restrictions and preferences.
• Venue Atmosphere:Choose a versatile venue that supports bothbrunch and co*cktail options, ensuring that the ambiance aligns with the desired level of formality.

This iseverything you needto plan the perfectco-edshowerso go ahead and throw acouple’sshowerthebride,groom, andwedding partywould love!

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