As we talked about the topic of bridal showers, we both agreed that we no longer care for any of the traditional events. That means today we are sharing with you the bridal showers we’d want to attend! The number one rule of all of these events is that there will not be toilet paper wrapped around the bride for any reason. 

1. Dinner at your favorite restaurant

   Why make your future mother-in-law stress about making sure her living room is fixed up, and that there are enough snacks for the whole crowd when you could host the girls in the comfort of your favorite restaurant?! If it’s a smaller restaurant you can probably even rent out the whole place for the afternoon. This will make for a much more laid back atmosphere and will allow the host to enjoy the day as much as the guests. 

2. Signature cocktail tasting for the wedding

   Have your whole crew come over for a day of cocktail tasting! This could be how you choose the perfect combo for your signature cocktails at your wedding. You could even serve some of the appetizers that will be presented at your cocktail hour as a glimpse of what’s to come! 

3. Crafting day

   If your group is crafty, break out the Cricut and put them to work! You could have a fun day while also being productive, and anyone participating will feel proud to see their hard work on display at your wedding. Think welcome signs, signature cocktail signs, seating chart... the options are endless. 

4. “Build your bar cart” party 

   This idea was stolen from TikTok and we’ve been waiting for an excuse to use it! If you are a younger couple (but still over 21) that is still establishing your home together, you can throw a build-your-bar-cart party! Everyone attending will bring something like a shaker, mixers, or just liquor bottles and get you ready for any future hosting you do. Feel free to also dig into the goods and have your friends and family show you their favorite cocktails so you feel fancy when trying to impress your next guests. 

5. Backyard BBQ

   Why make things complicated when you can relax and enjoy the day? A BBQ would be a great way to get the men and kids involved too. Have a few people in charge of manning the grill for the day, put some side dishes and drinks on a table and enjoy the day playing cornhole and horseshoe while chatting about wedding plans and honeymoon excursions. 

Keep in mind, this is your wedding and your pre-wedding event. Make sure that whatever you are planning feels most like you. Rules and traditions are meant to be broken! Any of these events could even make for fun Spring and Summer activities, engaged or not.

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Get enough wine in her and she will tell you about her perfectly planned wedding. Just promise not to ask about the groom, that’s one detail she’s still working on. Lauren is based in NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

So you were titled Maid Of Honor?

It is now your duty to plan the bridal shower. This comes with the responsibility of choosing the bridal shower games. First thing’s first- if you pull out a roll of toilet paper to trick the guests into mocking up wedding dresses made out of two ply, you will see eyes glazing over before the food is served. 

We have looked deep into the depths of the history of bridal shower games and came out with the best of the worst options for your prenuptial celebrations! 

1. Flower arranging

Get dollar store vases and grocery store fresh flowers and have the girls create their own bouquet. This will also be the decor at the party that will essentially clean itself up as people leave. 

2. The couple likes to cook? Fill out recipe cards

Have each person at the wedding fill out a card with their favorite recipe which will then create a book of meals for the newlywed couple 

3. Wine tasting

Get creative with your choices of wine. Maybe one from every place the bride and groom have visited, or where they are from. Or just ask the helpful clerks at Trader Joe’s for their favorites. You could even use the bottles first for the garter toss. 

4. Garter toss

Set up bottles of your choosing (we vote wine bottles, but this could also be sparkling cider) and have each guest take turns tossing the garter, trying to hook a bottle. Whoever rings the most bottles wins the bottle or another prize!

5. Heads up- bridal addition!

This could include everything from Wedding Gown to the Bridesmaid movie. We vote that you have to drink every time you lose a round!

6. Hidden gems

There will be hidden gems around the party and as they are found the person who spotted it first gets a prize or just a fresh glass of champagne 

7. The “what’s in your phone” game

Get up close and personal with the guests to find out what’s really hidden beneath their passcodes. This can be as scandalous as you want to make it! Last (wo)man standing (with the most unique phone finds) wins. 

8. Write my vows

Have either groups or individuals write the bride’s vows. They will be read in front of the group and the most creative/fun wins a prize.

Have fun!

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Get enough wine in her and she will tell you about her perfectly planned wedding. Just promise not to ask about the groom, that’s one detail she’s still working on. Lauren is based in NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here