Question:
As friend of the groom's mother, I offered to host a shower for the bride. Her family is in Atlanta Georgia, his family is mostly here. My plan is to bring as many ladies, both family and friends. I am not trying to substitute/compete with her age group showers, but to give her and her family a chance to know more of his side of the family. Wedding will be here. Any suggestions?
Answer:
Dear Eileen,
Your West Coast bridal shower honoring the groom's side of the family is Diva Divine!
Since the bride is likely to have more than one shower with close friends and co-workers in her age group in Atlanta, your ladies shower spanning the generations in California will give the bride and her family a warm introduction to her husband's side of the family!
Since the wedding will also take place in California, your "friends and family" shower does double duty -- it gives both sides of the family an extra opportunity to get to know each other in a relaxed setting before the Big Day.
Event planner Cathy Riva (see our February 2008 interview) gives great advice for parties such as the one you're throwing. Cathy says to devote most of your budget on higher end foods and beverages. Having too much food on hand is better than having too little. Keep the decor simple and inexpensive. Flowers and candles arranged as a centerpiece on your buffet table may be all you need.
The shower you're hosting is not only a bridal celebration but is a "meet and greet," so wherever you hold the shower, make it easy for guests to mingle and talk. Since there may be a wide range in ages, be sure older people have comfortable places to sit. Music is a wonderful relaxer and plays a key part in any shower, but for your event keep the volume low. Go with classical or soft jazz so that it soothes but doesn't distract.
An icebreaker shower game is another one of our recommendations. Visit our site sponsor http://badabadabride.com for chic and fun bridal shower games and favors. You'll find popular selections such as Bride Bingo (updated, chic and modern) to Bride Trivia (a popular hit game).
Bravo! Your shower is going to be one of the best parties ever!
Happy Showering!
Happy Showering,
Susan "The Shower Diva"
Where Fun Reigns!™
