Chicago Wedding & Party Resource 2018 Fall / Winter

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26 | FALL & WINTER 2018 CHICAGO WEDDING & PARTY RESOURCE
By Carley Lintz, CTW Features
Modern brides are breaking all kinds of
wedding traditions, from the dress to
the food, so why would she settle for a
conventional shower?
One of the biggest changes to bridal showers
in recent years is the lack of games like
wedding movie charades or bingo, says Lydia
Noble. “Don’t play games unless the bride
specifically asks for them. There is nothing
worse than being a guest forced into a get to
know someone game. It is uncomfortable,”
she advises.
Another way modern bridal showers are
breaking with tradition is with a great theme.
If you’re a bridesmaid or friend planning to
throw a shower in honor of a soon-to-be
bride, here are a few ideas for unforgettable
party themes.
1. WEEKEND GETAWAY
Pack your bags and take the girls for a night
out on a different town with a destination
bridal shower. Whether you take a road trip
to the beach or a quick flight to Las Vegas,
a short trip with your closest gal pals is the
ultimate way to plan an extraordinary bridal
shower. Pro tip: plan the weekend around an
activity or outing like a private vineyard tour,
spa day or concert to avoid burnout on each
other’s company.
2. AROUND THE CLOCK
This out-of-the-box theme is one of Noble’s
personal favorites. “Each guest is given a
time, such as 6:00 p.m. or 2:00 a.m. on their
invitation and they must bring a gift that
coordinates with that time of day,” Noble
says. For example, she knew one guest who
had 5:00 a.m., so she gave the bride new dog
leashes because that’s when she walked her
dogs and assumed the bride did, too.
3. CO-ED SHOWERS
Breakdown the gender barrier by hosting a
wedding shower for both the bride and groom
– and inviting both guys and gals. The party
can range from a cocktail party to a backyard
barbeque and guests should bring couple-
oriented gifts, like home goods.
4. PAJAMA PARTY
Throwback to your schoolgirl days by
planning a slumber party bridal shower. It’s
perfect theme for brides who prefer a night in
with close friends. Be sure to include all the
clichés, including homemade masks, junk
food and manicures.
5. GROUP CLASS
Rather than planning a run-of-the-mill party,
gather everyone together to gain a new skill.
Hire a chef to teach everyone to make a tasty
dish, attend a private painting class, get a
lesson in cake decorating or learn how to
taste wine like a pro.
6. VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY
If your bride has a heart of gold, consider
forgoing the party for a more charitable
activity like volunteering together at a local
non-profit, food bank or homeless shelter. Or,
simply ask that guests donate to the bride’s
favorite organization instead of buying a
shower gift.
© CTW Features
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Shower of New
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