A Co-Ed Bridal Shower

by Shanna on May 15, 2012

I’m always excited to share ideas for party planning, and lately there’s been a lot of it!  Last month it was a Baby Shower for my sister, last weekend I threw a successful surprise 30th birthday party for my fiance, and so now I’m beginning the planning of my friend Christina’s bridal shower.  I’m normally very traditional but I love the idea of a relaxed party with all of our friends, a party that would appeal to both men and women.  What I found is that a co-ed bridal shower has many benefits, and will only make her day more memorable.  Here are some of the advantages to a co-ed shower that you may consider when planning your friends bridal shower.

1. Theme – Rather than just the bride, think about what they both would like – their favorite foods and drinks, their personal style, the activities they enjoy, where they like to hang out.  A lot of your friends now have a Pinterest and Facebook accounts filled with things they like…use this!

Theme

 

2. Venue – Once you have chosen a co-ed theme that appeals to both genders, and you start to think of a venue to hold it consider these questions; what time of day do you want your co-ed party to be, what’s the total guest count, where did the couple meet?

Venue

 

3. Deligate all tasks – Normal etiquette is the maid of honor and the bridesmaids will chip in for the shower but with a co-ed shower I can actually use the groomsmen’s help too! Some tasks to consider for girls; Invitations and RSVPs (professionally printed is my suggestion so she has something to hold on to in memory), games, favors/prizes, decor, and menu.  Some tasks to consider for men; stock the bar, music, work the grill, anything electronic. Make sure to give everybody your vision and enough direction to get the job done.

Deligation

3. Games – There’s so many fun games to play as couples or even men vs women! Use your tools; Facebook, the iPhone video camera, etc. and coming up with fun co-ed games can be fun.  Some examples I found; Pin the tie on the groom game, Famous couples game, and Name that Flavor Game.

Games

4. Decor – Should be the very last step.  I always stop at a party store the day of or before the party and use whatever is left of my budget. Once you have all the other elements in place your party is guaranteed to be successful!

Being slightly nontraditional is unique and has great benefits! Please visit our Pinterest page for more Co-Ed Bridal Shower ideas and inspiration.

 

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Choosing a dress for the mother of the bride is just as important as the bridal gown.  In honor of Mother’s Day weekend we’ve pinned some of our favorite styles and wanted to share with you tips to finding the perfect gown for your daughter’s day.

It is very important for a mother to pick a gown that her daughter will love, a dress that will show how happy and proud a mother is for her daughter on her big day, and last but not least a dress that makes a mother feel gorgeous on her daughter’s wedding day.

Tip #1 – Coordinate with the bridesmaid’s to make sure your dress and style will compliment the theme and colors your daughter has chosen.  It’s important that the dress doesn’t clash with the chosen wedding colors, even just for the sake of the pictures.

Coordination

Tip #2 – No white….I’ve experienced a bride get upset, to put it mildly, over her mother’s decision to wear a gown that’s even just a shade of white so it’s worth mentioning as not everybody knows this rule.  Instead opt for shades of pink, blue, green, yellow, and lavender if you’re looking for a gown for a day wedding. Jewel tone colors like purple and burgundy are popping up more often in fall and evening weddings.

Color

Tip #3 – Choose a solid color as prints can be distracting and therefore pull attention from the bride.  I’ve witnessed a mothers choice of a pattern, and their intention may not have been to overshadow their daughter but it certainly makes this statement.

Tip #4 – Easy on the detailing.  There are so many modern fabric textures to choose from now, georgette, silk, charmeuse, satin, chiffon, and taffata, are a few examples that really prove that less can be more.

Texture

Most importantly don’t worry or stress your dress.  Use your many sources out there – magazines, bridal shops, and online to name a few.  Asking your daughter what she invisions for your dress might also help make up your mind if you’re still unsure.  Have fun and make the most of your experience!

Follow our Mother of The Bride board on Pinterest to see more of our favorite styles.

 

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