Alternatives to Traditional Bridal Showers

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The bridal shower is a wonderful tradition, and yet they are not always appropriate in every situation. More and more often these days, the friends of the bride are getting together to plan a party or outing in celebration of the bride that is not the standard bridal shower. Here are some fun ideas for alternatives to traditional bridal showers, as well as the reasons for choosing to do something a bit different.

One of the main reasons to do something other than a bridal shower is when it is not the bride's first marriage. The purpose of a bridal shower is really to help a young couple just starting out accumulate some of the basic items needed to set up a household. For this reason, it is not customary to throw a shower for a second time bride, as she normally has all of that stuff already, not to mention that it is rude to ask the same group of people to keep giving gifts for the same occasion to the same person. (Yes it is true that most guests will give a wedding guest to a second time bride, but the difference is that a wedding gift is technically optional, where if you attend a shower, bringing a present is pretty much mandatory.)

Another reason why some people prefer to have a non-shower type of party is that they cannot get enough enthusiastic guests together. These is not a reflection of anyone's feelings towards the bride; it is more like a group case of bridal shower fatigue. This is most often seen among groups of friends in their 30s who have already attended so many bridal showers that they simply cannot stand the thought of making yet another toilet paper wedding dress. For this situation, a non-shower party in honor of the bride-to-be is the perfect solution.

A very fun way for a group of ladies to spend an afternoon together is to have a spa day. Book a private room in a salon or spa and have the bride's closest friends, sisters, bridesmaids, and the mother of the bride and groom get together for a relaxing time. Pedicures tend to be a favorite spa treatment, as they leave everyone's hands free to sip mimosas or Champagne. Presents for the bride can be optional at this type of party, as long as everyone is on the same page about it. If the guest list is limited to only the moms and the wedding party, the bride might want to take the opportunity to present the bridesmaid gifts at this time. It is the most fun to give out the bridesmaid gifts when the entire group is assembled, after all, and it is very sweet if the bride takes a moment out of her special party to thank those who are a part of her wedding.

Private cooking lessons or wine tastings are another great alternative to a regular bridal shower. Everyone can gather at the home of the hostess and just have fun trying something new together. This type of event combines well with gift giving, if you are looking to host a sophisticated non-traditional shower for a first time bride. If it is truly a celebration of the bride, but not a shower with presents, the cooking or wine class could be hosted by the bride's mother or future mother-in-law.

For a friends-only all-in-one celebration-bachelorette party, pole dancing lessons are a popular event. This risque type of party will certainly result in a lot of laughs and some interesting memories! Just be sure that the bride would find a pole dancing party amusing, rather than embarrassing. The idea is to have a fun bonding experience, not to make the bride cringe in shame.

There are as many other alternatives to traditional bridal showers as there are types of brides. Simply pick a type of gathering that is a good group activity, and that matches the bride's interests. Whether the bride-to-be in your life is sporty, girly, or intellectual, you are sure to find a way to celebrate her in style.

Look to Bridget for advice on planning your wedding. Check out how we can help with your bridesmaids jewelry at SilverlandJewelry.com. Custom wedding jewelry makes wonderful bridesmaid gifts.