Bridal shower ideas for 37 yr old

[Anonymous]

My college roommate is getting married this summer and I am in the wedding. She lives about 1000 miles away as do the other 2 bridesmaids, neither of whom I really know. We have been going back and forth on the details of the shower etc and it is becoming clear that not a lot of organizing is happening at that end....so I am taking charge.

It is being held at the bride's mother's house so we have a location. It seems there is supposed to be a tea theme. That is all we have so far. I haven't been to many showers so I'd love to hear some ideas as to what makes a bridal shower fun? Have you been to a shower that was really great? What made it great? I feel like I am operating in the dark here so any help would be appreciated!!

[Anonymous]

I think what makes a shower great is good food, no stupid games, and relaxed talking amongst guests. You could do little tea sandwiches - can find good recipes on epicurious.com and on martha stewart's website (I can't stand her, but she's got some good tea sandwich recipes!).

[Anonymous]

No Games!! No Games!!!

I hated these when I was young. Now at age 39, I find them ridiculous.

But if the others do insist on games, make them short and few.

Also, don't overdo the theme (I hate it when I have to buy some present that fits some hour of the day or something silly like that). If Tea is it, just serve Tea, little cookies/biscuits and mini sandwiches. Maybe have favors that have a tea theme. But don't make the guests buy tea-related gifts or wear tea-hats (I don't know if this exists, but I've been to "hat" parties).

[Anonymous]

OP here - that was my feeling on the games thing too! I feel like we are WAY past this but the others asked if I can be in charge of them..um...nope!

[Anonymous]

Instead of games---ask all the guests to come with a card containing their favorite crowd-pleasing yet easy to fix recipe---then assemble them all in a pretty journal for the bride.

or since the bride is older and most of her friends are probably already married---get everybody to come with their favorite tip or story---funny or serious---on married life---and ask each person to relate it while the bride is opening her gift.

[zumbamama]

Just an idea...I was just hired to do a bridal shower. 45 minutes of not-too-sweaty Latin dancing will surely liven up the party!

[Anonymous]

No Games No Games No Games. I got married at 35 and we ended up doing a couples thing with no public gift opening (unless someone requested it) and it was like a cocktail party.

[Anonymous]

I got married at 37, and we had a bridal shower in a great Chinese restaurant. We were given a room of our own.

My mother and best friend paid for it - Mom paying the bulk of it. I would never expect that from anyone, but it's what they wanted. (Neither thought they'd ever see me married!) So we kept it very small - only immediate family members and close pals (around 12 people - At my age, lots of family members have passed on!).

no games and some great favors (small boxes of fantastic chocolates)

And the best part - no clean up! Because we didn't register (who needs anything at 37?), I received some creative gifts.

[Anonymous]

No games! These infantilize even a 25 year old -- no 37 year old needs that! This is just me, but I also wanted it to be LOW KEY and relaxed. I would honestly ask the bride to tell you what she prefers. Showers can be uncomfortable for many people!
Good luck.

[Anonymous]

If the others are pushing for games, the one "game" I find tolerable is a quick multiple choice test about the bride and groom. People like me (who hate games) can just sit with their piece of paper and pretend to care. People who thrive off those games can try to "win" And it does get people talking (I think that is the point of the games, give people a common thing to talk about).

I've also been to showers that have a book where people can write in advice to the bride. It's voluntary. Not really a game, but gives peopel something to chat about.

[Anonymous]

Depending on how many people come, you could make cute favors--I've seen people get a mix of tea cups/saucers from yard sales and make candles out of them.

BTW: I don't think games are all that bad. Otherwise, I find showers kind of boring and all about the presents.

[Anonymous]

I would think about the brides personality and plan accordingly and if she is into games..then games it shall be!!