How was your shower/bachelorette?

luciernaga1

My aunts have offered to throw me a shower and my bridesmaids have decided since travel is involved it might be good to schedule the events back to back--i.e. Shower on saturday early afternoon, bachelorette party saturday evening. I am really excited, but both groups are asking me for input on what I would like to have happen at both events--including food, themes, activities etc.. I have never been to a bachelorette party or wedding shower so I would LOVE to hear your suggestions. What was yours like? Any tips for activities? Things I should expect/plan for?
The events will be in Kansas City, though I'm not sure if the city makes much of a difference

Thanks for your help! xox

LoveMuffins

I haven't had mine yet, but my BMs are asking me the same thing. For the shower I just told them that I have absolutely no idea for themes, other than I don't want any "shower games" (at least... not lame ones, and I told them I trust their judgement on that... hope I don't live to regret those words and that I just want everyone to be able to relax and have fun. For my bachlorette party, I requested sparkles... mostly because I want to wear something sparkly! I have no idea what they're going to end up doing with that.

For my best friend's wedding last year, we did a "high tea" for her shower. Had lots of little finger foods, tea, some alcohol (like mimosas and hot toddies)... everyone dressed in cute dresses. It was a lot of fun. For her bachlorette the theme was "From Classy to Trashy". We started out the night with the moms and the underagers at a super nice bar that would allow the underagers to sit with us while we ordered some food and martinis. Then, the moms and underagers left, we went back to a nearby apartment, changed into "trashy" and went bar hopping (the bars around us all have dance floors) and did shots, etc.

Themes can be fun, but are definitely not necessasry to having a good time. It just gives people an idea of how to dress/decorate... if I hadn't requested sparkly for my bachlorette, I probably would've requested a jungle theme - yay animal prints! =D

DanielleZZ

My showers were great (I hade two because of OOT people, it was easier for me to travel than all of them).  I know a lot of people don't like games anymore but I love them and had them at both my showers.  I think good desserts are very important at showers.  I didn't really have a theme but some of my wedding colors are fall-ish and since my showers were in October/November they had fall-ish decorations (pumpkin flower pots as centerpieces, leaf patterned napkins/plates, etc).
Haven't had my bachelorette party yet (its in a month) but when my MOH asked what I wanted I just gave her a guest list and said "surprise me".

luciernaga1

Thanks for all of your input! It sounds like there is no wrong way to approach these parties

Kimberly96

I have to say I had the same idea about doing my bach party and shower close together.  If the travelers have to fly in (like mine), why not leave yourself a little more time and do the bach party on a Friday and the shower the following Sunday.  That's what I'm doing.  Plus, it gives me all day Saturday to hand with my OOT BMs and friends (and include them in projects for the wedding...and get their dresses fitted).  Just a suggestion.  I don't know your situation. 

I'm not really going with any themes.  I put the shower in my MOH's hands after we selected a place together.  For my bach party, we're doign an adult toy party at my MOH's apartment then going bar hopping. 

Good luck and theme or no theme, HAVE FUN!!

lilcassers

I am doing the same thing since 3 of my bridesmaids live out of state.  My bachelorette is on a friday and my shower is on a sunday. Just tell them how you feel! My MOH asked me and I told her for the bachelorette, I want everyone to "dress to impress" and we are getting a limo and going to some fancy bars & the casino in Detroit. She knows my favorite color is hot pink, so I trust that she will just decorate accordingly.

As for the shower... I really don't care about a theme. My mom is throwing it at a restaurant and my futire step-mom in-law is going to bring plants for the centerpieces. There usually isn't a huge theme for this like there is a baby shower where they would have blue or pink or something like that. I have seen before where the whole bridal party wears the wedding colors to the shower and tries to keep that color scheme, but I really think it doesn't matter.

If it is on the same day just make sure you have plenty of time inbetween. For example: shower 1-4 and then bachelorette starting at 8.

Good luck!

deb84

A typical shower in my area/circle of friends consist of going around the room and introducing yourself (I hate this part but understand it is necessary if the ladies don't know each other-FI family, your family, your friends), playing silly sometimes really annoying games (some are fun), having cake and punch and the bride open gifts.  I have never seen one with a theme. They are usually very laid back and casual.

As for the bachelorete party. Do whatever makes you happy!  (Keep in mind the comfort level of all those invited.)  I've done everything from sex toy parties, bar hopping, slumber party, pole dancing lessons, spa day, shopping trip, wine tastings, etc.  It is really whatever you and your friends enjoying doing and they can afford.  My sister really wants to do pole dance lessons for mine but I know two of my bridesmaids would HATE this, they would be totally uncomfortable so I am trying to come up with a different idea.  I am leaning towards going out to a nice dinner, go to a few bars dancing and then all have a slumber party in a hotel room.    Not sure yet.

Krysty10

For my shower I received a book that was intended for giggles, but ended up being a GREAT book to read.  I now purchase this book for every bride to be and they also have fallen in love with it!!  The book is called The PMS (Please Make Sense) Guide for Men. I found it on Amazon.  You should def ask for this book....everyone should read it before getting married.  

vllbabe688

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_pre-wedding-parties_showerbachelorette?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:32Discussion:6193f864-2204-411f-a0d8-435440fd9bcfPost:d81b158e-e4c3-4a54-8c4e-c7465054a1ba">Re: How was your shower/bachelorette?</a>:
[QUOTE]Well, neither of your poll options really suited me, since I don't think lack of a theme makes the shower "more spontaneous".  But I do think it makes it easier and more relaxed. My shower was at MOH's apartment.  We had finger foods and cake and a sherbert punch (that was delicious) played one or two games, and then open gifts.  There were about 10 people there and it was a blast. My bach party consisted of dinner and then going to MOH's and having a slumber party.  We played Dream Date/Mystery Date (can't remember what it's called, but the old boardgame with the phone) and watched John Huges movies, a couple of the girls did "makeovers" and we also had a lot of fun.  MOH provided the place and the stuff for daquiries, and everyone else brought a snack food or a non-alcoholic beverage.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

Cute idea for the bach party!!  Sounds fun and different from the usual :)