your reviews of painting/pottery/non-traditional showers?

Re: your reviews of painting/pottery/non-traditional showers?

• verdesiempre14

  

  October 2011 edited December 2011

  No, I am not hosting my own shower, but my MOH has invited my input and I'm happy to give it.
  
  I understand the traditional purpose of a shower, but that's not for me.  I don't really want or need the flattery of my friends, and I'd like this event to be more than banquet hall food and watching me open gifts.  
  
  My MOH and I discussed that what we do want this shower to do is celebrate my starting a new home with my FI. My thought was that the painting or vase/dish/etc created at the shower would be something special to have in my home, a memory of their good wishes, and their take-home art would be something nice for their home, and a memory too.
  
  So, let me rephrase my question..
  
  If you've been to this type of party or shower before, did the activity encourage more socialization between people that didn't know each other than a traditional shower?
  
  Did you find people had fun with the activity, especially people that aren't so art/craft oriented?
  
  
  I should also note that I'm not a super traditional bride, and I'm not looking for an ultra-traditional experience.  I haven't been dreaming about my wedding since I was 5, and I won't be on these boards long after I'm married.  I respect anyone who's of this perogative, and hope you'll respect mine too.
  
  
  
  

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• sister2groom

  

  October 2011 edited December 2011

  One problem I see with this idea is who would pay for the shower? It's not exactly fair to ask the host to pay for everyone and I don't like showers at which the guests have to pay their own way. Also, if everyone made you something that's a lot of potential for ugly/weird vases you would feel obligated to keep.

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• banana468 member

  

  October 2011 edited December 2011

  I understand that YOU aren't looking for the traditional experience but it's not all about you.  Your guests need to be taken into consideration and they may not want to do this stuff.
  
  I will say I've been to showers where the guests all contributed to sign a vase or plate instead of a guest book and I loved that idea.  I did that for SIL when MIL and I threw her a shower and it went over quite well.  However I don't want to go to an event to do arts and crafts for a grown adult.  I want to go somewhere and relax and see the bride open her presents.
  
  Plus, as PP said, this seems to be a way to get very expensive for the hostess if she needs to pay for food AND the activity for everyone.  And it's definitely not OK to ask guests to pay for their activity.
  

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• erkrueger member

  

  October 2011 edited December 2011

  I think it seems like a sweet and fun idea! Keep looking for other input! Could be very fun for a smaller shower! DO IT if that's what you want!! Best of luck with your planning!

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• hlmauney

  

  October 2011 edited December 2011

  Why not combine the traditional shower with your ideas? You can buy a large platter or vase or something at Michaels or another craft store and have the ladies sign and decorate it at your shower? You get a fun and unique momento and your guests get the traditional shower. Plus, if you have any guests who aren't into the whole arts and crafts thing, they can participate by signing their name but not be bored or anything. The paint your own pottery places can be quite expensive, too, so that could be an issue for the hostess(es). It sounds like a fun idea but it may be better suited for a Bachelorette or just an outing with your BM. Good luck with you planning!

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• redheadtmk member

  

  October 2011 edited December 2011

  If it is going to be a small shower and therefor less expensive for the hostess then I say go for it. Those who do not want to participate will not attend. I personally do not enjoy sitting around watching the bride open presents. After awhile, no matter how much the person genuinely likes the gifts, they get tired of ooohing and aaaahing and stating sufficient appreciation for each gift. I find it painful to watch. This is why I am a fan of several showers with small groups over a large shower with lots of people. I would much rather have something to do while I chatted with others. And if I read your second post correctly you stated that the guests would be taking home their art pieces. I say go for it. If you decide to not do it for any reason keep it in mind for your bachelorette! good luck and have fun

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• MrsDesChane

  

  October 2011 edited December 2011

  We did a bachelorette party for my sister, and I paid for one piece of pottery for each guest to take home (the place set up a limit and showed the guests which pieces they could paint).  We made chocolate fondue, brought wine (check with the establishment to make sure that's okay) and had a great time (we were in our own room).
  IF you wanted to do this a Bridal Shower, it could easily convert. You could just state on the invite, "In lieu of gifts, please create a piece of pottery for (bride's name) to keep. The pieces range from $X -$XX. Thank you."  Chances are, if you are an untraditional bride, your friends & family who love you dearly will probably not be surprised by this choice of party and embrace it because they love you! My sister had a baseball themed shower, where we actually played Wii Baseball. Not everyone loves baseball, or the Wii, but they showed up because they love my sister, and those who didn't want to play, didn't. =]  I think it'll be just fine.
  

  
  Bride's Bouquet
  
  bridesmaid's bouquet

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• mollyehren

  

  October 2011 edited December 2011

  Personally I would find something like this a lot more fun an enjoyable than all the obnoxious games played at most showers like the bow bouquet game.  Personally when I was asked I suggested A Girl's Best Friend Tea Shop that does high tea.

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