amonkie

While I've been involved in many weddings as a pianist, this is my first time being one of the bridesmaids. My friend who's getting married isn't actually declaring a maid of honor, so there's just 3 three girls. Of the three of us, I'm the only one that's actually in the same state as my friend - she lives about three quarters of a mile away from my house.

I called her today and asked her what days would be good for her to be available, and whether she wanted it just for her or for both her and her fiance. My next step is to get in touch with her mom who wants to help, and try to get somethings organized.

Does anyone have any advice? Google is my stop to get some party game ideas, but I haven't been to a bridal shower before, or at least not in a LONG time, so kinda swimming right now. The wedding is Jan 8th; one of the girls will be back for Thanksgiving and Christmas, the second will be here the weekend of the wedding. I'm trying to attempt this without making the other two girls feel excluded, but since they're not going to school, here, it's kind of difficult.

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Calling from deep in the heart, from where the eyes can't see and the ears can't hear, from where the mountain trails end and only love can go... ~~~ Three Rivers Hare Krishna

maleficent

You can keep the other people involved, even though they're not in your immediate area, especially if they want to be. They can send invititations, help you pick a theme, plan the menu, other stuff, granted, you'll probably be doing most of the work, but there won't be any hurt feelings on the part o the other members of the bridal party.

I personally hate bridal showers, but they're sort of a necessary evil.

Pick the guest list, are there a lot of older grandma types going? That might make a difference in the games played
Pick the theme (Linen closet, kitchen, lingerie, or something really trashy)
Is it girls only - or a couples shower (one off the least hateful showers I've been to was a bar shower hosted for a couple -- the theme was stocking a bar)
Pick the menu (again that is going to depend on the guest list - but it could be a tea party type menu - simple fancy sammiches, salads (like chicken or egg), plus cookies and fruit for desser, or a more substantial menu

Don't stress out so much over the shower, your friend is going to love it no matter what... and try and have some fun yourself

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RainbowBright

My prefferred shower of any sort (bridal or baby) is in someone's home. Finger sandwiches or a variety of salads are fine. Probably a lot of the relatives will be happy to help by bringing a dish. If you play games I suggest only a few and make the focus of the party the bride. If you have it in someone's living room (her mom's?) conversation flows easily and everyone can get their chance to visit with the bride. The big event of the party is opening the gifts anyway so I would keep it simple.

Some people choose to rent a hall or a large room (often in their church). To me the atmosphere is a lot colder and people only speak to the people they are sitting with.

Just my opinion

amonkie

Thanks for your ideas guys!

Her mom makes an EXCELLENT salsa, so I was thinking of keeping it light with more finger foods. I hadn't thought about the theme, so thanks Mal .

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Calling from deep in the heart, from where the eyes can't see and the ears can't hear, from where the mountain trails end and only love can go... ~~~ Three Rivers Hare Krishna

combatmedicjen

If it's a young crowd, take the ladies out on the town! Make the bride-to-be a shirt that says "Free Candy With Kiss," attach candy to the shirt (individually wrapped lifesavers work great), and go bar-hopping!! For added fun, you can suggest that those who want her candy have to remove them from her shirt with their teeth I've seen this done and it was freakin' hilarious! I am truly sad that I never had a bridal shower of my own...

amonkie

We can't do the bar hopping, as my friend JUST turned 20, and money is a little tight all around.

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Calling from deep in the heart, from where the eyes can't see and the ears can't hear, from where the mountain trails end and only love can go... ~~~ Three Rivers Hare Krishna

lurkette

One thing I did for my sister's wedding and my best friend's wedding was hold the shower at a "paint your own ceramics" place. For my friend, we each painted a little tile that we put together into a bed tray. For my sister, she picked out the paint colors and we each painted a plate or a bowl. It's not very expensive, it's a very personal gift, and it's a lot more fun than the usual "tea and cakes" shower. We didn't do a lot of games, but we did have good music, and a "charm cake" with charms attached to ribbons hidden under the cake - everyone picks a ribbon and the person who gets a particular charm (in our case, a little paint pallette, given the venue) gets a special prize. The particular place we went to had a little party room that we reserved. They were the best showers I've ever been to.

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"If ten million people believe a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing."

- Anatole France

amonkie

That is a really awesome idea, Lurkette! My friend is really artistic, and she'd really like something like that.

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Calling from deep in the heart, from where the eyes can't see and the ears can't hear, from where the mountain trails end and only love can go... ~~~ Three Rivers Hare Krishna