How can I throw a bridal shower without playing games and still make it fun?

Question

I am the maid of honor for a friends wedding, I am going to throw her a bridal shower, however she thinks playing games is cheesy and doesn't want to play games, I figure the only other thing I can do is feed them, so has anyone ever been to a luncheon bridal shower?how was it and what did you do? Any suggestions, ideas are very much appreciated and welcomed, also she has a guest list of about 60 for just the shower, but i am thinkinhg of seeing if one of the bridesmaids will throw her another one and chop it in half. Thank you!!

Answer 1

You definitely shouldn't feel like throwing the shower is your entire responsibility. As the maid of honor, you do coordinate things, but her other bridesmaids should also be helping out with the costs and the planning. I recommend you sit down with all of them and let her know that you are planning a shower for the bride and are asking if they could help contribute towards the cost and planning. If no one else is willing to help pay for the costs, then definitely only plan a shower based on what you can afford. I would recommend having a bridal tea where the guests would sample different tea, have scones, soups, finger sandwiches, and fruit. I had a bridal tea for a friend and everyone had a ball and no one missed the games at all. Everyone had a good time conversing, drinking tea, and eating. During the tea, the tea parlor would periodically bring out a new flavor tea and/or a different course of the meal. Towards the end of the meal we had dessert and then the bride opens her shower gifts (if any). You could do something similar on your own to save costs. Each of the bridesmaids could be responsible for bringing a few items on the menu. Most of the food associate with teas are very economical.

Another idea is a recipe shower. Instead of having guests bring gifts, have guests bring a recipe and the dish for the party. During the shower, each guest can share what dish the made and the recipe. At the end of the shower, the bride is given a recipe box or book with all of the recipes in it for her to share with her husband during their marriage. This also is a nice way to save on costs and get everyone involved. In your bridal shower invitations, be sure to include a blank recipe card for everyone to fill out and bring with their dish to the shower. You can also use take pictures of each guest and dish to put along side their recipe if you are doing a recipe scrapbook.

Answer 2

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RE:
How can I throw a bridal shower without playing games and still make it fun?
I am the maid of honor for a friends wedding, I am going to throw her a bridal shower, however she thinks playing games is cheesy and doesn't want to play games, I figure the only other thing I can do is feed them, so has anyone ever been to a luncheon bridal shower?how was it and what did you...

Answer 3

I would suggest a lot of food and alcohol. I think it would be more fun if the guests could go home with something. I really wasn't into the games, but we had a couple different things my sister did for me. First, everyone brought or sent in a recipe. I picked my top 5 recipes and we announced those, and then those people got to pick a present/prize (We had potted flowers which were our center pieces on the tables, wine racks, lotions, etc.). The only other "game" we played was questions about myself and my fiance. The person with the most correct answers got to choose a prize. When we were done we still had 3 or 4 flowers left and a couple other things, so we had all the people attending fill out an envelope (for their thank you card that would be sent to them) and I drew a few from the box. It was a lot of fun and everyone just enjoyed being there with each other.

Answer 4

The games are part of it!!! I would expect them at a shower.
Maybe play some more adult games...
But if that isn't what the bride wants, then here are some other options.
60 people?! thats an expensive shower, Don't feel bad, ask the other brides maids if they want to contribute some cash for a big throw down. Don't cut the list between brides maids.. someone will get P.O.'d
How about renting a ball room at hotel and have them provide bar and food, call the party coordinator and have her give you a reduced rate for rooms, (the invitees will pay for their own rooms) and make it a pajama wedding shower. Give prizes for the best category of pajamas.. Most comfortable, etc...( stay away from sexy.. this is the brides day!!)
this way you can party into the wee hours and be safe at the same time! Everyone will remember it!!!
Hope this helps!

Answer 5

If you just want to spend time with your female guests why not do a spa day type thing whether at your home or at an actual spa. That why you can get pampered and have a chance to relax before the wedding. Other than that have a bridal shower and call it a bridal shower and just be specfic on the invitations in a polite way that you would prefer it if guest didn't bring gifts. But you know that there will always be one person who will bring a gift anyway just accept it and enjoy yourself.

Answer 6

I actually just did a bridal shower like this. The bride didn't want games and frankly, I think they're stupid. I did a buffet of all sorts of different appetizers, fresh fruit platter, a platter of good cheeses(don't just grab a ready made one, get the good imports), chocolate covered strawberries and then I did desserts that were all minis. The key was that nothing I served required utensils of any kind. Also, I made a champagne punch, Iced tea, and coffee. Make sure that you have lots of options for all the different types of people who will be attending. The gifts can take up a fairly good amount of time too.

Answer 7

Everyone seems to think that the only way you can have fun is to drink or get drunk, now that's the way to start a new marriage isn't it ? No ...........you do not have to get drunk or even serve alcohol, just serve many different and unusual foods and non-alcoholic drinks and talk about many different things. Most of the time at showers you invite people that you really don't get an chance to set down and talk with very often and I'm sure that your guess would feel the same way. To make it a little more exciting in the beginning give everyone that attends a same gift at the door.

Answer 8

If games are out then really make it about the bride. Everyone can share their favorite memory of her or her fiance, or both. Also you could ask everyone to bring a copy of a picture they have of either alone or the couple together and construct an on site, photo book for the future Mrs. and Mr.
Everyone loves momentos and this would be a fun way for everyone to be involved. (The pics may also remind them of a memory)
I actually went to a bridal shower where it was combined with the men and we just went Jet Skiing, boating, cooked out, and met the rest of the family. By the time the wedding rolled around we all felt part of the family and everyone got along really well.
Best of luck.

Answer 9

Wedding Shower Activities

Answer 10

As her MOH you should have a shower for close friends and brides maids. Find another to host a shower for the others. 60 is way too many for one shower. Actually, there could be 3 showers with those numbers. Games are not necessary. Good conversation is all that is needed.