Birde and Groom wedding showers, a new trend in  wedding planning.

Bride-and-Groom Wedding Shower
by Sally Manglicmot

A co-ed celebration

 The trend in the new millennium!  Although the bridal shower is still fun (just the girls), a co-ed party can be just as 'fun' and funny!  Attending a co-ed shower is all but guaranteed to be a fun event for everyone.  The party includes friends, food, games, gifts, drinks, and lots of laughs.  The party is usually late in the day, but can be a noon event. 

 The Maid of Honor is the primary host of the party, helped by the bridesmaids.  With a little push, you can get the Best Man to help pay for the party.  Usually a theme is selected for the party--Hawaiian, Las Vegas, Mexican, Country--you name it.  The guest list is decided by the couple and should include all of their friends that are also invited to the wedding--well, that may be a challenge for large weddings.  Party favors are not expected but can be added as an extra touch for your guests- budget willing.  

 Many books are available for purchase with creative tips, menu items and games.  Hint: don't arrange more than three games; they are fun, but very time consuming.  Co-ed games are definitely the highlight of the shower.  Games are focused on things that the bride and groom either like or dislike, or are good at or bad at, or know about each other (and all in good taste and fun); do you remember The Newlywed Game?   

 The party should be scheduled about two months before the wedding.  Mail the invitations about three weeks ahead.  The shower is a great way to celebrate for those guests unable to attend the wedding (may be on a business trip or have vacation plans).  Don't forget to capture it all with photographs.