Want to plan an awesome couple’s wedding shower? You’re in the right place!
If you aren’t familiar with the concept, let me break it down for you. A couple’s wedding shower is where both engaged partners share a pre-wedding celebration, together. A couple’s wedding shower typically replaces the traditional bridal shower, where just the bride is celebrated. The reasons for including both partners in the celebration vary. It may be that they are a same-sex couple, and it seems strange to celebrate one over the other. Or, maybe they just both want to be included. Either way, it’s totally okay to change the tradition.
The great thing about a couple’s shower is that at it’s core, it’s like planning any other event. There may be some outstanding questions about the shower and logistics that aren’t typical of a bridal shower, but the basics are there. Plus, there is the freedom to mix up tradition because this event isn’t traditional. This can be very freeing and fun.
How To Plan An Awesome Couple’s Wedding Shower
This post is going to share how to plan an awesome couple’s wedding shower. It will give you the basics for planning, and some ideas to make the event super special. Remember, you are the one planning the event. And, you know the couple in question. If something doesn’t feel right for them, change it up. The suggestions in this post are just that. Suggestions. Take them or leave them, based on your situation. And, of course, have fun in the process.
Let’s get into it!
WHAT IS A COUPLE’S WEDDING SHOWER?
As mentioned above, a couple’s wedding shower is where both partners in an engaged couple are celebrated at a pre-wedding event.
Beyond that, the variations can swing in a lot of different directions. It may be an event where just friends are invited. Or, family may be there, too. The couple’s wedding shower may be coupled with a sort of bachelor party / bachelorette party vibe and be a whole weekend, or it could be just a couple hours. The setting could be formal, or informal. All of these variations are based off the couple, what they enjoy, and who they are.
However, at the base of it all, the couple’s wedding shower means both partners are celebrated at the same time, in the same place, and equally.
WHO IS INVITED TO A COUPLE’S SHOWER?
Okay, onto the fun stuff. Also known as, the logistics.
Starting with, who is invited to a couple’s wedding shower?
Well, as mentioned above, the invites can vary. Ideally, there will be people there who can celebrate each partner. Meaning, it’s not all one sided where everyone there is for one half of the couple, and no one is there for the other. The vibe should be that if you’re attending the shower, you’re there for both people. Additionally, those invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding, unless the wedding will be very, very small.
So, depending on where the shower is being held, it’s capacity, and how big you want it, invite away. Invite supportive friends and family who will enjoy themselves at the shower, and who are also likely invited to the wedding. There aren’t a lot of rules here beyond that.
WHEN SHOULD THE COUPLE’S SHOWER TAKE PLACE?
Ideally, a couple’s shower would take place before the wedding, but not too close to it.
Of course, the timing depends on the couple’s and their guest’s availability. Most couple’s wedding showers would be hosted between three months to two weeks of the wedding. This may allow some guests enough time to travel for the shower and then the wedding, depending on how close they are to each location.
In some cases, the couple’s shower may be held right before the wedding, as part of the wedding weekend. This may be so certain guests can attend without having to travel twice. Having the couple’s wedding shower close to the wedding is fine, but it may lead to some fatigue. Just be aware that rest time (aka a day or two) should take place between the two events.
WHERE TO HAVE THE COUPLE’S SHOWER?
When it comes to finding a venue, or location, for a couple’s shower, the world is your oyster. There are no rules.
You can host the shower at someone’s house. In a backyard. At a park. At a restaurant or bar. Perhaps there’s an activity center near you with bowling, pool, and arcade games. That could be a good option. The point is that it’s at a place where everyone can mingle and have fun. It doesn’t have to be fancy, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
HOW TO INVITE GUESTS TO THE COUPLE’S SHOWER
At a traditional bridal shower, guests are usually invited with a paper or digital invitation. The invitation is usually really pretty and has all the details on it.
For a couple’s shower, you can do the same, or you can mix it up.
At the end of the day, it’s all about getting the word out. This means that you can text guests the details. Or, create a digital invite. If you want things to feel elevated, send a paper invite in the mail. The key is to give them the details on who it’s for, when it is, where it is, and somewhat what to expect. Beyond that, your method of communication is all about what works for you.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR COUPLE’S SHOWER SUPER FUN
Okay, this section is all about making sure the couple’s wedding shower you’re planning is fun.
Remember, most guests care about communication, organization, food, and vibe. If you’re able to effectively let everyone know the details, stay organized with the event, have some food, and a fun vibe, it’ll be a success just based on that. We’ve already discussed communication and organization, so it’s time to talk about food and vibe.
SERVE GREAT FOOD THAT EVERYONE WILL LOVE
Let’s talk a little bit about food.
For most events, people are into the food. They just are. And, the food doesn’t have to be gourmet or anything. It just needs to be good, and there needs to be enough. If you are planning a couple’s wedding shower, don’t feel pressure to spend a ton on food. It’s totally okay to go to Costco and grab some pizza, meat and cheese trays, and small sandwiches, and call it a day. It’s also okay to order catering from a barbeque place or even go ethnic with the food.
The key here is to make sure there’s enough, the couple likes it, and it’s of reasonable quality.
Along the same lines, there should be enough beverages, too. Not every event needs to have alcohol, either. It’s totally fine to serve soda, mocktails, or just some fancy water, depending on where you are and what your guest list is like.
HAVE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR GUESTS
As mentioned before, your venue may have built in activities for a couple’s wedding shower guests. Or, you may need to create some for everyone.
For example, if the shower is held at a pool hall, beach, or bowling alley, activities will be available right there at the location. If you’re hosting the shower at a park, home, or backyard, you may want to set up some games. To help you out, there are examples in these posts about bridal shower games, bachelorette party games,engagement party games, and wedding table games.
You can also set up competitive games, which can be super exciting. Think relay races, beer pong, or random internet challenges. It could be boys against girls, or one side of the couple’s friends against the other. Have fun with it, and don’t worry too much about participation. Unless the group is filled with duds, they will enjoy being a part of the activity.
DON’T SKIMP ON ENTERTAINMENT OR MUSIC
Next way to make sure the vibe is good at a couple’s wedding shower. Entertainment and music.
This does not mean you have to hire a band. Or even a professional to come entertain everyone. Entertainment just means that people have something to enjoy. It can be as simple as a good music playlist. Or, perhaps you do go to a venue with live music playing. The key is that the shower isn’t just silent when no one is speaking. There should be something going on, and it should be enjoyable to either watch or listen to.
THOUGHTS ON HAVING AN AWESOME COUPLE’S WEDDING SHOWER
Friends, I love that you’re planning an awesome couple’s wedding shower. With some intention, it’s sure to be a fun and memorable time for everyone involved. Remember, it doesn’t have to be fancy. It should appeal to the couple, though. Look into fun activities or venues for everyone, and don’t forget about food and music. Enjoy the planning process!
More On Events From Hummingbird Wedding Advice
Five Fun Pre-Wedding Events You’ve Never Heard Of
12 Super Fun Bridal Shower Themes You Need To Consider
8 Alternative Bridal Shower Ideas
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