The Engagement Party
This Party serves as the official announcement of the engagement. When extending invitations to guests, it is not necessary to state purpose of the party (i.e. the engagement), as no gifts are to be expected, and it is often nice to make the announcement a surprise. This party can be hosted by either the bride or groom's family. It is the host's responsibility to announce the engagement with a toast. The form of this party can range from a formal sit-down dinner to a more casual summer barbecue, or even a cocktail party. The formality of this event should be established by the bride and groom as well as the host, as this party sets the tone for the rest of the engagement.
The Bridal Shower
The first party held in the bride's honor, is the bridal shower. This gathering is most often given by the maid of honor, but may also be given by other members of the bridal party, close friends, or even by some colleagues. The shower itself can take several forms and range in its formality with everything from a casual lunch to a formal seven course meal. Invite any female who is on the guest list for the wedding may be invited, however to keep the party more intimate; invite only those who are closest to the bride. If you want to host a more contemporary event, you may also wish to include male guests. Due to the busy schedule of the bride, it is best to hold this event 1 - 2 months before the wedding date.
The Bridesmaids Luncheon
This is the bride's opportunity to thank her attendants for their involvement and help with her wedding. This luncheon can be scheduled for the same day as the final fittings of the bridesmaids' dresses, making this day more of an event, as well as reducing the necessity to schedule multiple group meetings during a hectic pre-wedding schedule. Traditionally a pink cake with a trinket or charm baked inside is served. According to legend, the bridesmaid who receives the trinket will be the next to be wed.
Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner, which follows immediately after the wedding rehearsal, is meant to be an ice breaker for all those involved with the wedding, their spouses and dates, as well as the bride and groom's immediate family. This dinner should be fun and lively, but should not be intended to upstage the wedding itself. Popular options for the rehearsal are at-home dinner parties, which can be home cooked or catered, or the dinner may be held at a restaurant with a private room. This event is most often hosted by the groom's parents, and the choice is ultimately left up to their discretion. At the end of the evening the bride and the groom part separately, not to see each other again until they arrive at the ceremony.
The Bachelor Party
Brides are often anxious about sending their bridegrooms off to a bachelor party because they've heard the ritual is associated with "temptation" and have listened to horror stories about wild drinking, gambling or partying with strippers or prostitutes. The truth is most bachelor parties involve a men's-night-out game, tickets to a football game or visits to bars or burlesque shows and a time for old friends to gather, reminisce and wish the groom good luck. If you are still nervous about the bachelor party, make a point of discussing your fears and concerns openly with your fiancé.
The Bachelorette Party
These days the bride and her friends are passing by the quiet tea party and opting for a night on the town including dinner, drinks and dancing. In fact, some bachelorette parties are making those bachelor parties look tame. Try a poker party or even a weekend trip to Vegas!
Have Fun With Your Bridal Shower
Bridal showers are an opportunity for those closest to the bride to “shower” her with their love, best wishes, and fabulous gifts. It is a tradition that has been happening since the sixteenth century.
Since then, not much has changed. Bridal showers of all sorts today still encompass pretty much the same essence and etiquette. One thing should always be kept in mind when planning a bridal shower: the theme should suit the bride’s personality and style.
Recently, in the At Home section of the Edmonton Journal, a Mexican themed bridal shower was featured. This particular shower was inspired by the bride’s love for mojitos. Tracey Meiklejohn-Carney makes planning an outdoor, Cuban themed bridal shower seem like a breeze.
Planning a bridal shower should be fun. It really doesn’t have to be the painstaking task that some may perceive it to be. Enjoy the experience of planning (or attending) a bridal shower and choose a theme that will get everyone into the spirit of the occasion!
Also get inspired by the dozens of themed party favors available at The Sweet Occasion. While you’re there, make sure to check out the photos that photographer Katee Grace shot at Meehan’s Indian inspired bridal shower. The photos of Meehan’s bridal shower are simply awe-inspiring, colorful, and delightfully decorated.
The Bridesmaids Luncheon
