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Wedding lore differs on the origins of the bridal shower. One has it that back in the days when weddings were arranged by families, a poor Dutchman fell in love with a girl whose father denied her a dowry. So, her friends shook her with enough gifts to help the couple start a household.
It was the end of the 19th century, another story goes, and a soon-to-be-married woman was at a party, during which friends surreptitiously placed small packages inside her parasol. When she opened it up, she was 'showered' with the gifts.
For the modern couple, "Jack and Jill," or coed, showers are becoming increasingly popular; gifts and games should be geared to both genders. (Hey guys, that's not so tough. What man would not enjoy opening a box of sexy lingerie to be worn by his new wife on their honeymoon?)
Because lifestyles are so varied, so too are the showers. For the bride and groom who already have their basic household needs, for example, a shower could be focused on services – gift certificates to restaurants, beauty or health and fitness salons.
These days – gourmet food, garden and recipe showers are among the more popular themes for prenuptial celebrations.
For a sophisticated couples shower, wine tasting is recommended. Guests bring bottles of wine and champagne as gifts; the hosts serve wine and cheese at the party.
One couple hosted a shower with a Las Vegas theme. Their house was decorated like the inside of a casino, with the entrance to one of the rooms adorned as a wedding chapel. It did not mention gift ideas. But board games, theater and lottery tickets, restaurant gift certificates, satin sheets and cosmetics would be in keeping with the Las Vegas scene.
"Just for You" is a shower that features gifts that are personalized: engraved, initialed or monogrammed. They can include stationery, jewelry, desk and vanity items and linens. Gifts can include luggage, auto accessories, sports equipment, travel books, maps and picnic baskets.
I recently attended a shower for a friend with a "Through the Year" theme. Each guest was assigned a month and asked to give a gift appropriate to that month. One guest, who was given August, packed a beach bag with a towel, sunblock, water bottle and other sun-and-fun items for the bride-to-be. The December guest bought the future newlyweds their first Christmas ornament.
In conclusion, Traditionally, wedding showers have been intimate home-based affairs for the bride with close friends and family. But the current trend reflects larger, more elaborate events. And shower themes can be as varied as hosts' imaginations.
