In this section, you'll find all sorts of clever ideas for showers. The ideas are meant to spark your own creativity and give your brain something to chew on. You can always come up with something of your own, or add to the ideas here.
Themed showers are fun for several reasons—the planning is easier; the event is more memorable; the pictures are easy to identify; everyone remembers the event more clearly. If some of the following stuff sounds too far out, it's no big deal. There are some really conservative ideas tucked in here, too. The idea is that you and your guests and bride have fun and be comfortable. So browse through these lists and pick and choose what you like. You can mix and match ideas to come up with something of your own, or it may just spark a fresh idea. Have your co-host select her three favorite themes. You do the same and choose the one(s) that overlaps.
Sometimes, when I am planning a big party, I create it around an object to get a theme. A yellow plastic pineapple bowl I got at an ice cream parlor inspired several Hawaiian parties. Is your couple going to Maui for their honeymoon? You could try to theme your party on their romantic destination, her favorite hobby, something she's always wanted to do (bungee jump? parachute?) or just about anything else. Think about the other showers you have been to—or ones you two have been to together. What elements did she think were interesting or fun? What kinds of things bring back fond memories of your childhood together, if you knew one another way back then?
The kind of shower you choose will determine where and when you have it, too, as in afternoon or evening, weekend or weeknight. The traditional time to have it is about two weeks before the wedding, but it's even OK two nights before the wedding when the guys traditionally have their bachelor's party. (Two nights allows any hangovers to wear off so the groom is clear-headed when he says, “I do!”) If you think you want to try a surprise party, you should begin to pick a place or time she would least expect. Otherwise, and much easier, just call her and ask when would be most convenient, and surprise her with the details. (Which is a much more Day-Timer® way to do it in the very late ‘90s.)
Once you've given some thought to the kind of shower your bride would like most, then you can move on to the next step: choosing a theme. In the following section are some specific questions and answers that might help you focus more clearly before you choose.
