Plan Wedding Showers Like a Pro...

There are so many wedding shower themes to choose from and coed showers are very popular, why not spice things up and plan a couple's shower? Speaking of 'spicing' things up, why not try a Mexican Fiesta? This fun theme is great for the bride-to-be and the groom.

Go Mexican with Your Wedding Shower Theme

For the bride-to-be, the thing she probably most looks forward to at her shower is all the gifts. But remember, we're inviting the groom, all his buddies, and the groomsmen to this fiesta and the most important thing for the guys is the food. And that's exactly why a Mexican fiesta is such a good theme for a coed shower.

You can really make an impression when you have a nacho bar at the shower. Make the centerpiece of the table a nacho cheese fountain. You can rent a chocolate fountain to use for your nacho cheese. All you have to do is thin the cheese down with a little bit of milk, make sure your cheese doesn't have any bits of salsa in it, and it flows out of the chocolate fountain perfectly.

Surround the fountain with baskets of different colored chips and have containers for toppings. Some toppings you'll need to include are different varieties of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, taco meat, and beans. Everyone serves himself or herself making your job as hostess super simple.

Make your arrangement attractive by putting the chips in baskets and the condiments and toppings in containers with a Mexican flair. Check home decorating stores to find serving pieces with Spanish influence, or use black wrought iron and black dishes. Fiesta™ dishes in the reds, yellows, and orange colors work well for this wedding shower theme too. See if you can borrow some from friends to put together a great look for the food table.

For drinks, you can have sodas, but be sure and add in a few Mexican drinks like sangria, margaritas, and anything made with tequila.

Mexican Fiesta Fun and Atmosphere

Guys aren't usually too crazy about playing wedding shower games, but if you play just a couple of printable games for wedding showers that are tailor-made for the couple or the Mexican theme; they'll like them much better.

To add to the Mexican wedding shower theme, don't forget to decorate with plenty of Mexican-themed decorations. Use colorful tablecloths draped with serapes or with a sombrero as the centerpiece. And don't forget to play Mexican music in the background for some possible dancing later in the shower.

Add all these ingredients together, plus the bride-to-be and the groom-to-be and you'll have a fantastic Mexican wedding shower theme that everyone will be sure to enjoy.

Posted by Patti at 7:56 AM | Permalink

Is it your turn to host a wedding shower? Are you tired of the same old bridal shower ideas and feel the need to do something a little bit different? If so, you need to make your next wedding shower a couples' shower. With just a few fun changes and by following these tips, your shower will be the bride and groom's favorite.

Tip #1 -- Get Couple Input

When you're hosting a shower for only the bride-to-be, you only have to worry about the date being convenient for her. With a couples' shower, you need to find a time that's not only good for the bride but the groom also.

You also need to talk to them about when most of their 'couple' friends can attend. While traditional showers tend to be Saturday brunches or Sunday after showers, couples like to do things on Friday and Saturday night. Suggest one of these times to see what suits the couple best.

Tip #2 -- Food

Champagne punch, cucumber sandwiches and other 'dainties' are great for all-women showers. But, when it comes to hosting couple showers, you need to keep the guys in mind - think robust and hearty.

During warm months, BBQs or cookouts are always a good idea. For colder months, consider a chili supper or Mexican buffet with all the fixings.

Tip #3 -- Location, Location, Location

Quiet, formal showers are great for women, but this idea probably won't fly with the guys. A backyard, park, or restaurant is more fitting for a couples' shower. This gives everyone room to mix and mingle and takes away the formal atmosphere.

Tip #4 -- Gifts

Men aren't real big on sitting around and watching the opening of gifts. Instead, try a gift display. Appoint one of your helpers or a co-hostess to take gifts as the couples arrive. Have this person open the gifts and display them in a prominent place where all guests can see them at some time during the shower.

Tip #5 -- Entertainment

While your bride and groom should be the main attraction of the shower, consider playing couples games or schedule the shower during a sporting event that most of the men would enjoy. Nix the traditional wedding shower games you play at bridal shower and think of something that will appeal to both sexes.

Hosting couple wedding shower is a fun alternative to traditional bridal showers. The next time it's your turn to host a shower, consider this idea for a change of pace. Follow these tips and get ready to have a blast at your couples' wedding shower.

Posted by Patti at 9:29 AM | Permalink