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Most women don't consider themselves super "girly girls," so when it comes time to have your bridal shower, it can sometimes be overwhelming thinking about such a fussy affair being thrown in your honor. When you start mentally planning the event in your mind--cheesy games, opening gifts in front of everyone, wearing a frilly dress-- it can start to sound like more of an obligation than a fun party.
Do not fret brides--there are some traditional bridal shower activities that you can absolutely skip. Just pass this story along to the person who is planning yours, or politely request that they skip. It's 2016--anything goes!
Over-the-top decorations: You don't really need any decorations (we're all adults here, we know what a party is), but especially not over-the-top, floor-to-ceiling ones like streamers, balloons or bunting. These make the room feel festive for some, but they're costly and often too much for a bride who doesn't like all the fuss.
Small flower arrangements should be more than enough to make the shower feel special for the bride.
Gift opening. If you're a low key person, the thought of opening each and every gift in front of the gift giver, in a big room with all eyes on you is kind of terrifying. What if your reaction isn't big enough? It's so much pressure and attention for such an extended period of time!
It's totally acceptable to skip this part of the party. Just make sure you send out thoughtful thank you notes the next week--people will want to hear how much you loved the gift they got you.
Cheesy games. If the thought of playing bridal shower games sends a chill down your spine--do not have them! They can be fun or funny if you find the right games and you have the right crowd--but they are absolutely not a necessity.
Only women. You don't have to have a bridal shower that is only women--if you have a close group of male family members and friends, ask your groom if he would be open to having a co-ed bridal party shower. This will take some of the fuss out of the event, too, guys just add a different vibe to the room.
Have beer and liquor in addition to wine, choose a venue and theme that is gender neutral, and make sure to give a speech as a couple at the end of the event that thanks both guys and gals for coming.
A dress code. You don't have to have cocktail attire if that's not your style. Asking everyone to put on a dress or a coat and tie on a Saturday is a lot to ask. Just tell everyone the dress is casual on the invite and take the pressure off everyone--including yourself!--to dress up.
A craft. There's a trend now for bridal shower hosts to come up with a DIY or crafting activity, such as flower crowns. Unless you're Martha Stewart, it's a lot of work to find a good craft, buy the supplies (including things like glue guns), then set up and clean up the tables. Remember--you also have regular party activities like opening bottles of wine and refreshing the dips to think about.
A bridal shower bouquet. If one of your guests knows how to make one, and jumps in and starts doing it while you're opening presents--by all means, don't stop them. But if you're planning a shower and don't know what this is or how to do one--don't worry, you don't need to look it up on Pinterest. It's totally optional and you can absolutely skip it.
