2torial #0719:
Learn2 Host a Wedding Shower (continued)

Plan the activities and decorations

The main event of a shower is the gift opening, with accompanying oohs and aahs. Food and conversation--especially among those who are good friends--often suffice to fill up the rest of the time. However, you may wish to plan one or two activities to liven things up.

Play some games. Games are great icebreakers if some of your guests don't know each other. Books and websites on shower planning list a multitude of shower games. If the shower is for both bride and groom, a version of the "newlywed game" can be great fun: Each of them tries to answer a set of questions as they think the other would.

When many guests don't know each other, consider playing "who am I?": Anonymously, each guest writes on an index card a memory that he or she shares with the guest(s) of honor. Then the bride or groom has to read the cards aloud and guess who wrote each.

When choosing games, think of what the guests--the bride in particular--would enjoy. The best shower games are lighthearted and don't embarrass anyone.

Ask guests to share advice. Either pass around a blank book for guests to write in during the course of the shower, or ask each to share a favorite piece of marital advice aloud (have someone write these down for later presentation to the bride and groom).

Decorate--or not. If you're so inclined, decorate the room with flowers, candles, and accents in the bride's chosen wedding colors. Decoration is a nice touch, but it's not necessary to the party. Do it only if you enjoy it and have the time.