Hosting A Wedding Shower
It all began one Sunday morning at church. Let me see the ring? What’s the date? Congratulations were being thrown right and left. Then the most exciting and horrifying words came out of my mouth, “Why don’t we have a wedding shower at my house?" Exciting, because I was so happy for this couple and wanted to contribute something to their joyous time. Horrifying, because now I had to come up with a great party for them.
At some point in our lives, we will put ourselves in a trying situation. Planning a wedding shower doesn’t have to be; in fact, this wedding shower turned out to be a wonderful experience. Traditionally this kind of party was called a bridal shower and involved only the female side of the equation. In fact, it was usually the bridesmaids that threw the bridal shower. Housewares and lingerie were the typical themes for the party; neither of which interested the groom. Well maybe he was interested in some of it – but he still wasn't invited to the bridal shower.
Today, wedding showers are given by anyone willing to throw the couple a party. Modern wedding shower themes include “stock the bar”, “handyman”, “Jack and Jill” or “lawn and garden”. The biggest trend in wedding showers is the participation of the bride and groom.
We (me, my spouse and two other couples) decide to host an outdoor shower with a lawn and garden theme. Our lawn and garden shower was a resounding success and as my great grandmother would say “a good time was had by all”. Lucky the co-hosts were well versed in the dos and don’ts of hosting a wedding shower. Here are our tips for hosting an outdoor wedding shower.The number one rule, in hosting outdoor parties, is to have a contingency plan. Be prepared to move the party indoors if the weather doesn’t co-operate. Also keep in mind, not everyone is enamored of the outdoors and some guests will naturally navigate themselves to an interior space. So concentrate on the outdoor decorations but include some of those decorations inside as well.
Secondly consider the season. Hosting a wedding shower outdoors can have limitations based on the region in which the party will be held. Having an outdoor wedding shower in Wisconsin during January would not be wise unless Frosty the Snowman is getting married. The sweltering heat of August makes outdoor wedding showers unbearable in the Deep South. Guests should be comfortable without the need for supplemental heat or air conditioning. Stress that the wedding shower will take place outdoors on the shower invitation. This will enable guests to dress appropriately. You can even mention casual dress on the invitation.
It is also important to consider the possibility of uninvited guests. You know the ones that fly or crawl in uninvited. If you live in a region that has mosquitoes, spray the lawn and patio areas the day before the party. This will also help somewhat with flies and crawling insects. You may also want to have a supply of picnic plate covers on hand for the event. When it comes to decorations for an outdoor wedding shower the key is to understand the effects of outdoor temperature on decorations. Use sturdy flowers that will not wilt in the heat or become battered by light breezes. Think outside of the traditional flower arrangements and use blooming plants. Consult with your florist on how the weather will affect your balloon bouquets. You may need to incorporate tents or outdoor umbrellas in the decorations so that guests have a reprieve from the sun.
Timing is everything. This is especially true for an outdoor wedding shower. Most outdoor showers are hosted during the day so lighting isn’t a problem. However, if your shower is late afternoon there is a chance that the sun will go down before the guests leave; a lighting plan is crucial in this scenario. You will need ample lighting in all the guests’ areas and well-lit pathways. Be sure to turn on the lights well before it becomes dark.
Humidity and temperature can affect the stability of food. When you design your serving area allow for heating and cooling equipment for the food. Select foods that can take heat & humidity. A tier cake with butter cream frosting may fall over in a hot humid situation; instead use a cake with fondant icing.
Lawn areas are a particular tricky situation. Mowing should be done three to four days ahead of time. Mulching and trimming of shrub beds should take place at least two weeks before the party. If the ground is soggy because of rain, you may need to construct some hard pathways.
Although a lawn and garden shower tends to lend itself to informal, your outdoor wedding shower can be formal or informal. The key in hosting an outdoor party is keeping the comfort of your guests in mind and incorporating an appropriate theme. With a little extra forethought and planning, hosting an outdoor wedding shower can be an enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
Remember if you find yourself hosting a wedding shower, take a deep breath, follow the tips and have fun.
To see more pictures from the outdoor wedding shower go to Wedding and Party Network's Wedding Shower Photo Gallery.
Need help planning a wedding shower. Check out resources for the following:
Wedding Shower Invitations
Caterers
Tent Rentals
Local Florists
Party Favors
Wedding Shower Cakes
Contributor: Jamie Jamison Adams
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