DP: People enjoy throwing theme parties. Are there currently any popular themes at bridal showers?
LI: Even though many people have the basics from living on their own before marriage, cooking and kitchen showers are still popular.
DP: Is there anything that people are doing to make kitchen showers more interesting?
LI: Guests come with recipes or they'll bring gag gifts for the wishing well, like X-rated refrigerator magnets. Some people give the bride a safe that looks like a can of Coca-cola. People are going wackier. For favors, they might give a cooking apron with the bride and groom's names silk-screened on it. Centerpieces might be measuring cups with wooden spoons tied together with a pretty bow. You can raffle them off or give them to the bride. I think a great theme would be building a shower around a cuisine that the couple likes, or play into their ethnicity in your choice of menu items.
DP: Are there any other suggestions you have for updating bridal showers?
LI: Showers are becoming more customized to the bride and groom's interests. Even if you'd like to host a traditional shower, you can always personalize the wishing well and make it fun. When I was married, my mom asked people to bring something writing-related for the wishing well. Some people gave me crayons!
DP: Do you have any final advice?
LI: The bottom line is to keep in mind the preferences of the bride and groom. What do they like, what will make them uncomfortable? For example, if you know the bride is trying to lose weight for her wedding (not that I advocate this), don't have a pastry shower and sabotage the bride's efforts. And as long as the shower is not going to be a surprise, when in doubt, consult with the bride.
