Showers
and Parties
WEDDING FESTIVITIES
Aside from the rehearsal dinner which is considered a part of the
wedding itself, there are several types of affairs that can
accompany the wedding, These can be a bridal luncheon given by
the bride or her attendants; the bachelor party given by the
groom or his friends; showers given for the bride or couple, and
receptions or general types of parties given in honor of the
couple.
THE BRIDE'S LUNCHEON
This is a relaxed, informal luncheon given by the bride or her
friends and it includes the mother of the bride and sometimes the
groom. This is a good time for a bride to give her attendants
their gifts and go over any last-minute plans. If you are
interested in tradition, you could serve a pink frosted cake and
a ring or thimble baked into it.
Sometimes the bride and groom give their
attendants a party jointly. It provides a time when people could
get to know each other.
THE BACHELOR PARTY
The bachelor party could be given by the groom or his friends. It
used to be held the night before the wedding. Nowadays it is
usually given a week or so before the wedding so the groom can
thoroughly enjoy the festivities and not be overstrained or
drained.
This is an opportune time for the groom to
hand out any presents he wishes to give his friends and work out
any details for the day.
BRIDAL SHOWERS
According to folklore, the first bridal shower is believed to
have taken place in Holland when a father disapproved of his
daughter's choice of a poor miller as a life partner. When the
father forbade the marriage, her friends "showered" her
with gifts so she would have the traditional dowry she needed to
set up housekeeping.
Showers are parties given in honor of the
bride and sometimes given for her and the groom. They are usually
afternoon or early evening. You could serve anything from light
refreshments to a full meal. Decorations could be used to set the
theme.
Usually only close friends and relatives are
invited and presents and gifts are given. Anyone can give a
shower. Gifts usually are centered around a couple's special
interests, such as wine, sports, cooking, or fine food.
PARTIES
Sometimes parties - not showers - are given to honor the bride
and groom. Gifts are not expected; the only obligation is to
enjoy the day and everyone's happiness. This could be a
breakfast, luncheon, cocktail party or dinner.
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