Fun ways to spice up a bridal shower

A party’s No. 1 function is supposed to be lots of fun. But unfortunately, bridal showers sometimes can fall into a great chasm of predictability, places where “fun” never seems to emerge.

If you’re in charge of planning a shower, try these ideas to kick off the good times and keep them coming.

Bridal Spotlight

Gather ingredients for a cake on the kitchen counter, with a few “extras” thrown in, like vinegar or yeast. Now ask the bride-to-be to make a cake from memory, including oven temperature and cooking time. Do this at the beginning of the shower, so that when it’s done everyone can taste-test and praise her baking adeptness or offer advice.

(It wouldn’t hurt to order a back-up dessert just in case)

Make it a Mixer

Who said bridal showers are for ladies only? Turn it into a get-together for all. Ask guests to bring gifts for a year’s worth of fun like concert and sporting events tickets, restaurant and movie gift cards. Show a movie and provide popcorn and candy or turn it into a themed dance party, focusing on the couples’ honeymoon destination. If they’re headed for Mexico, hire a dance teacher to teach everyone the salsa and serve fare like tamales, tres leches cake and tequila!

Crazy games

Spice up old-school shower games with some fun variations, like Hot Potato, only in this case place a risqué or silly clothing item in a paper bag and set a timer for 1 minute. Have the guests pass the bag around; when the timer goes off, the person left holding the bag has to wear it!

Two Truths and a Lie. Each guest introduces herself, telling two truths and one lie about themselves. Make them saucy and unbelievable and the game gets even more fun! Have the other guests shout out which one they think is the lie. You’ll end up knowing more about each guest than you care to and have much fun!

Gift ideas

Cozy Night in a Basket. Compile a basket for a cozy night in. Include a blanket, romantic movie, the couple's favorite snacks, and a pair of matching pajamas, perhaps monogrammed for a nice touch.

Date Night. Plan a date night for the new couple by giving them a certificate to their favorite restaurant and movie or concert tickets.

Opening suggestions

Break it Down. If there are many guests, divide gift-opening time into two or more segments; it’ll be a welcome relief for everyone especially if there’s a crowd and lots of gifts.

Give the Gift of Gag. Throw a gag gift in when you see guests start to tune out, and the party will liven up once more. (suggestions: racy lingerie, his/hers monogrammed undies)

Consider This New Trend. Request all gifts are brought unwrapped and display them on a gift table. It reduces the mess and waste of wrapping paper and the possibility of the shower turning into a snoozer!