Honey-Do Couples Bridal Shower

The origin of the bridal shower is a mystery. No one's sure when these social gatherings began, but the shower was originally intended to strengthen friendships between the bride and her confidants. It was an event where the bride would receive moral support and help from her closest friends while preparing for her marriage. Gift giving at these showers began in the 1890’s when a bride’s friend placed small gifts inside a parasol and opened it over the bride’s head so that the presents would "shower" over her. When word of this hit the fashion pages, people were so taken with the idea that the traditional bridal shower was born. ^[1]

As times have evolved, so has the bridal shower. Today's bride loves to include her mate in the festivities. No more petit fours and punch! Today's modern duo wants a PARTY - and they want it together! Considering the 21st century couple is often a pairing of two successful professionals about to purchase their first home, having a Jack-and-Jill Honey-Do Wedding Shower is a great way to supply the couple with the tools and supplies they'll be needing around the house.

Location

A Honey-Do Shower can be held indoors, outdoors or even in the garage (decorated of course)! An outdoor patio, a driveway or a nicely manicured lawn would all provide an appropriate setting. Of course, parks are always an option, but be sure to familiarize yourself with the park rules and regulations prior to reserving space or a pavilion. Alcohol is often prohibited, and most parks close at dark.

Guest List and Invitations

Find an invitation that features home or garden tools of any type. Below are two examples of wording that can be used:

"A shovel for the garden. A front door mat. Honey do this. Honey do that. Join us for a tool time shower!"

"Hammers and saws and drills that have power. Please come to a honey-do shower!"

Menu

Tea sandwiches won't cut the mustard at a Honey-Do Couples Bridal Shower. Food for any coed shower should always be hearty. Consider grilled meats, chili or hamburgers, and corn on the cob, a fruit plate (don't forget the honeydew melon!) or potato salad. You can also choose to do a potluck, inviting guests to bring their favorite dish. You can always serve grab-and-go foods like pizza, potato chips and brownies, or simple desserts like cupcakes or pies. Canned or bottled drinks, or bottles of wine can be chilled in a wheel barrel filled with ice for a decorative touch. If you're looking for a special themed drink, a "Melon Ball" or a "Happy Honey" cocktail would suit your party perfectly!

Decorations

Decorations for a Guy-friendly Bridal Shower should be simple and natural. Consider centerpieces of terra cotta pots, or paint or watering cans filled with garden flowers or tools. Tables can be made of sheets of plywood set on sawhorses! Set packets of seeds among the tables, or make a list of household chores on your computer; cut out each chore and sprinkle on the tabletops like confetti. Other cute additions would be small jars of honey or little sprigs of honeysuckle sitting on each table. Many of these decorative items can be used as prizes or sent home as favors when the shower ends.

Games and Activities

One party game can include giving the woman a "honey do" list and asking her to name the tool required to complete the task.

Another great game called "Honey-Do's" is available through bridalshowergamesatoz.com. This hysterical game lists different chores the new couple will need to divvy up among them once they're married. Players are instructed to determine who will be responsible for that chore. At the same time, the Bride and Groom-to-be are doing the same with the "Answer Key". Once the lists are completed, the answers are matched for some funny results.

Prizes for these games can be anything from small tools, to potted flowers, or seed packets.

Opening Gifts

Be sure to have the bride and groom-to-be sit together, so that they're both involved with the opening of the gifts. With tools involved, most guys won't get bored, but just in case, you can put them to work by assembling any gifts that may need to be put together.

Favors

Make use of the decorations you've set up around your party! You can use many of these items as favors, such as seed packets, small tools, or little jars of honey. Additional ideas for favors would be tiny terra cotta pots filled with a single flower, or "Honey-Do" list notepads. If you want to add a humorous twist, "Honey-Do" whistles can be found at buycostumes.com.