The co-ed bridal shower, or Jack and Jill shower, can be a fun extension of the wedding celebration. After the engagement, friends and family can use this party as a time to meet, socialize, and celebrate the newly engaged!

THE SETTING 

Hosting at home can be great, but it always involves lots of cleaning and to do’s before, during, and after the event. As the couple may have selected their reception venue, reach out to see if the site has another room, patio, or even poolside area available to host this special occasion. It’s the perfect way for you and your guests to get familiar with the location, and it may be a less stressful process for you, knowing you’ll have professional wait staff to assist in the set-up, taking care of guests and clean up too. It may also save you valuable time ‘shopping’ around, and you may be able to save money and work out a great deal! 

THE MENU 

As the shower is traditionally a more casual affair than the wedding, consider hosting some of the couples’ favorite foods. Maybe they’re big burger lovers, BBQ-ers or love some tacos, chips & salsa. Keep the menu simple, easy, and have a vegetarian dish just in case (e.g., veggie patties, cheese quesadillas, or a salad). If you’ve extended the co-ed shower to be a family affair, don’t forget to have a few kid-friendly items too. Ensure that there’s water and a non-alcoholic beverage like iced tea or lemonade, or coffee and hot cocoa dependent on the time of day and weather. If your family is like mine, also have a few good beers and liquor options available too; use the couples’ favorite libations as signature cocktails. 

THE GAMES 

You don’t always need games, but if you do, wedding movie charades can be fun. If you want to do a little homework and interview the couple beforehand, you can play “who said it” (paper version: circling names or out loud with the crowd) or the “newlywed game,” just like the TV show. If you’re at the park, beach, or have a big backyard, you can play some volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, or flag football. You could even consider hosting a casino night or play poker with the family and just hang out. Know your audience and offer games that make sense for your crowd and venue. 

THE KEEPSAKES & FAVORS

Mad libs cards are the best way to collect cute and funny messages for the happy couple to enjoy many months later. You can even have guests write a love note, wishes or words of advice for the happy couple. And as the couple may be starting their home together, ask guests to bring a recipe or two, and start a cookbook for them. Regarding favors, guests may forget the little tchotchkes, but edible or practical take-homes usually go over well (e.g., salt water taffy, truffles, mini bottles of alcohol, koozies, tote bags, etc.)  Think of the couples’ personalities and I’m sure you’ll find the perfect fit. 

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Cheers & happy event planning!