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Breaking Tradition: Can Bridal Showers Be Coed? The Pros And Cons

Sarah is the founder and lead writer for The Wedding Blog. With over 10 years of experience in the wedding industry, she's helped plan countless events across the country. Sarah started her career as a wedding planner in New York City where she thrived on the fast pace and creativity...

What To Know

  • This can be a great way to involve the groom-to-be and his friends and family in the wedding planning process, and it can also be a lot of fun.
  • The activities and games at your coed bridal shower should be fun and engaging for both men and women.
  • The gifts at a coed bridal shower are typically more practical than those at a traditional bridal shower.

Bridal showers have traditionally been seen as women-only events, but in recent years, there has been a growing trend towards coed bridal showers. This can be a great way to involve the groom-to-be and his friends and family in the wedding planning process, and it can also be a lot of fun. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning a coed bridal shower.

Pros and Cons of a Coed Bridal Shower:

Pros:

  • Inclusivity: Coed bridal showers are more inclusive and allow both sides of the family to come together and celebrate the upcoming wedding.
  • Fun: Coed bridal showers can be a lot of fun, as they allow for a wider variety of activities and games.
  • Unique: Coed bridal showers are still relatively unique, so they can be a memorable and special experience for the couple.

Cons:

  • Gender-specific activities: Some traditional bridal shower activities, such as lingerie showers or spa days, may not be appropriate for a coed shower.
  • Budget: Coed bridal showers can be more expensive than traditional bridal showers, as you will need to provide food and drinks for a larger number of guests.
  • Planning: Coed bridal showers can be more difficult to plan, as you will need to find activities and games that are appropriate for both men and women.

Things to Consider When Planning a Coed Bridal Shower:

  • Guest list: The first step in planning a coed bridal shower is to create a guest list. Be sure to include both the bride and groom’s friends and family, as well as any other important people in their lives.
  • Venue: The venue for your coed bridal shower should be large enough to accommodate all of your guests. It should also be a place where you can have fun and enjoy yourselves.
  • Food and drinks: The food and drinks at your coed bridal shower should be appropriate for both men and women. You may want to consider serving a buffet or having a variety of snacks and drinks available.
  • Activities and games: The activities and games at your coed bridal shower should be fun and engaging for both men and women. Some popular options include scavenger hunts, relay races, and karaoke.
  • Decorations: The decorations for your coed bridal shower should be festive and welcoming. You may want to use colors that are both masculine and feminine.
  • Gifts: The gifts at a coed bridal shower are typically more practical than those at a traditional bridal shower. Some popular options include gift cards, kitchenware, and home décor.

Etiquette for Coed Bridal Showers:

  • Invitations: When sending out invitations for your coed bridal shower, be sure to include both the bride and groom’s names. You should also specify that the shower is coed.
  • Dress code: The dress code for a coed bridal shower is typically casual or semi-formal. You may want to specify a dress code on the invitation.
  • Gifts: Guests should bring gifts that are appropriate for both the bride and groom. It is also a good idea to include a gift registry so that guests can choose a gift that the couple will love.
  • Thank-you notes: After the shower, the bride and groom should send thank-you notes to all of their guests. This is a great way to show your appreciation for their gifts and support.

Alternatives to a Coed Bridal Shower:

If you are not sure whether a coed bridal shower is right for you, there are a few other options to consider:

  • Couples’ shower: A couples’ shower is a great way to celebrate both the bride and groom. This type of shower is typically held closer to the wedding date and is attended by both the bride and groom’s friends and family.
  • Jack-and-Jill shower: A Jack-and-Jill shower is a coed shower that is typically hosted by the couple’s friends. This type of shower is typically more casual and less formal than a traditional bridal shower.
  • Engagement party: An engagement party is a great way to celebrate the couple’s engagement. This type of party is typically held shortly after the engagement is announced and is attended by both the bride and groom’s friends and family.

The Future of Coed Bridal Showers:

Coed bridal showers are becoming increasingly popular, and it is likely that this trend will continue in the years to come. As more and more couples choose to have coed weddings, it is only natural that they would want to have coed bridal showers as well.

Wrapping Up:

Coed bridal showers can be a great way to involve the groom-to-be and his friends and family in the wedding planning process, and they can also be a lot of fun. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning a coed bridal shower, such as the guest list, venue, food and drinks, activities and games, decorations, gifts, and etiquette. If you are not sure whether a coed bridal shower is right for you, there are a few other options to consider, such as a couples’ shower, Jack-and-Jill shower, or engagement party.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: What are the benefits of having a coed bridal shower?

A: Coed bridal showers can be more inclusive, fun, and unique than traditional bridal showers. They can also be a great way to involve the groom-to-be and his friends and family in the wedding planning process.

Q: What are some things to consider when planning a coed bridal shower?

A: When planning a coed bridal shower, you will need to consider the guest list, venue, food and drinks, activities and games, decorations, gifts, and etiquette.

Q: What is the difference between a coed bridal shower and a couples’ shower?

A: A coed bridal shower is a shower that is attended by both the bride and groom’s friends and family. A couples’ shower is a shower that is held closer to the wedding date and is attended by both the bride and groom.

Q: What is the difference between a coed bridal shower and a Jack-and-Jill shower?

A: A coed bridal shower is typically hosted by the bride’s family and friends, while a Jack-and-Jill shower is typically hosted by the couple’s friends. Jack-and-Jill showers are also typically more casual and less formal than coed bridal showers.

Q: What is the difference between a coed bridal shower and an engagement party?

A: A coed bridal shower is typically held after the engagement is announced and is attended by both the bride and groom’s friends and family. An engagement party is typically held shortly after the engagement is announced and is attended by both the bride and groom’s friends and family.

Sarah Greene

Sarah is the founder and lead writer for The Wedding Blog. With over 10 years of experience in the wedding industry, she's helped plan countless events across the country. Sarah started her career as a wedding planner in New York City where she thrived on the fast pace and creativity of big city weddings. She has worked with a range of clients from intimate elopements to large ceremonies with 200+ guests. When Sarah isn't scouting new venues or tasting cakes, you can find her traveling the world for inspiration. She's always on the lookout for the latest wedding trends and unique ideas she can share with readers. Sarah launched this blog to be a reliable resource for all things weddings. She wants to take some of the stress out of planning by providing helpful tips, budget-friendly solutions, and endless inspiration. Most of all, Sarah enjoys nothing more than seeing the look of joy on couples' faces on their big day. She looks forward to helping many more brides and grooms celebrate their love.
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