Couples Showers for Both the Bride and Groom Are Becoming Very Popular

As the maid of honor in my best friend's wedding, I offered to throw her a bridal shower. I told her it could be any type of shower she wants...in my house, at a restaurant, with or without games, etc. But I have to admit, she really threw me for a loop when she told me she and her groom-to-be wanted a couples shower.

I immediately asked around for ideas about throwing a couples shower, and was pleased that several people I knew had been in the same situation as me: slightly overwhelmed and confused. For those of you who are also pondering what to do, here's a guide on how to plan a successful couples shower:

First off, get the bride and groom to give you a guest list for the shower. In order to provide enough food, entertainment, etc., you have to know about how many people to expect. As the name suggests, many invites will go to couples the engaged pair is friends with. For their single friends, imply that they are welcome to bring a guest. This lessens the likelyhood of people feeling as if they're the "third wheel."

Once you've got a guest list, start brainstorming about the theme of the shower. The invitations and decorations can all be centered around the theme for a festive and memorable experience. Some examples are:

The Great Outdoors: Does the engaged couple love camping, fishing or hiking? This theme is perfect for the nature-loving pair. Invitations could have a tree or leaf pattern, and for decorations, string lights from trees, have picnic tables with old-fashioned checkered table cloths, and even include a campfire for marshmallow toasting. For a great outdoorsy setting, check into reserving a picnic shelter or similar venue at a local park.

Viva Las Vegas: This idea is great for a couple who loves to gamble or play poker. Party supplies stores carry all sorts of decorations for a Vegas-themed party. Serve beverages in fancy (but inexpensive) plastic cocktail glasses, offer guests card tables for impromptu games of poker or blackjack, and add poker chips to the centerpieces for tables. Favors could be a deck of cards for each guest.