THE PERFECT PRE -WEDDING EVENT

Most typically, a bridal shower, is an opportunity for a bride or groom and their friends to celebrate, play games and establish support for a new stage in their life. The gifts given at these events are meant to assist the couple in equipping their new home, or to help the bride-to-be to assemble her trousseau (particularly the intimate trousseau of lotions, potions and novelties for the bedroom). This article will focus on sharing some tips on planning a great bridal shower.

In my experience, there are some essential elements that would make these special events memorable and positive, and also provide exciting anticipation of the wedding day (and night!).

Traditionally, bridal showers are given by the maid/ matron of honour, or close friend of the bride-to-be.

Let’s look at a few basic tips to consider for pulling off a pre-wedding blissful bash that your friends would remember forever!

Decide who will plan Typically, the host of the party is the maid of honour.

Unless it’s a surprise party, this person works out the details along with the bride.

Budget The bride-to-be’s maid traditionally decide this, along with other members of the bridal party. The couple’s family often helps by providing the location and/or invitations.

Guest List Organise your guest list by asking the bride-to-be who they would like to have. Get addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.

Invitations These can take the form of casual (a phone call) to the most formal (printed invitations). But follow-up to make sure numbers are confirmed.

Theme Not always necessary, but could make for a very interesting event. Think about the likes of the brideto- be and this can generate lot of ideas. (eg Beach theme, 1960’s theme, wine chocolate & cheese, or maybe even a leather and lace that’s more on the kinky side of things)

Selecting the menu Where possible, your menu should reflect your theme. Keep in mind any special dietary needs of your guests and definitely confirm numbers before taking care of catering.

Location & Decoration If you are planning a theme, consider matching the location or decoration. For example, for a beach theme, consider a location that includes a pool, and decorate the area with seashells, beachballs, ocean motifs etc. and of course, dress code should be relaxed and casual.

Plan in Advance It should normally happen around eight to four weeks before the wedding. Less stress on everyone!

Games & Entertainment Every fun bridal shower and bachelor party includes games and prizes! There are websites that provide great ideas for games and prizes for your party.

Include an Intimacy Product Consultant This in my opinion, is key to helping the bride-to-be put together her trousseau. These consultants bring a range of products that gives the bride-to-be and her bridal party, a chance to test drive “relationship enhancement products” before buying them. The consultant provides basic tips on sexuality, sexual health and communications skills for couples and demonstrates a wide array of bedroom accessories that highlight the ‘O’ in Romance.

There’s no better way to prepare the bride for the honeymoon night, and for the intimacy of marriage, than having an intimacy product party! The aim is to prepare the bride-to-be to have a most memorable honeymoon with tips, techniques and toys. Products featured include a taste of all the categories from bath to lingerie, from basic to high end toys and from vanilla to kinky.

Of course, the short cut is to just hire an event planner to do all of this for you. And another alternative is to have the intimacy consultant provide the games as entertainment, along with the demo of products.

This bridal shower is intended to be an unforgettable, laugh-out-loud party that teaches the bride-to-be how to keep the romance alive long after the honeymoon. So, make sure that in planning this event, you honour this purpose and send off the bride-to-be excited and prepared for this aspect of life after the wedding.

Onika Henry is a Tobago-based, trained Sex Educator (M Ed Human Sexuality) and a Certified Sex Coach. She designs and implements workshops, training, and psycho-educational counselling, to address sexual health concerns.

Website: www.onikahenry.com Contact: 381-3049