Planning + Design News - Bridal Showers and Parties

the pros and cons of having an engagement party or wedding shower before your wedding

Getting engaged is undoubtedly cause for celebration, but with all the planning ahead, you may wonder if throwing a fête to mark the occasion is worth it. Traditionally, the bride’s parents will host an initial gathering of close friends and family after the engagement, but more recently, couples have been hosting their own parties &#... More »

Fun Ideas for Combined Bachelor + Bachelorette Parties

From an intimate dinner to an exciting weekend getaway, gather party ideas to include all your guys and gals.

Remember that particular summer during middle school when, suddenly, coed parties were all the rage? With a hint of nostalgia and a flair for the nontraditional, conjoined bachelor/bachelorette parties are starting to come into style. Celebrities such as Tracy Morgan and Megan Wollover have opted to bring all of their friends together in a fun, ... More »

8 Exciting Bridal Shower Games Your Guests Will Love

From classics like The Newlywed Game to purse raids, get ideas for your wedding shower.

Bridal showers offer an opportunity for friends and family to celebrate the bride-to-be and "shower" her with gifts or advice. While the bride will certainly know everyone in attendance, her guests may not know each other – and nothing bonds guests quite like a common love for the bride, as well as fun bridal shower games and act... More »

The Best Hors d'Oeuvres to Serve at Your Engagement Party

Discover five easy-to-make appetizers that your guests will love.

Hors d'oeuvres and small bites engagement party ideas

When it comes to choosing the menu for your engagement party, it's important to have fun with the selections! This should be a special time in your life to celebrate with friends and family. Since you'll likely be busy spreading the news leading up to the event, we talked to Gaby Dalkin from the popular food blog What's Gaby Cooking to... More »

Would You Throw a Joint Bachelor/Bachelorette Party?

Why couples may have more fun at a co-ed celebration.

Should you host a co-ed bachelor or bachelorette party

Earlier this month, groom-to-be Tracy Morgan and his fiancée, Megan Wollover, hit a bowling alley for a joint bachelor/bachelorette party. The couple became the latest to buck tradition and celebrate the end of singledom together, with both male and female friends; Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson, Fergie and Josh Duhamel, and Nick Carter a... More »

6 Unique Bridal Shower Activities to Consider for Your Gathering

From wine tasting to gardening, discover alternative ideas for modern wedding showers.

Unique ideas for bridal showers and wedding showers

Bridal showers are an integral part of the wedding experience. They offer a time for the bride to get together with her loved ones (now men and women) to share marital wisdom – and often gifts – with the bride. Bridal showers typically feature activities such as placing gift bows on a paper plate, which can later be used as a ma... More »

3 Spring Looks for Bridal Showers

Get inspired by our trio of spring-themed ensembles perfect for brides.

This ladylike look features a dash of trending black that keeps the pink from appearing precious without sacrificing class. A pair of patterned gloves is the showstopping accessory that sets the bride apart, while delicate diamond earrings add a tiny touch of sparkle. Clockwise from left: A-line one-shoulder dress by Romona Keveza; "Miss Dior... More »

Getaway with your Gals (or Guys) Before the Big Day

Enjoy a lavish bachelor(ette) party at the W Scottsdale.

Brides and grooms can celebrate in style with their closests friends before the "I dos" with The Bachelor(ette) Luxury package offered by the W Scottsdale. The package includes a two-night stay in VIP accommodations, 24-hour limo service, $2,000 dining credit, and plenty of fun! Groups will enjoy a WOW cabana with bottle service at the W... More »

Five Unique Ideas for Bachelorette Parties Across America

Plan an unforgettable bachelorette party filled with adventure, pampering, nightlife, and more.

While bachelor parties typically insinuate a night of debauchery and adult activities, their female counterparts often include wine tastings, weekend getaways, and other bachelorette-bonding activities. Depending on the likes of the bride-to-be, activities for the bachelorette party can vary. If she enjoys adventure, the host should plan an ou... More »

Shower Gifts That Give Back

How your bridal shower can benefit charity.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we found three companies that specialize in ladies unmentionables who are donating 20-25% of the sales proceeds from select items to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, from the 1st through the 31st. The garments, which include sexy bras, a silk nighty, and a variety of pink demi camis for the ve... More »

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Pros and Cons: Hosting an Engagement Party

Discover the perks and drawbacks of hosting a celebration of your engagement.