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A Do or a Don't: Bridal Shower Games

DearSugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:00:00 -0700

Wedding showers are notorious for their getting-to-know-you games, like making a wedding dress out of toilet paper or seeing how few times you can say the word "wedding." Though in theory, games should be fun, sometimes they’re just not! I love the idea of doing something at the shower that both the young and old can participate in, but I think that the typical games can be a little blah if not flat-out cheesy. But ladies, what do you think? Are shower games a do or a don’t?

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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Come Party With Me: Bridal Brunch - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:30:58 -0700

Brunch is an ideal time to throw a bridal shower. The female-only event is normally hosted by a nonfamily member or the maid of honor. If you're invited to a bridal shower, it's customary to bring a gift. Often the shower will have a gift theme (like all kitchen gear, lingerie, etc.) and games. For Ronda's bridal brunch, we're keeping things simple and sophisticated with a smorgasbord of delicious breakfast foods. After the main course has been devoured, guests can enjoy coffee or tea with a scrumptious cherry breakfast cake. To look at the easy make-ahead recipe that would be welcome on any Mother's Day menu, read more.

Cherry Breakfast Cake
From Everyday with Rachael Ray

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 sticks (12 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
Two 10-ounce bags frozen cherries, thawed and drained

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, using your fingers, combine 3 cups flour, the brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix in all but 2 tablespoons butter until large crumbs form; set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, the egg and the buttermilk.
In a medium bowl, stir together the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour, the granulated sugar, baking powder and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the egg mixture and stir to form a thick, smooth batter.
Fold about a third of the reserved crumb mixture into the batter; spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Scatter the cherries over the batter; sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top. Bake the cake until golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool for about 20 minutes before serving.

Serves 8-12.

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Capture It! Photo and Media Guide For Prewedding Parties

GeekSugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:32:37 -0700

Bridal showers and bachelorette parties are low-stress trials for the big day. They help build anticipation for the main event and allow brides-to-be the opportunity to be showered (pun intended!) with love, laughter and encouragement from her closest friends. There are plenty of online services that will help the hostess prepare for the party - from invitation websites to games - but it's crucial to come up with a plan for capturing special moments on the day of mindless fun. If the lady of the night is planning on tricking out her wedding reception with cameras, video games, or photo booths, she's likely the type of gal who wants her shower or bachelorette party memories snapped as well. Follow these suggestions to ensure you get every sweet and silly moment on record.

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The How-To Lounge: Bridal Shower Etiquette

DearSugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Traditionally a bridal shower is an opportunity for women to get together to "shower" the bride in the presents that she’ll need to make a home. While certainly times have changed in terms of wedding etiquette, generally, bridal showers have remained the same. To find out some basic shower etiquette and ways to make this traditional event more contemporary, read more.

Typically the shower is thrown and planned by the maid of honor and/or a female relative - the bride’s mother may be involved in the planning, but she's not in charge of the occasion.
Women who are not invited to the wedding should not be asked to attend the bridal shower. However, of the wedding invitees, feel free to ask everyone from coworkers to great-grandmothers.
Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to have a co-ed shower, which is usually thrown at night and is more similar to a traditional engagement party. But if you're planning the occasion, be sure to check in with the bride and groom and see what works for them.
Showers usually take place four to eight weeks before the wedding day in order to ensure the bride isn’t completely overwhelmed with scheduling right before the big day. If multiple showers are being thrown, the more time that’s given the better. You want the bride’s shower to be special, not another thing she has to stress over.
Formal invitations are expected for bridal showers. If you're following a specific theme, make sure to either utilize it in the look of the invitation or mention it within. While the invites can include an insert mentioning the couple’s website and gift registry, it's best not to include that information on the invitation itself.
Though many showers incorporate games and themes, neither of these are necessary. Just make sure that whatever is chosen works for the brides and keeps in mind that women of all ages will be attending.

Bridal showers may not be as exciting a bachelorette party, but they should still be fun, so don't be afraid to think outside of the box and try something totally untraditional!

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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How To Throw A Power Shower

DearSugar — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 08:15:44 -0800

Dear Sugar
I have offered to throw a bridal shower for my cousin in a couple weeks and I have to work fast. There will be two distinct groups present at the shower. Do you know of any games to play to set the tone so that everyone can mingle a little bit and get to know each other? I'm kind of picky and I don't want to do anything cheesy. The bride is also easily embarrassed and I don’t want to do anything to make her feel too uncomfortable.

We are very close, but I am actually not the maid-of-honor. Her MOH is her best friend from childhood, but she’s kind of a flake. Do you think that I should let her know ahead of time about the planning so that she won't feel left out? Am I stepping on her toes by throwing this shower to begin with? This entire wedding has been so stressful on so many levels and I certainly don’t need any more tension. Concerned Cousin

To see DEARSUGAR’s answer read more

Dear Concerned Cousin
If you are concerned about tension and causing more trouble, I suggest that you ask the bride what she suggests you do about her Maid Of Honor. She may say that her MOH has many responsibilities and she’s relieved that someone has offered to take care of the shower for her. Or she may ask you to please call her and to include her because she’s very sensitive and will feel left out.

Technically speaking, if you sent out invitations for the shower, the MOH should be contacting you when she RSVP’s and offering her help to you. However, if she’s a flake, she may not think to do this. I would see what the bride says and take it from there. If you are detecting tension or nervousness from the bride, then just call her MOH and clear the air…it can’t hurt.

The following shower games are fun and very “politically correct” icebreakers for groups of women who don’t know each other. An oldie but goodie is Paired Bingo; ask the gals to partner up with whoever is sitting next to them. Prepare game boards with bridal registry items. As she opens her gifts, you can call out the items. The first pair to win bingo gets a token gift such as: a candle, a box of girly stationary or candy.

Bridal Word Scramble is also fun. Have the ladies break up into groups of three and have a list of 15 bride specific or wedding related words to unscramble. The first to get them all screams out the groom's name. Ideas for words are: lingerie, joint checking account, engagement party, the location of their honeymoon, etc…

There's Movie Love Songs Match-Up. Create a card with a list of 15 romance movies and number them 1-15 leaving a blank space by their number. Make another column next to the movies and list the 15 theme songs from the movie with a letter next to them. Have the girls break up into groups to figure out which song goes with which movie. The first group to match up all 15, wins!

This is more of an activity than a game; but you can have everyone write out a piece of advice for the bride and submit it into a big bowl anonymously. Have the bride pick a card from the bowl and read the entry aloud. The bride then has to guess who wrote the advice. If she guesses right, the one who submitted the card gets a prize. For a few more ideas click here. I hope this helps. That’s very nice of you to throw your cousin such a thoughtful shower. Have fun and good luck.

Wedding Parties Week in Review

DearSugar — Sat, 17 May 2008 09:21:30 -0700

Just in case you missed any of the wedding party week coverage here on Dear, you can check out my recap below!

Coed parties are the new trend, but are they a good idea or a bad idea?
Learn all the proper etiquette when it comes to throwing a bachelorette party or bridal shower.
What do you think? How many pre-wedding parties are too many?
Managing family issues during your wedding can be a real struggle, so check out my advice for dealing with a demanding sister-in-law, estranged relatives, and a familial rift.
Would you want to know what goes on at your man's bachelor party?
Make sure to check out the newest installment in Dear's wedding timeline series for your wedding planning needs.
Bachelorette parties can range from totally wild to spa-day relaxing. What kind do you want?
When it comes to party entertainment, are bridal shower games and penis paraphernalia dos or don'ts?

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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Bachelorette Weekend: A Spa Pampering Party

BellaSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 07:00:43 -0700

It's Wedding Party Week on the Sugar network, so I'll be bringing you a few beauty posts related to bridal showers and bachelorette bashes. Traditionally, showers involve gift-giving and cutesy games, while bachelorette weekends are all about getting wild and crazy. For those of you tamer, or less thrill-seeking brides, why not consider another option such as a spa party? This relaxing alternative allows you and your friends to spend some quality time together getting pampered and primped.

I understand that a weekend away or even a day at a spa can be indulgent and costly, so thankfully, there are a number of companies that can bring spa parties to your home. For example, Sparty is billed as a blend of spa treatments and cocktails. Their bachlelorette bash option allows you to choose from an assortment of bridal-themed drinks, food, massages and goodie bags. Prices vary depending on the options, but my best guess is that you'll likely be paying somewhere between $150 – $300 per person. Sparties are available in eleven cities nationwide. For four more options, read more.

MobileSpa Bachelorette Party has a customizable bachelorette spa package that allows you (or the bride) to decide what treatments will be offered. Expect to pay between $150 - $250 per person.
Puur Spa Parties has a lot of fun options for large or small groups, including hair and makeup services and body treatments. I've read up on the Rejuvenate Mini-Spa package which includes a facial, massage, and a hand or foot spa for $140 a pop - not bad.
Spa Lot of Fun Party brings manicurists, masseuses, facialists (or whatever you desire) to your home to perform spa treatments on you and your friends. Prices and locations vary.
For those of you who are especially budget-conscious, you can design a DIY Spa Party. Make a couple of fun cocktails, a few finger noshes and some DIY spa treatments. As an added touch, in the background, play the bride's favorite wedding-themed movie!

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.
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Let's Get This Party Started

DearSugar — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 14:16:40 -0800

Dear Sugar
I am in charge of throwing a bridal shower for a great friend of mine. I am growing bored of finger sandwiches and "lovely" conversations. These events have the potential to be really fun, but usually they are stuffy and contrived. I want this shower to be fabulous since I am the hostess. Do you have any ideas of games that we could play that are family appropriate? Always A Bridesmaid

Dear Always A Bridesmaid
There's Bingo. Make enough Bingo cards for each guest and fill the boxes in with the gifts you expect the bride to open such as: lingerie, serving pieces, gravy boat, etc... Whoever gets Bingo first, wins a prize. There's the video idea. Ask the groom a series of questions and tape his answers. During the shower, ask the bride the same questions, and then compare her answer to the groom's (that you play for the crowd). If you get creative with the questions, it's a lot of fun. You could also create a crossword puzzle for each table to work on together (this helps with the mingling). Make all of the clues about the bride. Just remember to mix up the clues with some things say only the family would know, or only work friends or good friends would know. This way everyone has a fair shot at the prize. Lastly playing Mad Libs at showers is hysterical. Write a story about how the bride and groom met. Make it funny so when the tables each read their versions, they are both ridiculous and hilarious. Hopefully you all don't think I am too corny and you get the point that bridal showers can be fun!

Come Party With Me: Bridal Shower - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:03:58 -0700

When I picture a bridal shower, a dainty miniature dessert comes to mind. A bite sized dessert is perfect for a shower where an all female crowd will not want to consume anything too heavy or rich.

These luscious looking, little lemon meringue pies are tiny and delectable. Serve after opening presents or playing games with purchased chocolate truffles, sparkling wine, and tea.

For more wedding ideas go to IDoSugar. To take a look at the recipe, please read more.

Little Lemon Meringue Pies
From Food Network Kitchens

Ingredients

Crust:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature (3/4 stick)
3 tablespoons sugar
Pinch fine salt
1 large egg yolk
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sour cream or yogurt
Lemon Filling:
1/3 cups sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
Meringue:
1/4 cup egg whites (about 2 large eggs)
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Pinch fine salt
1 (6-cup) standard nonstick muffin tin

Directions

Make crust: beat the butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high until smooth. Add the sugar and salt and continue to beat until evenly combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat in the egg yolk.
Add half of the flour, beating until just crumbly. Scrape down the bowl again; add the remaining flour and then the sour cream or yogurt, beating just until the dough is evenly moistened. Turn dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead lightly to bring it together.
Roll the dough between 2 generously floured sheets of waxed or parchment paper into a circle about 1/4-inch thick with a rolling pin. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Cut out 6 (4 1/2-inch) rounds using an inverted bowl or round cookie cutter.
Place rounds in the muffin tins and, using a small shot glass or your fingers, press into the corners and about halfway up the sides for a snug fit (see photo). Freeze dough in the muffin tin for 30 minutes.
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 325°F. Spray the outside of 6 standard muffin liners with cooking spray and place in the crusts. Fill with dried beans or pie weights.
Bake crusts until just brown around the edges, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for about 1 minute; then carefully remove the muffin liners and baking beans.
Return pan to the oven and continue to bake until crusts are cooked through and evenly browned (see photo), about 15 to 20 minutes more. Cool slightly. Then carefully remove crusts from the muffin tin and cool completely on a rack.
Make lemon filling: combine the sugar, cornstarch, and yolks in a nonreactive saucepan. Whisk constantly over medium-low heat until the mixture is smooth and sugar dissolves, about 1 minute.
Add the lemon and lime juice and zest and continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is as thick as sour cream and is just about to simmer, 3 to 4 minutes. (Take care to stir into the sides of the pot so that all curd thickens evenly.)
Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Whisk in the butter a little at a time, until smooth. Stir occasionally until cooled. (Setting the bowl in a larger bowl of ice will speed this up.). Fill each tartlet with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the cool lemon filling.
Make meringue: bring a few inches of water to a boil in a saucepan that can hold a standing mixer's bowl above the water. Whisk together the egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt in the bowl by hand. Set the bowl above the boiling water and continue whisking until the mixture is hot to the touch (135°F) and the sugar dissolves, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Transfer the bowl to the mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat the whites at medium-high speed until they hold soft peaks. Increase speed to high and continue to beat to make a stiff, cool meringue, about 10 minutes.
Dollop or pipe on top of the filling.
Just before serving, preheat the broiler to high. Set the pies on a baking sheet, and place under the broiler until the meringue is evenly toasted, about 2 minutes. (Alternatively, brown meringue with a blowtorch.) Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serves 6.

Make ahead: the crusts can be made, baked and frozen up to 2 weeks. The curd can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. The meringue can be made up to 1 day in advance and refrigerated. They can be refrigerated for up to 2 days These also freeze wonderfully! They can be assembled and frozen up to 1 week in advance. Defrost for 20 minutes before broiling the tops and serving.

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Sugar Shout Out: Fraggle Rock Is Coming Back!

PopSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:06:28 -0700

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