Bridal Shower Alternatives

Try one of these four fun, nontraditional ways to celebrate your pending marriage with the women in your life

By Meredith Levy and Tara Mandy
Editors of BFFBridal.com

Sipping tea and playing "Who Knows the Bride Best?" with every woman you know is a dream come true for some
girls. For others, it's like nails on a chalkboard. Fortunately, modern etiquette no longer dictates a prim and proper setting for a bridal shower (nor does it mandate opening gifts in front of everyone with a crown of ribbons and bows on your head). Here are some chic shower ideas your friends won't dread.

Arrange a wine tasting: If there isn't an organized program through a university or cooking institution in your area, be creative. Most wine stores have an in-house connoisseur who will come to your house and lead a simple wine-tasting session (say, three whites and three reds) for a fee. Or consider asking the sommelier at a local restaurant.

Go golfing: There's plenty of time for the aunts to dispense marital advice in between strokes, and the whole group can meet up at the 19th hole for cocktails and lunch. Personalized golf balls and tees make great (and affordable) favors too.

Learn to arrange flowers: Ask your local florist if they provide flower-arranging lessons in the shop (many do.) Most women would love to know how to create a stylish centerpiece for their dining room table. Plus, your guests can take home their arrangements as favors.

For something that really breaks the rules, organize a dinner party. Get a margarita machine and crank the dance mix on your iPod dock. There's no rule that says a bridal shower has to be during the day.

Tara and Meredith edit the wedding website BFFBridal.com