How to Host a Couples Wedding Shower

Instead of a traditional bridal shower, buck tradition and enjoy a couples wedding shower -- sometimes called a "Jack and Jill shower" -- that celebrates both the bride and the groom. This is an ideal option for a couple who wants to include the man, particularly if the bride isn't entirely comfortable with being in the spotlight for this traditional event. Because the guest list can get rather long, consider collapsing all the other prewedding events, such as the bachelor and bachelorette parties, into this one fete so guests aren't overtaxed with wedding celebrations.

A bridal shower often has a theme, such as a tea party. For a couples wedding shower, your theme options expand greatly. Take the couple's interests and personalities into account and consider hosting an outdoor barbecue, a stock-the-bar party or an evening cocktail party. You could also take a cue from their honeymoon plans; if they are going on a cruise, throw a bon voyage or nautical couples shower. From there, you can pull inspiration for decor from your theme, such as decorating with anchors, nautical flags and vintage suitcases for a cruise-themed party.

When you're choosing a design for the invitation, shy away from overly feminine options because, for this shower, the invitations should represent the tastes of both the bride and groom. Ensure that you note on the invitation that it's a couples shower, and both men and women are included. As always, include the date, time and location of the shower; offer the registry information and make it clear that the gifts should suit the happy couple, rather than just the bride. When addressing the invitations to a couple, include names of the man and the woman so it's clear that they're both invited.

Your theme will often dictate your menu, though you can cater to the taste of the bride and groom by including their favorite foods. A barbecue shower calls for classic grilling food, such as burgers, brats, potato salad and pies for dessert, while a cocktail party menu can feature finger foods such as cheese platters, crostini and shrimp cocktail. Skip the traditional bridal shower foods; male guests might not be thrilled at the prospect of tea sandwiches or quiche as an entree. At the bar, offer beer and wine and two signature cocktails -- the favorite drinks of the bride and the groom.

A game that engages both the bride and groom with their guests, such as an engagement version of "The Newlywed Game," can entertain and amuse. Put each half of the couple in a separate room and have them answer questions about each other and their relationship. Bring them back to the main party, read the questions and have each person try to guess what their betrothed's answer was. For a game that includes the guests, play "He Said, She Said." In this, use the questions that the couple answered separately; read the answers aloud and have the guests guess who said which answer. The person with the most points at the end of the game wins a prize. Opening the gifts is a traditional part of a bridal shower, but the soon-to-be newlyweds can choose if it's appropriate for their particular event.