Get a signed copy of our latest book, Emily Post's Etiquette - The Centennial Edition, for yourself or to give as a gift, and support Vermont's independent bookstore Bridgeside Books.

Order Your Signed Copy

Join our Substack newsletter for more from Emily Post.

Shower Themes on a Budget Hero Label

Shower Themes on a Budget

Between purchasing wedding gifts and sharing expenses for showers and other parties, people near and dear to the bride and groom can end up spending quite a bit in the name of the couple's lifelong happiness. That's why showers that focus on gifts that don't require a huge bank account are so special. In fact, these types of showers often inspire greater thought—and more interesting results—than simply picking something from of a registry. Here are some terrific ideas for low-cost shower themes:

Recipes: Send note cards or matching paper with the invitations, asking everyone to write down their favorite recipe for the couple. These can be put into a recipe box or a photo album for the couple to use. A nice touch is to have everyone explain why the recipe is their favorite (their grandmother's apple pie; the easiest dinner ever; the pancake batter recipe they made up themselves).
Labor of love: Guests are asked to pledge a service to the couple. Promises might be for an afternoon of gardening, baking them cookies, or washing their car.
Handmade: This shower has a very personal touch, while also helping to keep gift budgets low. Gifts can be anything, so long as they are handmade - by you, not a master wood carver.
Sage advice: Guests are asked to write out a piece of marriage advice. My advice: As with the recipes, send out standard-sized note cards or paper that can be collected to make a book or mounted in a photo album. Words of wisdom might range from sage to sassy, including maxims like "Never go to bed angry" or "Remember: she's always right."
Memories: Write a favorite memory you have of the bride. At the end, the bride will have a beautiful collection of favorite memories from her friends and family. Examples might include the first time you met her, the moment you knew you'd be friends for life, or the day she told you she got engaged.

Adapted from Emily Post's Wedding Parties by Anna Post.