What’s a Stock-the-Kitchen Bridal Shower?
Bridal showers have come a long way since our moms (or maybe even some of us!) got married. These days, the guest list sometimes now includes the groom and all his buddies. Sometimes the gifts don’t even get wrapped (it’s called a display shower). And sometimes there are no gifts at all!
There are all sorts of themes, games, and decoration ideas (thanks, Pinterest!). And we love seeing all the new takes on the traditional event, but there’s one that’s quickly become our favorite: the super-fun — and appropriately named — stock-the-kitchen bridal shower.
What’s a Stock-the-Kitchen Bridal Shower?
The idea is simple: The entire point of the party (aside from celebrating the bride) is to help the couple fill their kitchen with everything they could possibly need. Every gift, decoration, and game is kitchen-related. There are no gifts of vacuums, towels, or bedding — it’s all kitchen, all the time. While this theme might not be super useful for a couple who already has a ton of stuff — or doesn’t like to cook — it’s perfect for younger love birds who grew up watching Food Network and The Great British Bake Off.
5 Fun Ideas to Steal
Planning a stock-the-kitchen shower? Yay! Here are some things you can do to make it all feel extra special.
1. Think outside of the guest book.
Instead of a boring old guest book, have people sign an iconic cookbook for the bride to keep. Or take the idea a step further: Get a porcelain paint pen and have people sign a giant platter (it just needs to be baked in the oven and the ink will set). Or send everyone a blank recipe card with the shower invitation. Ask them to fill it out ahead of time with the instructions for their favorite go-to dish and drop it into a recipe box on their way into the party on the day of.
2. Reinvent the games.
We know very few women who want to wear wedding dresses made out of toilet paper. (If you don’t know what we’re talking about, be glad.) Instead of the typical cheesy bridal shower games, think about some kitchen-related ones. We love this idea from Blue I Style to have people look at and smell (but not taste!) various spices and guess what they are.
Get even more game ideas: 5 Bridal Shower Games That Are Actually Fun
3. Skip the flowers.
To be extra kitchen-focused, consider using fresh herbs, citrus, or produce as your table centerpieces. Or, if you really want to have flowers, put them in pitchers, stemless wine glasses, or painted aluminum cans to keep with the kitchen theme.
4. Make it a cooking event!
Some brides feel uncomfortable being the center of attention during a shower. (Everyone watch me open presents!) Help take some of the spotlight away from her by making the party more of an interactive event. If the afternoon is spent decorating cupcakes, making pasta from scratch, or baking pies, everyone will have a (fun) job to do and they’ll have less time to fuss over the bride. Even if the bride likes the spotlight, a cooking class or activity could still be a fun way to entertain guests.
5. Continue the theme with the favors.
Keep the theme going through the very end and send guests home with something kitchen-related. We always love a good wooden spoon, an edible treat, or some sort of kitchen linen. Just look at these tea towels from blogger Miranda Walker!
Have you ever thrown a stock-the-kitchen shower? What cool things did you plan? Would you throw one in the future?