How to do Couples Shower

I love them but FH doesn't want to do anything, so I'll just have my traditional shower by myself.

I would definitely want my friends there! Especially given the fun atmosphere. Why would your Mom invite her own friends to your party??

I've never heard of having a couples shower and a bridal shower.. why have both? Talk to your mom about the guest list and see if she wants to invite more people or if you can decide who to cut together

My mom invited a couple of her friends, but these are more of family friends at this point, a handful of women who've known me my entire life. The only word of caution is only invite people who are invited to the wedding. If moms friends are and your fine with them coming, I say go for it.

I've never actually been to a couple shower that's been well executed. All of them that I've been to have been just like traditional, female only showers but there's guys stuck sitting there bored out of their minds.

It sounds like your FMIL and FSIL are off to a good start with the bowling idea. That actually sounds like fun for a mixed gender shower! I think the same rules apply for a couples shower as those that apply to a bridal shower: only invite people who are on your wedding guest list. Since showers are usually more intimate, they usually involve your closest friends and family. Some can be bigger than others, depending on the guest list size your hosts are comfortable hosting. The friends your mom wants there...are they also going to be invited to your wedding? I think as long as you and FH stick to a max of 30 guests like your FMIL and FSIL asked you to and you make sure they are the 30 closest friends and family on your guest list, then you're doing it right.

Thanks so much guys! Yes, the people for the shower are all coming to the wedding. My FMIL and FSIL had several showers for her wedding so they are trying to do the same for me. I thought it was one shower too! And I think My mom just wants to be involved in all the special stuff going on I guess. I think it would be easier to invite her girlfriends to the bridal shower. I suppose her friends could come to this one, I just don't know that everyone could bowl. They only reserved so many lanes. Thanks so much for the input, it definitely helped

I love the Rock N Bowl idea!! It sounds awesome!

I went to a couples shower this summer - they invited both immediate families, all of the wedding party and their SOs, and a few other close friends. They had a barbecue at a friend's house, so there wasn't really a space concern - that might be the only thing that limits your guest list!

Most men would rather have dental work done than attend a couples' shower. Trust me. I've been to two and the guys said, "Hello" and walked out.

FH and I are having a couples open house. We aren't in to the whole shower idea where you play games and open gifts in front of everyone. This way we can still meet all sides of the family and friends just without the traditional shower

It is so nice that they want to throw you multiple parties . It sounds like a lot of fun.

Here are my thoughts:

1. Only invite people who are invited to the wedding

2. Only invite people to ONE shower, not both (especially if they are gift giving showers)

So maybe leave your bridal shower for your girlfriends and the couples shower for family friends?

I think the key to a couples shower is to not make it a "shower" at all. The ones I've been to were just like a regular party. Food, booze, friends and family but then the couple opened gifts. No games or anything. Most people I know hate the games anyways.

You can have several showers, yes, depending on who is throwing it (family, friends, work people, church) but don't invite all the same people to all of them.

I'm not a fan of couples showers (from personal experience), unless its at a sports bar - men probably aren't interested. I know once the gift opening started, all the guys made a Bee- line to the bar

I would lean toward inviting your friends more than family or family friends. Of course invite some family but I feel like it's the one shower where everyone (especially the guys) would have an amazing time. I would ask you FMIL and your mom if there is any flexibility on the list for people to come to a traditional shower to open up some spots on the list for your couple friends.

This is not helpful, but I LOVE Rock N' Bowl. Many good memories there from previous trips to New Orleans.

@Rachel d. Rock N Bowl will be so much fun for a couples shower. It will get all the couples involved and it's a great atmosphere. FH and I went over Thanksgiving break with his family and I was blown away. For those that have never been it's not your typical bowling alley. There is a nice full bar and a very nice party room. I say you invite close friends of you and FH. Tell your mom that if there is another shower that is just for the ladies you will be happy to invite them then!

Thanks guys you are so helpful! I spoke to my mom today and she was surprisingly cool with it I was shocked. And I spoke to FH and he was happy about not being subjected to the more typical shower and something where he can enjoy the company of his friends! I'm gonna work on the guest list and hopefully it all works out. I think this'll be a nice memory to balance with the more traditional events. @kathleen and @tori so glad some of you are familiar with the place! It is super fun. I haven't been in a while. He and I actually haven't been there together yet so it'll be a new adventure for us! Thanks again, it is so helpful to have those going through the same things to bounce ideas off of and express concerns

I read "How do couples shower" Lol!!! Oops!