Bridal Shower Theme: Stock the Bar Shower

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Stock the Bar

What it is: Who wouldn't like this type of party? You're asking guests to bring over the essentials for a great bar-the liquor, the glasses, the mixes! As a result, the couple now have one less expense in setting up their house.

Best For: Every bride loves this type of shower, but it's an especially good choice for the bride who has already set up her house-she may have all the dishes she'll need but she could always use more bottles of wine. Since the atmosphere is not necessarily girly, this shower makes a great choice for a couples shower. It's usually best for the younger crowd-Aunt Edna might not appreciate buying a bottle of Jack Daniel's for her favorite niece.

Planning Tip:
- Instead of asking guests to write their favorite recipes down, ask guests to write their favorite alcoholic drinks like their favorite recipe for sangria or martinis.
-Combine it with the bachelorette party. The "stock the bar shower" can be earlier in the afternoon with the bachelorette bash at night.
-If the couple really loves wine, then you could make wine the focus. (Likewise for beer, martinis, margaritas, etc.)

Venue
-Be creative with where to have it. This doesn't have to be a stuffy shower in a hall. Wine schools, like the the Wine School of Philadelphia offer private classes with expert sommeliers who explain different types of wine. Rather have the bridal shower at home, then look for companies like the Traveling Vineyard which offers in-home wine tastings. Google local wine sommeliers in your area to find one whose willing to come out for the party.

Activities
-Obvious choice-a wine tasting! Of course, wine tastings are not the only thing you could do at a "stock the bar" shower; beer, margarita, martini, and even sake tastings could all be done.

-Make vodka infusions. Look at Infused Vodka for supplies and ideas-also check out the vodka infusion recipes and Vodka Infusion Party for tips on vodka infusions. (You could make some ahead of time to serve at the shower too or to give out as favors.)

-Decorate wine, margarita, or martini glasses. Cheap ones can usually be found at Walmart, Target, or yard sales. Use rub-on transfers, found at normal arts & crafts stores, to decorate glasses.

The Menu
Many choose to stick with the alcohol theme. You can build the entire shower around the bar!
Some ideas:
-Wine and cheese tasting
-Mexican-Serve Coronas, margaritas, along with Mexican food.
-Pub food like fish and chips, burgers, fries, along with beer.
-Beer and chocolate tasting.
Be sure to provide plenty of food if guests are going to be drinking. Also provide non-alcoholic drinks.

Registry
A stock the bar shower is a good choice for a shower when the bride hasn't registered-guests can simply go to their local liquor store and pick up some bottles. If the bride has registered, she probably added registry classics like wine glasses to her registry anyway. However, it never hurts to register just to be sure that the bride gets exactly what her and her groom drink. Try Vino Classics, Bottle Notes, or the local wine shop where the couple can create a wine registry.

Favors
If you're going to give out favors keep the theme in mind. Make infused vodkas like this one, cranberry infused vodka, ahead of time to give out as favors.

Invitations Wording
Soon (bride's name) & (groom's name)will no longer be single

So let's get together to mix & mingle

Join us for a Stock the Bar Shower...

He loves beer and she loves wine,
but the bride also loves barware so fine!
So bring some bar tools, or even beer
As we wish them a lifetime of happiness & cheer

Bride and Groom have finally set a date

Now it’s time to celebrate!

Help us stock their bar

Bring your favorite wine or cigar

Bride’s wedding is not far

Let’s gather to stock her bar

Fill her shelves with liquor and wine

So glasses won’t be empty when guests come to dine!