Planning for games at a shower/party can be one of the hardest parts of prep work. Games often need to be personal, but also fun for a wide age range. When in doubt, the more competitive & personal you can make it, the better! And don't save this task for the last minute or you'll be sorry you did!
At my sister's bridal shower (see here) I planned several games which I will share in hopes of making someone else's life just a little bit easier :)
Who Has the Groom
First I had a "door prize" to get everybody loosened up and ready for some fun!
Taped to the bottom of each guest's chair was an envelope that said "who has the groom?"
Inside the envelopes was a print out of a tuxedo that had a picture of a celebrity male's head attached (that was a very weird sentance to type, please see the picture above :).
In one envelope, instead of a celebrity was the groom's head and the lucky person with that envelope won the door prize!
Here's the doc of tuxedo's that I printed (all I did was search for the image of a "tuxedo" on google and put it in a doc for easy printing and cutting). I cut out celebrity heads from a magazine and then taped them onto the printed tuxedo. I then wrote the name of the celebrity on the bottom of the card (Mr. Tom Cruise or Mr. Zac Efron...) and put each card in an envelope. I printed "who has the groom" on label's for the outside of the envelope, you could also just handwrite this but my handwriting is nothing to be proud of ;) I know this is a bit of work for just a door prize, rather than game, but everytime I look at these I seriously crack up! They were certainly a fun way to get things started!
The Price is Right
I like to make the first game of the shower what I call a "list" game. A "list" game is something that invovles minimal interaction with other guests, but gets competitive juices going and is a gentle entry into the games portion of a shower. There are endless option for these types of games, in fact it's often hard to find shower games that aren't simply list games!
Here I simply had a list of some common household items and guests took a couple of minutes to guess the prices of these items and write a guess on their sheet. Then we went through the list together and the guest who was closest in price to a particular item counted that a their "point". When done going through the list the guest with the most "points" was the winner! I used a mason jar in the background because of the theme of the shower, but you could also just print the list on pretty paper!
Staches & Tiaras
This game sure made for some great pictures! Before the shower I asked the Bride & Groom to answer these questions. Then I selected one of their answers (either the Groom's or the Brides, but not both) to read to shower guests with the question. Guests then held up either a mustach (groom) or tiara (bride) to cast their vote on who's answer it was. Example: I would say "The question is: what is your favorite color? and the Answer is: Green" Guests would cast their vote and then whoever had voted that it was the Bride's answer was correct! At the end of the game the guest with the most correct answers/votes won (I had guests keep their own tally). I found an image of both a mustach and a tiara by doing a google image search and then used the image as a pattern to cut out the mustaches & tiaras with cardstock. I hot glued the cutouts to wood sticks found at Hobby Lobby. I do not own a cricut, but it would be so much easier if you did!
The Candy Game
This game was actually much harder to play than I though it would be. Maybe because I love candy/chocolate and maybe because I saw the answers, but come on people!
I found this list of candy clues and answers online (via here). You simple read the clue and guests then try to guess the answer/candy. I bought one of each candy from Wal-Mart (most were about $1/each) and then as I read each question the first person to raise their hand (or tiara, from the previous game :) and guess correctly got that candy as their prize. That meant each question got a prize rather than just one prize for the end of the game. It costs a little more, but it was so fun to see the "loot" piling up and guests really getting into it!
Words of Advice/Love Spoon Boquet
(also not a game)
This isn't a game either, but at most the shower's I've been to I've seen a place were you can write a note of advice or love to the guest of honor at a shower. This was just a fun version that I found via pinterest and fit my mason jar theme! The wooden spoons were the cheapest at Wal-Mart - $0.88 for a four pack, but one of them wasn't a spoon so technically a three padk.
Now go get ready and enjoy your upcoming party!!
(feel free to ask questions in the comments section if I left something out)
This game sure made for some great pictures! Before the shower I asked the Bride & Groom to answer these questions. Then I selected one of their answers (either the Groom's or the Brides, but not both) to read to shower guests with the question. Guests then held up either a mustach (groom) or tiara (bride) to cast their vote on who's answer it was. Example: I would say "The question is: what is your favorite color? and the Answer is: Green" Guests would cast their vote and then whoever had voted that it was the Bride's answer was correct! At the end of the game the guest with the most correct answers/votes won (I had guests keep their own tally). I found an image of both a mustach and a tiara by doing a google image search and then used the image as a pattern to cut out the mustaches & tiaras with cardstock. I hot glued the cutouts to wood sticks found at Hobby Lobby. I do not own a cricut, but it would be so much easier if you did!
The Candy Game
This game was actually much harder to play than I though it would be. Maybe because I love candy/chocolate and maybe because I saw the answers, but come on people!
I found this list of candy clues and answers online (via here). You simple read the clue and guests then try to guess the answer/candy. I bought one of each candy from Wal-Mart (most were about $1/each) and then as I read each question the first person to raise their hand (or tiara, from the previous game :) and guess correctly got that candy as their prize. That meant each question got a prize rather than just one prize for the end of the game. It costs a little more, but it was so fun to see the "loot" piling up and guests really getting into it!
Words of Advice/Love Spoon Boquet
(also not a game)
This isn't a game either, but at most the shower's I've been to I've seen a place were you can write a note of advice or love to the guest of honor at a shower. This was just a fun version that I found via pinterest and fit my mason jar theme! The wooden spoons were the cheapest at Wal-Mart - $0.88 for a four pack, but one of them wasn't a spoon so technically a three padk.
Now go get ready and enjoy your upcoming party!!
(feel free to ask questions in the comments section if I left something out)
Best, most fun ideas I've come across. Great job!
ReplyDeleteOne of my pals forgot to get the invites sent in time and it turned into a disaster! We found a list of 99 scavenger hunt topics and placed them on the back of t-shirts which was the most astounding evening! We located an awesome bachelorette party checklist and made some custom invites and shirts created from this web site:
ReplyDeletewww.amazingbacheloretteparty.com/games
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteTHIS IS AMAZING!!! Thanks so much for the fabulous ideas!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat Ideas! :) Thank you!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis game takes a small bit of time to put together, but the end result and laughs will definitely be worth it.
Deletecode itunes gratuit
Thank you so much for posting this! Trying to plan my sisters bridal shower while I am at school in NYC, she is in Wisconsin, and the shower is in upstate NY. This fits perfectly for the theme. Youre a lifesaver!!!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you could email your tuxedo pattern to me? My browser doesn't support your tuxedo.doc. It just shows up as a blank page. My youngest son is getting married this July and we wanted to use the "Who Has the Groom? game for a Shower in June. Thank you. - kll
ReplyDeleteThank you. I was able to open and print and save this document to my computer. We are also planning on playing the Staches & Tiaras game. :-)
DeleteOur Shower was a big success! Everyone liked the "Who Has the Groom" game. We used pictures out of an old 1955 school year for the other men in tuxes. Everyone got a big laugh out of that. The "Staches & Tiaras" game was a woot also! We had several people tell us this was one of the best and funniest showers that they had ever attended. :-)
DeleteThe school year book is a great idea! Glad these worked for you!
DeleteThese are such great ideas! Is there anyway I can get the tuxedo pattern?
DeleteLove all of your ideas. I found the spoons at Walmart. What kind of markers did you use?
ReplyDeleteThanks! I used a fine tip sharpie for writing on the spoons.
DeleteI love the Staches & Tiaras, what a great combination! Not only does it look like fun at bridal shower, but it also clearly allows for fabulous pictures to treasure after the shower. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove the ideas! We are doing the stache and tiara game this Saturday and I am so excited! I wish I had more time for find the groom because that is adorable!
ReplyDeletethis blog post is a God Send! thanks! it's 4:35 am and I have been awake worrying about this shower I'm hosting. Feeling like a failure. These games are perfect for my small mixed crowd. Dig the blog.
ReplyDeleteThis Blog was AMAZING!!! Thank you for posting!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for these ideas. The staches and tiaras game is so unique and original. I have not come across it anywhere else. You have been a lifesaver!!!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent creative ideas: love the mustaches. Games should be an important part of every pre-wedding party, the bachelorette, if you're having one, the bridal shower, and even the wedding reception. There are some lovely ideas for a wedding reception here: http://www.squidoo.com/wedding-reception-game-ideas
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you still had the printouts for the tuxedos.
ReplyDeleteI love these ideas! They are a bit more unique, and tons of fun!
Thank you!
-Samantha
Just joking! The doc loaded for me.
DeleteHow did you make the "who has the groom" tux cards? Can we download this?
ReplyDeleteHere's the link to the google doc:
Deletehttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1jDxlis63mm_ExEuQaErhF8vX0KxAYPub-DVxuq5mpRw
I love the "who has the groom" idea, can you send me the printouts as well? do you need my e-mail address? THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteHere's the link to the google doc:
Deletehttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1jDxlis63mm_ExEuQaErhF8vX0KxAYPub-DVxuq5mpRw
Thank you so much for posting these!! I am MOH for bridal shower in September. First-time bride is 42 so everyone has seen every annoying shower game--these are fresh and fun and it was just wonderful of you to share these in such detail. Beautiful site, too.
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get the cards and envelopes from??
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I'm planning a bridal shower for the end of July, and these ideas are so fresh and original! I know we're going to have a blast :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing ideas! Cant wait to use staches and tiaras and 'who has the groom' at my friends upcoming shower! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteWas worried. Found your site. Played the game, "Staches and Tiaras". Everyone loved it, including my friend who has MS and can't do lots of other games. Thank you so much. Great suggestions, especially for a "G" crowd.
ReplyDeleteLoved your game "Stashes and Tiaras". Everyone wanted to take pictures. Thank you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for these. I really love the whole game side of it - and guests can get really into it. Sometimes it is nice to just have some stuff on the table, like ice breaker games, which can let the guests break into things themselves. This is one of my favorites: http://www.printable-party-games.com/party-talk-funny-conversation-cards
ReplyDeleteWow, you are good. I love "normal" games because normal games can be fun too! I am using your Words of Advice/Love Spoon Bouquet idea instead of the usual cute little card for everyone to write in. I am hosting a mason jar themed shower so your idea is a perfect fit. Thank you soooo much!
ReplyDeleteWould you be able to send me the Mason Jar the price is right?
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!!!! This will be my first time planning a bridal shower, and you just saved the day! Is there a link also to the mason jar, the price is right? God bless!
ReplyDeleteThe tuxedo doc wouldn't open for me...is there any way you can send to me, I would love to use this at my sister's bridal shower. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your ideas! I have been searching the internet and pinterest for "a little something different" ideas for a wedding shower (co-ed) this weekend. Your ideas are fresh and original and just what I was looking for! Thank you for all the help and creativity you've given! Much appreciated!!
ReplyDeleteOne non game activity I had at my sister's shower was to ask all the guests why my sister would be a great wife. Some of the answers were heartwarming, some hilarious, all encouraging. I video recorded their answers and it makes a great memento.
ReplyDeleteThank you a million times for the great ideas! I did the "Who has the groom?" game and the Mustaches/Tiaras game except I did mustaches and lips. Only thing I would change would be to have more winners for the groom game. Everyone said it was the best bridal shower they've ever been to. THANK YOU!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThese are some of the best games I have come across for a wide range of shower guests. I will use many of these at a shower I need to throw in December. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteAll of these games look like so much fun which always makes for a good bridal shower.
ReplyDeleteHello great ideas!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you had a link of some sort for the mason jar price is right game or any suggestions as to where to get it?
Anonymous May 5th, 2014
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm having a Bridal Shower for my future daughter in law along with her mother. I have a question about the Mustaches/Tiaras game. If both the Bride and Groom give the same answer to the question, do only the guests who hold up both the mustache and tiara get the point, or do all the quests get a point?
If the Bride & Groom gave the same answer I basically gave everyone a point, it didn't happen much in my case :)
DeleteThanks,
DeleteI figured that was what you did, but wasn't sure. I have 5 of the questions that both the Bride and Groom answered the same. Well thanks wish me luck!
So sweet.. lovely....Wedding is a day someone who become like a prince or princess and memorable sweet memory. Do you like to choose the best handmade of wedding gown in England and the best photographer? Read more. Handmade Bridal Gown
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! It would be so exciting for every bride on her wedding reception. Well I am fully convinced about these party games, so I am going to have these on my dreamy day also. Please suggest some more such games for my friend’s wedding.
ReplyDeleteWell, Thanks for sharing such a informative content with us.
ReplyDeleteVintage wedding dress Edinburgh & dress shops in edinburgh
Wow thats great fun. thanks for your idea.
ReplyDeleteAfrican Wax Print, African George Fabric
I completely agree that selecting games for shower/party might be one of the hardest things. I am so glad that you made this work easier for us by sharing awesome game suggestions here. I need to host a bridal shower for my best friend at local event venues in Chicago and would love to choose one of these games.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to your original doc for the tuxedo? I printed it out a few years ago, but the one you have up now is different, not as detailed or shapely. Does it still exist? It was such a hit! I heard one girl (who is a sci-fi geek) yell, "I got Sheldon!" It made me happy.
ReplyDeleteOver 1000 photos of wedding ideas : http://www.e-weddingideas.com
ReplyDeleteWonderful article! We are linking to this great post on our site.Keep up the good writing. Visit: free games for prizes
ReplyDeleteWhat is best online job without investment we can make money?
ReplyDeleteGame to earn money
Hi Abby,
ReplyDeleteCan you please send me the groom template?
Thanks!
These activities sound interesting and enjoyable. I am sure all those who attended the bridal shower would have enjoyed it a lot and of-course bride too. Keep sharing such ideas.
ReplyDelete