Ideas and Themes For a Co-Ed Couple's Wedding Shower

When you’re planning a co-ed or couples wedding shower, you might find that there are a lot of different names for it. Usually, a bridal shower is the traditional kind, with women only, held in honor of the bride.

A wedding shower is when all sexes are included, and the party is held in honor of the couple.

Bridal showers and wedding showers are hosted events that include food, beverages, and games or activities. A Jack and Jill party is in honor of the couple, but the guests will pay for their own expenses.

Let’s look at couple’s shower themes, food and invitation ideas, steps to plan a wedding shower, and more!

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What is a Jack and Jill Party?

A Jack and Jill party is basically a fundraiser for the wedding. Sometimes, it’s called a Stag and Doe or a Wedding Social, depending on where you live.

Jack and Jill parties are super popular in some communities, while others have never even heard of it. It’s most common in Canada and some areas of the US.

Here’s how it works: you rent a room, arrange food and drinks, entertainment, and door prizes. Then you sell tickets to everyone you know, including co-workers and distant relatives. A Jack and Jill isn’t like a shower - you can invite people who aren’t invited to the wedding.

The main purpose of the party is to raise money for the wedding. If you live in an area where it’s popular, it’s a great way to earn cash and have a fun party.

If you live in a place where no one’s ever heard of it - I’m sorry to say the T-word, but it will be considered tacky. Ask around, and if no one in your social circle knows what a Jack and Jill is, you should probably skip it.

Personally, I live in Canada, and I absolutely love Jack and Jill’s or Stag and Doe’s. It does cost the partygoers money, but it’s a fun night of drinking, dancing, and meeting new people.

Is a Couple’s Shower the Same as a Bridal Shower?

a future bride and groom holding their shoes in the air. — A future bride and groom holding their shoes in the air. Image by Wedding Wire.

A couple’s wedding shower is the same as a bridal shower, except it’s co-ed. Some people might call it a His and Hers shower or a co-ed shower.

Either way, it’s a pre-wedding party in honor of the wedding couple, so both partners will be there, and you can invite men and women.

Who Hosts a Joint Wedding Shower?

Anyone close to the bride or groom can throw them a shower. A couples shower is usually hosted by the bridal party, friends of the couple, or a family member.

Typically, the maid of honor and the best man will be in charge of the planning and organizing.

Where Should I Host a Co-Ed Wedding Shower?

The venue should be selected based on your budget, theme, and overall preferences. There’s no hard or fast rule about where to host a co-ed wedding shower, so feel free to choose anything your heart desires!

What’s important is sticking to your budget. You’ll need to supply the food, favors, drinks, and decorations, so account for and estimate the costs of these elements before booking a venue.

When selecting a venue, pick something that fits your budget, follows the season, such as a garden venue in the Spring, and can comfortably accommodate all your guests.

How Much Does a Couple’s Shower Cost?

A couple shower can cost as little or as much as you want. Before you decide on anything else, you should decide on your budget. No one is obligated to pay for a wedding shower, but if you decide to throw one, talk to everyone who might help host the party.

Whoever is hosting will pay all the costs, usually the maid of honor and the best man. If the entire bridal party is hosting, everyone can contribute to the costs. Sometimes, the families of the couple will offer to help pay, especially if there’s a big guest list.

The Hosts Pay for:

Venue or room rental
Food and beverages for the guests
Games and prizes
Planned activities
Decorations
Invitations
Favors

Non-Themed Couple’s Shower Ideas

Bridal showers are usually planned around a traditional timeline and activities. With a couples shower, there are not as many hard and fast rules. You can plan any type of shower that your guests will enjoy:

You can plan a traditional type of shower at home or a community center. Offer your guests brunch or lunch, then play games and give gifts to the couple.
You can plan the shower at a restaurant, too. This is more expensive than DIY, but it’s a lot easier to plan.
Some people would rather have a wedding shower that’s more of a party. You could plan a cocktail party, either at home or at a pub or club.
You could plan your shower around an activity, like wine tasting, beer tasting, or a cooking demonstration.
If your guests are more active, you could even plan a bowling night, a pool party, or a scavenger hunt for the wedding shower.

Popular Co-Ed Couple’s Shower Themes

Choosing a theme for your wedding shower will make it easier to choose the menu, decorations, and invitations. You can choose based on the bride and groom’s interests or the activities you’d like to include at the shower.

When you’re choosing, the only rule is that it should not be the same as the wedding theme. You don’t want the shower to compete with or outdo the wedding venue, decor, or food.

Bubbles and Brews Shower Theme

Bubbles and Brews are perfect if you’re planning a brunch or lunchtime event. You can offer local beers, plus sparkling wine and a mimosa bar to stay on theme.

Add a continental breakfast buffet, or sandwiches, salads, and fruit. With some fun games and gifts for the bride and groom, you’ll have a perfect afternoon.

2. Love is Brewing Coffee Theme

Love is brewing with a coffee theme is great for a breakfast or brunch event. You can offer a coffee bar with toppings, breakfast or brunch food, plus mocha cakes or desserts to stay on theme.

Then give your guests small coffee packets as their take home favor gifts.

3. Love is Brewing Beer Theme

Love is brewing with a beer theme, which would be perfect if you’re planning an afternoon or evening shower. If you’ve got a local brewery or pub, consider holding your event there.

You could serve any menu, from a sit-down meal to casual burgers and beer.

4. Stock the Bar Shower Theme

A stock-the-bar party is great for a couple who like to drink and entertain. The idea is for your guests to bring bottles of liquor, garnishes, bar tools, and glassware as gifts.

The gifts will help the couple set up their at-home bar. If the bride and groom have a wedding registry, they can add alcohol, glasses, and barware.

5. Fiesta With Tacos and Margaritas

A fiesta is always a fun party, especially when it’s co-ed. With fiesta decorations, it’s easy to make your party look stylish and pulled together.

You can shop and get fiesta decor and invitations in every price range. And it’s the perfect opportunity to serve delicious tacos and margaritas.

6. Bonfire and S’Mores Party

If you’d like to have a nighttime party, bonfires, and s’mores are fun for a backyard event. Check your local rules and regulations, then set up your bonfire area with lawn chairs, blankets and s’mores.

7. ‘I Do’ BBQ Wedding Shower

I Do BBQ is perfect if you’re planning a casual, backyard wedding shower. If you’ve got a bigger budget, you can go all out on the menu and cook ribs, chicken or pork.

If you want to spend less, a cookout’s always fun. Barbecue some burgers and sausages and set out a buffet of condiments and toppings for your guests.

8. ‘The Perfect Pear’ Wedding Shower

For a simpler approach, try this “perfect pear” theme! These designs would suit well with outdoor and indoor events alike.

Combine pear couple’s shower décor with a garden location to create an elegant garden theme. Use pear décor indoors at a local restaurant or hotel to inspire a fun and light atmosphere.

A pear theme would “pear” well with fruit-inspired dishes. Consider adding items like fruit tarts, fruit platters, smoothies, and fruity alcoholic drinks. A pear-themed couples shower would inspire guests to be happy and calm.

Unique Couples Shower Themes

Outdoor Camping Theme

Whether the couple enjoys wilderness camping or glamping, a camping theme is great for outdoor settings with fire pits, but it can easily be translated to an inside venue.

Set up decorative tents, a faux campfire, and place food platters on log slices. For dessert, offer a DIY S’more bar. Guests can toast their own marshmallow and create their confection using unique ingredients.

2. Summer Beach Wedding Shower

a bride and her bridesmaids sitting on the beach eating fruit and crackers. — A bride and her bridesmaids sitting on the beach eating fruit and crackers. Image by Hey Wedding Lady.

If you’re hosting a summer coed shower, there’s no better theme than the beach! Use sandy-colored table cloths, mini umbrellas in drinks, and brightly colored pool floats to add to the beachy vibe.

Serve traditional summer food like sandwiches, cut fruit, and slushy drinks. Set a beach dress code of Hawaiian shirts to bring in lots of color. Have the bride and groom dress in coordinating prints!

3. Cocktail Hour

Keep it classy by choosing an elegant theme that fits your favorite sophisticated couple. Host a cocktail party with a formal dress code to elevate your theme. Serve passed horderves and custom cocktails inspired by the future bride and groom.

If the couple loves wine, host a tasting complete with paired foods and sophisticated flavors. Set up several wine-tasting stations with signs that tell guests what notes to look for and which foods match best.

4. Art Deco Shower Theme

Take it back to The Great Gatsby’s era by choosing an art deco theme. Have guests wear their best flapper dresses and sharp suits.

Serve classic cocktails like French 75 and gin rickeys. Decorate with lots of black, gold, and sparkly elements!

5. Classic Game Night

Host a game night that features the couple’s favorite card or board games. Set up stations with games, so guests can float from table to table and try out each game.

Offer snacks like gourmet potato chips, soda, and finger foods so they can eat while they play!

6. Brunch Celebration

A pink brunch mimosa bar with flowers. Image by Hadley Court.

Planning a daytime party? Throw a brunch-themed coed shower. Organize a buffet with all the mid-morning meal classics, like french toast, eggs benedict, and slices of fruit. A mimosa bar with options to customize will be a big hit!

7. Movie-Themed Co-Ed Shower

If the couple loves going to the movies, run with it! You can host a movie night or simply theme your party around their favorite flicks. Serve popcorn (of course) with fun mix-ins.

Name your food offerings after movies and set up a soda bar with flavored syrups. Organize a game of guess that movie, where guests listen to clips from famous movies and guess the title!

Don’t forget to secure some amazing shower prizes for the winners!

8. Travel-Themed Couple’s Shower

Travel themes are perfect for co-ed showers, especially if it’s for a jet setting couple! If you’re planning on throwing the party outside, go with a theme like Parisian picnic.

Serve classic French dishes with an outdoor twist, like baguettes stuffed with delicious ingredients. Choose simple, streamlined decor and have the bride and groom wear berets!

9. Tropical Escape

Channel a tropical get away with palm trees, leis, and lots of foliage. Offer lots of fruit skewers, roasted pork, and tropical beverages, complete with a mini umbrella!

Or keep it stateside by hosting an event full of southern charm. Serve sweet tea, mint juleps, and tomato sandwiches. Decorate with delicate items and have everyone wear their Sunday best!

Trends in Couples Showers

Eco-Friendly Showers

Sustainability is huge. So if the happy couple is prioritizing eco-friendly choices, small changes will help you give them exactly what they want!

Choose biodegradable decor made from paper, wood, and glass. If you need to use plastics, scour thrift stores for second hand finds.

Print invitations on eco-friendly paper. Better yet, attach parchment to “plantable paper” so guests can bury their invitation after the event and sprout flowers!

Avoid waste by purchasing just enough food for your guests and giving away decor items to be reused again and again.

2. Tech-Savvy Showers

Integrating tech into your co-ed shower is a great way to stay on budget and offer innovative features your guests won’t forget.

Send digital invites and ask guests to RSVP using a dedicated Google form. Bonus: you’ll be able to gather dietary requirements and other info here!

Use free planning apps like Zola and HoneyBook to keep track of your budget and checklists of everything you need to do before the big day. Host a virtual scavenger hunt using free apps like GooseChase and award prizes to the winners.

You can also offer a virtual attendance option for guests who live far away. Set up a laptop with a Zoom call running so guests can join remotely and celebrate with the happy couple!

3. Cultural and Themed Showers

Want to incorporate the happy couple’s heritage? Do some research and ask family members about their culture’s wedding traditions. Incorporate a few to make their day even more special.

You can also choose a global theme for your coed shower. For instance, channel the beauty of Japan with cherry blossoms and a sushi buffet. Celebrate Mexico with tamales and brightly colored banners.

How to Make Your Couples Shower Memorable

Creating a Welcoming Experience

Transform the entrance space to instantly communicate your theme and make guests feel welcomed at your event. Post personalized signs with your shower’s saying, as well as directional arrows for different areas of your party.

Be sure to float around during arrival to greet guests, learn their names, and introduce them to others they may have not met yet.

The best showers allow guests to mingle and meet people who will become future family members. Make yourself available to answer questions so the bride and groom can enjoy their guests.

Gifts and Favors

Have your bride and groom work together to create a gift registry that contains everything they need to establish or enhance their home together. If they’ve already been living together for a while, suggest a honeymoon fund guests can donate to.

Hand out functional favors that match your shower’s theme. Make treat bags with confections that go along with your unique theme so guests can snack on the way home. Or give them items like photo frames, potted plants, or accessories guests can use in their homes.

Capturing Memories

The best way to remember your coed shower is through photos! Create a unique event hashtag guests can use on social media so you can easily find the pictures they take. Curate them into a digital album that can be shared with everyone after the event.

Ask the bride and groom who they’d like to take photos with and make a list. Ensure they have time to post pictures with those people in front of a fun backdrop, like a balloon arch or photo booth.

For faraway guests who can’t make it, consider live streaming the event online. Viewers can watch the festivities, leave supportive comments and browse links to the couple’s registry so they are part of the party!

How to Plan a Couples Shower

a future bride and groom posing near hydrangeas. — A future bride and groom posing near hydrangeas. Image by Yahoo.

Choosing the Perfect Venue

The venue is important because it will be the backdrop to your party. If you’re hosting during warmer months, outdoor venues are great because you can use natural elements, like trees and flowers as decor.

But you run the risk of weather spoiling the fun, so always have a contingency plan!

Indoor venues can be expensive, but they offer experienced staff who can lend a helping hand. You can save big bucks by hosting at someone’s house if they have enough room. This will allow you to spend your budget on other areas.

Invitation Etiquette

Invitations give your guests their first glimpse of your event. Send them out about 4-6 weeks before the big day. Include a fun saying that connects to your theme, as well as the name of the guests of honor.

After that, put the venue address, as well as the date and time. Add RSVP directions and registry info at the bottom. Depending on how you are collecting RSVPs, you must have an organization system to keep track.

You can ask guests to text you with their name and number of guests, then transfer that information to a list on your notes app. Or you can use a QR code on the invite that directs them to a Google Form.

This will popularize a spreadsheet for you, which will be updated in real time.

Decoration Ideas

Decor should match your theme and chosen color palette. You can purchase professional directions if you have room in your budget. This will save you time and effort you can direct to other areas of your event.

If you’re crafty, DIYing will save you lots of money and allow you to put your unique stamp on the event for the happy couple.

Use programs like Canva to design banners, signs, and labels for your food and drink tables. You’ll be able to print them off yourself and decorate the space!

Food and Drink Menus

Themed menus are a great way to create a cohesive co-ed shower. It can be as simple as creating labels that give each dish a unique, on-theme name or choosing foods that connect with your overall vibe.

Catering your event allows the professionals to take over and do all the work! Some will even include setup and break down services within their fee. THis is a great way to save time and energy, as well as ensure there’s enough food to go around.

If DIY is more your thing, enlist the help of friends and family to create fun DIY food stations, like taco bars, BBQ buffets, and charcuterie boards.

You’ll need to dedicate some time to gather and prep ingredients, but it will make it easier to fit your menu to your budget while still giving the bride and groom the event of their dreams.

A Step-by-Step Planning Checklist for Your Wedding Shower

Set the budget. Start by deciding who will host and find out how much they’d like to spend. If the entire bridal party is hosting and contributing, make sure everyone’s on board with the costs.
Choose the date. Make sure the couple and any VIPs are available.
Decide on the guest list. Run it by the couple to make sure everyone on your list is invited to the wedding.
Choose a venue that suits the budget and the size of the guest list.
Decide on the menu. Choose a caterer, restaurant, delivery, or DIY.
Plan the games and activities.
Send out invitations.
Buy the decor, favors, games, and prizes.
Welcome your guests and have fun on the day of your shower!

DIY Food Ideas For a Co-Ed Wedding Shower

Small plastic cups of pasta salad, fruits, and vegetables. Image by Crafts by Amanda.

The easiest way to plan your menu is by hiring a caterer. If catering costs are too high, you can semi-DIY your food. Find a local restaurant that offers party catering and order delivery. Or you can get sandwich trays, veggie trays, and fruit platters from a local deli or grocery store.

If you’re planning to DIY, choose a menu that can be set up buffet style - think of ideas like a baked potato bar, a sandwich bar, or a salad bar. If your party’s more casual or rustic, you could offer a burger bar or a taco bar.

Buffet Style Baked Potato Bar

A baked potato bar is an easy DIY to make for a crowd of people. You can make most of the items ahead, in bulk, then heat them up and set them out on the day of the party.

If you’re serving lunch or dinner, make sure to have lots of hearty toppings, like chili, baked beans, or pulled pork. Then, add sour cream, cheese, and veggie toppings for your guests to help themselves.

Set Up a DIY Taco Bar

Taco bars are fun and delicious, especially if you’re planning a casual or fiesta-themed shower. You can make the taco bar menu fillings ahead of time.

On the day of, set them out in crock pots to keep them warm. The toppings can all be set up buffet style, and your guests can build their own tacos.

Offer Your Guests a Burger Bar

A burger bar is ideal for an I Do BBQ or a backyard bonfire party. When you’re planning, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got enough equipment to feed everyone at the same time.

If you’ve got a big guest list, try to borrow an extra barbecue or two to make sure you’ll be able to cook enough burgers for everyone. Set up the buns, toppings, and side dishes as a buffet for your guests to build their own plates.

Couple’s Shower Invitations

Couple’s shower invitations should represent the chosen theme, season, or venue location of your wedding shower. They can have humorous, themed, casual, or formal phrases that should reflect both the bride and groom.

Couple’s Shower Decorations

Many couple’s shower decorations utilize neutral colors and designs to appeal to both parties. However, you can find plenty of decorations with bright colors, flowers, more rustic designs, or bold designs.

Couples Shower: Ideas and Themes For a Co-Ed Wedding Shower