Some modern bridal shower themes and gift ideas as alternatives to the old fashioned tradition of the wedding Kitchen Tea.

An amazing number of wedding traditions have endured despite changing attitudes and lifestyles. Brides still wear white (even to their third, fourth or fifth wedding in some cases), many couples who don’t regularly attend church still choose a formal church ceremony, and the kitchen tea is still part of the general lead-up to the wedding itself.

In the past, the purpose of the Kitchen Tea was to provide a young bride with ‘minor’ kitchen necessities gifts: utensils, bowls, can openers and assorted other small or inexpensive kitchen requirements. The intent was to help establish the couple in their home with all the everyday kitchen items that are too insignificant to be considered as wedding gifts, but which remain a vital part of a functional home nonetheless.

Modern brides are often already established in their own homes well before marriage, as are their fiancés. As such, these kitchen needs are already well met. If the bride and groom have been living separately before the wedding, their marriage will often bring together two complete households. Not only will they not be requiring a can opener, but chances are that they will already own two.

The ritual of the kitchen tea or bridal shower persists, however, leaving the guests with the difficult task of finding a useful but inexpensive bridal shower gift.

Choosing a theme for a kitchen tea enables guests to buy small items in line with a particular interest or requirement of the happy couple. Some bridal shower ideas include:

Romance Bridal Shower

Buy items to foster the romance in their relationship. Consider personal items such as massage oils or lingerie, or more practical things such as scented candles, heart-shaped cookie cutters, romantic music CDs, movie tickets, or picnic sets.

Music, Movies or Books Party

CDs, DVDs or books. Consider a theme with these such as cookbooks, DIY books, comedies or drama DVDs. Ask for a wish list from the couple.

Renovator's Delight Party

If house renovations are in the near future for the couple, consider DIY books or vouchers for a local hardware store.

Garden Kitchen Tea

Pot plants, garden tools, supplies to establish a herb garden, shrubs or any other plants. Gardening books or vouchers to a local plant nursery are also useful.

Party Plan

There are a wide range of choices, including Tupperware, jewellery, cosmetics or lingerie. The bride-to-be receives the hostess benefits and each person attending the party contributes an amount towards her purchases.

Cellar Kitchen Tea

Supplies for the newlyweds’ bar – wine or their favourite spirits.

Gourmet Bridal Shower

Gourmet treats – chocolates, gourmet biscuits, wine and various other treats that can be put in the pantry and brought out whenever the mood strikes to celebrate.

Bridal Pamper Party

Vouchers for massage or manicure, bath salts, favourite lotions, nail polish, manicure kits and any other ways that the new bride can treat herself.

In contrast, there are brides that marry straight from home who need everything. To help them out, consider assigning each guest or group of guests a room that they need to help stock. For example:

• Kitchen - In addition to the kitchen paraphernalia, buy basic pantry items such as flour, sugar, spices, tinned goods, cake mixes
• Laundry - cleaning products, mops, brooms, buckets, washing baskets, pegs
• Bathroom – soap dispensers, facecloths, hand towels, laundry hamper
• Dining room – Placemats, candles, coasters, serving plates
• Outdoors – Rake, broom, garden shears, gardening gloves

With some creativity and a little effort, it is possible to help brides of all ages and stages celebrate their approaching wedding with a bridal shower that is as individual as they are.