■ BY CAROL SORGEN

hey've become
engaged and you
want to help them
celebrate. Tradi-
that
tionally,
means engage-
ment parties and
bridal showers but
today's festivities
are anything but
traditional.
Years ago, an engagement party,
usually given by the bride-to-be's
family, was considered a formal an-
nouncement of the couple's intention
to wed. But, says Dee Dee Hoffman
of Party Design, a planning service in
Farmington Hills, "We don't see as
many engagement parties as we once
did. People are having novelty
showers in lieu of engagement
parties."
In 1991 parties are costly and if
there is an elaborate wedding, most
families can't afford to do both. Plus,
the engagement party should not
outshine the wedding itself."
If you do decide to throw an en-
gagement party, most caterers note
that informality is best and that the

Today's engagement
parties and showers
for the bridal couple
are informal and fun.

the couple and not just for the bride.
"These showers are usually thrown at
night," says Ms. Hoffman, "and have
more of a party atmosphere. Many
couples receive his and her gifts such
as bath robes or sexy, matching
lingerie.
Suggestions for co-ed showers
party should serve as an icebreaker include a barbecue, perhaps in a
for the families and friends of the rented barn, or a make-it-yourself
couple to get to know each other. A sandwich buffet, followed by croquet
cocktail party with unusual hors or badminton. Volleyball and a picnic
d'oeuvres such as Cajun or Japanese on the beach is another shower idea
fare will provide an interesting twist. that appeals to both men and
Bridal showers are still standardly women.
Although most showers are still
given, although even these usually
have a new angle. Innovative themes, given in someone's home, other
locations, refreshments and a not-for- suggested locales include an
women-only guest list have brought excursion on a dinner cruise boat, an
the traditional shower into the '90s. evening catered on the rooftop of a
The only rule that still seems to downtown building, or a romantic
hold fast is that the shower should not ride on a railroad dining car.
For a ladies-only shower, the
be thrown by a member of the family.
"That makes it look like you're asking traditional luncheon can give way to
for another gift," says one party a tea party or a dessert party,
planner. One alternative, she accompanied by classical music in
suggests, is for the bridesmaids to the background and simple but
elegant fare such as scones and
jointly throw a shower.
According to Ms. Hoffman, more cream, smoked fish on walnut bread,
and more showers are being given for madeleines, kiwi tarts and raspberries

The Jewish News

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