Discover how bridal showers, bachelor parties, and coed pre-wedding celebrations began—and how they’ve changed over the years.
Before the champagne and confetti, there was… a parasol full of gifts and a Spartan men’s feast. From elegant bridal showers in the 1890s to rowdy stag parties and today’s coed celebrations, pre-wedding parties have always been about one thing: celebrating love in style—sometimes classy, sometimes a little wild!
Celebrating the Bride
Wedding showers started in the 1890s, when a hostess filled a paper parasol with small presents from the guests and turned it over the head of the bride-to-be.
This idea hit the fashion pages and everyone wanted to have a “shower” of their own. Of course, gifts have become too big to drop on the heads of even the bravest recipients!
According to etiquette experts such as Miss Manners, one rule still stands: The mother or relative of the bride-to-be should not host the shower.
Celebrating the Groom
The stag party, initiated by the soldiers of ancient Sparta as a bonding feast among the groom’s male friends, was called “the men’s mess.” In 1904, the term stag, referring to a male deer, was used to describe a bachelor’s party at which a female stripper was hired to entertain. Such rowdy gatherings have now evolved into more civilized golf outings or cigar dinners.
Celebrating the Couple
These days, coed wedding showers are more popular than ever. The ideas on how to celebrate keep evolving, even “his and hers” fashion shows are common!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of bridal showers?
Bridal showers began in the 1890s when a hostess filled a paper parasol with gifts and “showered” the bride-to-be, inspiring a popular pre-wedding tradition.
Where did stag parties originate?
Stag parties trace back to ancient Sparta, where male friends held bonding feasts called “the men’s mess.” Modern stag parties evolved from these gatherings.
Can pre-wedding celebrations be coed?
Yes! Coed wedding showers are increasingly popular, blending his and hers guests for inclusive and fun pre-wedding festivities.
Who should host a wedding shower?
According to etiquette experts, the mother or close relative of the bride-to-be should not host. Friends or other relatives typically organize the event.
How have pre-wedding parties changed over time?
Early showers involved small, symbolic gifts, and stag parties were rowdy. Today, celebrations can include golf outings, spa days, and creative coed events.
Comments
If the couple has been married before (to other people), isn't a Jack-n-Jill customary? Is that a New England term?