This is a particularly great shower idea for the established couple who already lives together, is older, or for whom this is not the first marriage.

Modern times have progressed the traditional bridal shower into an event that now may include both the bride and groom. The couple shower allows the bride and groom an opportunity for gathering with friends to celebrate their future nuptials. Best of all, groom participation has increasingly grown.

A unique and entertaining wedding shower is a “Stock the Bar” event. The purpose of this shower is to provide wine or cocktail-related gifts to “stock the bar” of the bride and groom. A member of the wedding party or a close friend of the bride and groom can host this shower. It is more appropriate to host this event in the evening at the home of the host and/or hostess.

When creating invitations for a “Stock the Bar” shower, be sure to clearly specify the theme. (See below for suggested themes.) You may also want to include some gift tips and suggestions (see below).

Stock the Bar Theme Ideas

Here are a few ideas to consider for the “Stock the Bar” shower:

• Glassware is an important necessity to complete the well-stocked bar and a great gift for the couple. The amateur bartender should have at least eight (8) of the following:

  • Highball glasses (approximately 8 ounces each)
  • Old-fashioned “rocks” glasses (approximately 8 to 10 ounces each)
  • Tall / Collins glasses (approximately 14 to 16 ounces each)
  • White wine glasses
  • Red wine glasses
  • Martini glasses
  • Pilsner glasses or beer mugs
  • Champagne flutes
  • At least one glass pitcher for serving beer, margaritas or other beverages
    
    
• If the bride and groom are wine lovers, consider gifts such as wines bottled during the year of their engagement or wedding. Also consider gifts of stemware, wine coasters, wine glass charms. A nice corkscrew/bottle opener is also a great addition.
  
  
• For martini lovers, suggest specific items such as vodka, gin and exotic garnishes.
  
  
• A margarita theme might include bottles of tequila, Triple Sec and mixers combined with festive margarita pitchers and glasses. Don’t forget, the frozen margarita requires a blender.

Most guests will bring liquor, wine or a specialty liqueur to a “Stock the Bar” shower, but the idea is to also include barware. Here are a few suggestions you might want to pass along to the invited guests:

• Jiggers, or a measuring glass.
  
  
• Bar tools, such as a bar spoon with a long handle and muddler (especially for Mint Julep fans!), unique corkscrews and bottle openers, citrus reamer or juicer, citrus zester, ice bucket with tongs, coasters or cocktail napkins (both would be preferable), straws (short and tall) along with salt and sugar (for rimming glasses).
  
  
• Martini pitcher with stirrer, glasses and a martini shaker.
  
  
• Gourmet garnishes, such as almond or garlic-stuffed olives for martinis, onions for gimlets, and dried ginger or citrus zests for classic and exotic drinks.
  
  
• Unique mixers and liqueurs, such as Triple Sec, Cointreau, and Chambord.
  
  
• If the newlyweds love wine, divide the guest list into groups and have each group bring different wine types such as Red, White, Zinfandel and Fruit. For the finishing touch, wine boxes and decorative fabric sleeves are a great way to wrap up the gifts. Have the guests add bread sticks, fancy crackers, and nuts to jazz up a wine box or basket. For an added delight, have guests bring a small sampling of cheese from somewhere around the world or from their ancestral country.
  
  
• Consider giving a few beverage tubs to accommodate cold drinks during summer gatherings.
  
  
• And don’t forget the everyday mixers such as juices, sodas and citrus fruits for fresh squeezed juices.

The most important component of a “Stock the Bar” shower is to honor the bride and groom with items reflecting their personality. Make it fun and interactive for all of your guests, especially the happy couple!

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