Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that. ~Michael Leunig

After booking a quick trip to Austin in August (the last time I visited was March... I'm overdue) I thought this trip would be the perfect time to host a wedding shower for my best friend and her fiance. This will be the 3rd wedding since graduation from my group of close friends (remember, southern college) but the first of one of my close childhood friends. They've been together through more than most and I couldn't think of a more perfect couple. Knowing they aren't the types to have a million different showers throughout their engagement, I thought it would be fun to have a more unique themed party to get everyone together and celebrate. Since it won't be just the bride along with her 10 favorite great aunts, I had to think outside of the normal kitchen, linen & lace, bathroom/bedroom themes. Now that I have Sarah's guest list my real planning can begin! As I send out their "Stock the Wine Cellar" invites today, I thought I would share my ideas (complete with inspiration of course) for couple showers with yall.

"Happy Honeymooning Honeymooners"

For those couples who are spending a little more time away on their honeymoon than just a weekend at the beach. This is the perfect party for those who are traveling across the world and already have everything they need for their little apartment that may not be able to hold another set of dishes. Have the guests sign a "travel book", buy old maps for place mats, seated lunch? Use paper luggage tags for seating placements! Registries for a couple like this - Honeyfund.com 

Focus on the details to make this party fun and exciting!

                        

"Read Between the Lines"

This is the perfect party for the book worm couple. Have someone donate, buy, or refurnish a nice big antique bookshelf and have all of the attendees fill it with their favorite books. Cookbooks, comic books, romance or easy reads - just don't forget to include a little note somewhere in your gift for the couple to stumble upon later down the road! Have a picky bride or groom, or maybe they're itching for certain reads? Have her set up a special registry or wish list at a local bookstore to make them happy - but remember the whole point of this is to receive classics and favorites of friends and family! 

     

"Long Live the Sunday Brunch"

For the couple who enjoys their brunches and Sundays. Make this shower based on everything you can pamper yourself with on a lazy Sunday. Brunch basics (yep, this includes a few of those items you would have given at the traditional Kitchen Party), cozy blankets, soft robes, your favorite bottle of champagne, oh... this list could go on forever. Serve your guest brunch casseroles with mimosa's and coffee, how could this party be anything other than a hit?

   

"Stock the Wine Cellar"

"Let's all get together and stock their wine cellar!" Host a wine tasting with light appetizers and cheeses. Want to get further into the theme? Where are they going on their honeymoon? Use the destination to base your wines and cheeses around! Have guests bring the couple their favorite bottle or have them pick an item from the registry to help fulfill all of their bar necessities!