If you're looking for a unique couple's shower idea that everyone will love, consider hosting a "Stock the Bar" shower.
This new trend has as emerged as couples are getting married later and needing less traditional shower gifts. It's a practical and fun alternative if the couple have already created a home and need fewer household items, but more ways to entertain!
Shower the happy couple with "Cheers!" as well as their favorite wines, spirits and barware.
What is a "Stock The Bar" Shower?
A stock the bar shower is a little different from your typical wedding shower. Guests are asked to bring one bottle for the party and one to stock the bar of the happy couple OR bring a gift of cool barware (such a cocktail shaker, wine glasses or ice molds) .
Set the Scene
As the host, provide a table filled with glassware, food, and bar accessories to serve drinks. Add a cute bar cart if you have one (if not add it to your registry!!) and shelves or storage crates for guests to add their stock the bar contributions to.
Then set the scene and get guests into the "spirit" of things with a fabulous DIY Light-Up Bar Sign. Get the simple step-by-step instructions here.
The Basics
I always like to keep to the theme and personalize a party wherever possible. For a Stock the Bar Couples Shower I incorporated the "Cheers" to the happy couple throughout the tableware and decor.
Add "Cheers" to Pink Personalized Napkins with Gold Foil with the couples names, then place these on top of Gold Metallic Polka Dot Luncheon Napkins to really pop. Add napkins on the table next to the food.
Add more napkins to a Metallic Gold Cocktail Bar Caddy for the bar cart. Give the cart a pop of pretty with blush florals in a Wide White Ceramic Vase with Gold Trim
Use your bar cart to hold the cocktail bar basics such as coasters, straws, toothpicks and cocktail umbrellas.
Then add ice to a Clear Cylinder Jar and add a Gold Candy Scoop. Next add fruit garnishes, limes in a Hammered Gold Decorative Bowl and cherries in Mini Square Appetizer Bowls with Goldtone Candy Tongs.
Finally, add cocktail bitters and syrups for guests to add to the mix! Use one of the DIY Bar Tray Set mini crates to store the bottles, it's the perfect size.
What Food to Serve
You can't beat a cheese and charcuterie board full of tasty savory snacks! Use the Sip Back & Enjoy Serving Tray with a gold foil design that ties in with the decor and add My Mind's Eye Cheers Paper Dessert Plates for guests to plate onto.
Glassware
Pretty glassware makes every occasion more festive. Provide glasses that tie into the drinks you will be serving.
For spirits and non-alcoholic drinks use Premium Gold-Trim Plastic Cups. For bubbly beverages use Premium Plastic Champagne Flutes. Add Gold Drink Umbrellas for that extra flair and serve up on a glamorous tray that ties in with your decor. Get the simple steps for creating your own DIY Bar Tray Set here.
I always recommend using glass tags at cocktail parties. When every wine glass at a party looks the same, how do you know which one is yours? The Cocktail Party Bar Decorating Kit comes with fabulously unique tags like this "YAY"!
To really get the party started add Cheers Test Tube Shot Glasses to the table. Place them in a Test Tube Shooter Rack to keep them upright and then place the rack onto a Large Gold Dot Serving Paper Liners to make it pop on the table.
What Drinks to Serve
Top-shelf bottles are intended for the couple to take home and enjoy later, so you'll need plenty of cost effective refreshments for the actual party.
Serve a signature cocktail, this allows you to buy the cocktail ingredients in bulk. Download one of 4 editable signature cocktail signs here to encourage guests to try your favorite tipple!
Serve up juices in Pitcher-Shaped Sand Ceremony Jars and place them on Cheers White with Gold Coasters to catch the drips. Note: Pitcher-Shaped Sand Ceremony Jars are glass but not made for beverages. Ensure these are sterilized prior to use.
Another cost-effective drink option is to serve up punch in a large punch bowl for guests to help themselves. Add a ladle and Gold Dot Stemless Plastic Wine Glasses for serving.
Making Memories
Ask guests to give the happy couple the recipe for their favorite cocktail. Download and print these cocktail recipe cards here and once everyone has written up their recipes store them in these cute DIY Bar Set Mini Crates for your the bar.
What to Bring?
Help your guests out with a registry of your favorites. There are now sites such as ThirstyNest that make creating an alcohol and bar registry super easy! Consider everything from wines and spirits to the tools you'll use to enjoy and serve them.
Include a variety of wines and beers. Think special occasion as well as every day. Milk crates are a great way to collect gifts from guests. Add a Large Glitter Cheers Sign to glam these up!
Select spirits you like, think about what liquors are in your favorite cocktails and don't forget cocktail mixers! Provide shelves or an area where guests can easily drop off their gifts before joining the festivities.
Download FREE drink labels here to show guests where to place their contributions to Stocking the Bar. These can be used as tented labels or keep to the theme and place them in Champagne Cork Place Card Holders.
Use a Rectangle Wire Basket to collect alternative bar gifts. Cocktail shakers, ice trays, jiggers, stirring spoons and muddlers are all great items to add to your registry.
Break up the shelves of bottles by adding fun signage like this "You're a great dancer, love vodka" quote. My favorite, LOL!
Return The Favor
As a thank you to guests for helping stock the bar add the sweetest of gifts! Gold Trim Champagne Bottle Favor Containers filled with themed candy, Jelly Belly Champagne Jelly Beans! Yum!
As an alternative favor add Gold Cheers to You Bottle Openers to printable thank you cards and serve these up to guests on a DIY Bar Tray.
Keep the Party Going
There is no better ice breaker than a fun photo opportunity. The Party Time Backdrop is the perfect themed photo spot. The black and gold ties in perfectly with the color palette and gives it a slight masculine edge.
Time to get your Stock the Bar Couples Shower started! The BAR IS OPEN!
