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You’re focused on making your wedding unique, a day that will reflect who you are, what you like and the man you love. Now what about your shower?
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Of course you can gather together at a party venue or private home for a nice lunch or brunch and the traditional opening of gifts. But why not think outside the box? The suggestions that follow are all about creating ultra-personalized affairs that stand out from all the rest. Time to start dropping some serious hints to your nearest and dearest.
So you think you’re pretty crafty, do you?
Release the artist within via beaded jewelry. Femmegems (203/861-2531 or femmegems.com) in Greenwich oversees everything from the rose quartz briolettes and peridot rondels needed for private beading parties to the chardonnay and crudités to go alongside. Other top shops for you to consider are Beadworks (203/852-9194 or beadworksnorwalk.com) in South Norwalk, The Bead Hive (thebeadhivect.com) in Guilford (203/453-6681) and New Haven (203/776-2323), and Beads & More (203/263-6673 or beadsandmorect.com) in Woodbury. Designer Monica Tujak of Decorative Alternatives (203/459-4627) in Trumbull will even bring you the beads, i.e., pearls, Swarovski crystals or natural stones. If beads are not you, consider a crafty bash at a ceramics or scrapbooking studio.
I feel pretty, oh, so pretty.
If there’s ever been an excuse for serious pampering, this is it. Adam Broderick Salon & Spa (adambroderick.com) in Ridgefield (203/431-3994) and Southbury (203/267-7000) boasts a Natural Nails bar that, with advance notice, can accommodate up to 12 for manicures that include a peppermint fingernail soak and Shiatsu-style hand massage. Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas (reddoorspas.com) in Groton (860/446-2500) and Darien (203/655-2736) offer “Bridal Bouquet” packages, or you can mix and match treatments to create your own spa heaven (perhaps a “Cream & Sugar Scrub” and “Essential Facial”). The Spa at Norwich Inn (860/886-2401 or thespaatnorwichinn.com) in Norwich offers still more luxe surroundings, state-of-the-art treatments (consider the Ayurvedic Herbal Body Exfoliation, Rain Drop Therapy or, for all-out bliss, Nirvana) and plush accommodations. Speaking of which. . . .
Destination: shower
Who says your shower has to be a two- or three-hour affair? Turn it into a true getaway by checking in at a destination spa; make it part of a city splash at the Hartford Marriott Downtown (860/249-8000 or marriott.com), which offers a central location and top-notch mojitos at Crush Lounge; or plan a vineyard tour and tasting at one of the state’s dozen-plus vineyards, perhaps lovely Chamard Vineyards in Clinton (860/664-0299 or chamard.com), then check into a nearby country inn for a girls-only overnight.
Shower 101
Can you teach an old bridesmaid new tricks? Of course you can. Choose an activity you love (or have always wondered about) and get your guests involved in it. Ask the experts at a yarn shop like The Village Sheep (860/354-5442 or thevillagesheep.com) in New Milford to share basic knitting techniques, get moving with a group belly-dancing lesson at Let’s Dance in Rhythm (203/481-1333 or letsdancebranford.com) in Branford, hire a floral designer to teach the art of floral arranging . . . so much to learn, so little time.
Who is this Jack guy, anyway?
Oh, that’s right: he’s marrying Jill (that would be you). “Jack and Jills,” i.e., couples showers, continue to grow in popularity—and casual definition. Plan a cookout at a state park (we like the pavilion at Chatfield Hollow (860/663-2030) in Killingworth), host a poker party (the guys will love you for it), or raise a pint at your favorite pub. The point is that everyone you and Jack love—guys and gals—will be there celebrating with you.
