A "Good Advice" Bridal Shower

Better Homes & Garden had an unique bridal shower idea-a "good advice" bridal shower. While giving advice to the bride for a happy marriage is a common idea, this gives this common theme a new take. In the shower invites, tuck a blank card inside and tell each guest to write down a bit of wisdom to go with her gift. Tell the bride to read aloud the advice card before the bride opens the present. At the end gather the advice cards from each guest and place them in an album along with photos from the bridal shower to create a keepsake the bride will always cherish.

Another take: have the guests (or the bride) guess what the gift is before the bride opens it. Sometimes the advice given (say "never go to bed angry") can make for interesting gifts.

Giving the bride the practical gift paired with the sentimental advice can be tricky. Here a few creative ideas BH&G gives us to get you started:

Advice: Celebrate every day.
Gift: Champagne flutes or a beautiful cake plate.

Advice: Take turns cooking for each other.
Gift: Favorite cookbook and kitchen tools.

Advice: Experience new things.
Gift: Travel accessories.

Some others:

Advice: A happy wife equals a happy life.

Gift: Spa gift certificate, bath & body products

Advice: "Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken." Elaine - age 5

Gift: Cooking and baking pans

Advice: Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.
Gift: Comedy DVD

Of course BH&G takes the theme to an extreme. Besides the gifts, they suggest naming and serving food with the same theme. Think a clever quote to a toothpick topper on the cupcakes, Sage (Advice) Biscuits,and "Confucius Says" Noodle Salad recipe. And for favors: fortune cookies of course!