If you ask event planners, they’ll tell you that bridal showers have long been due for a redo.
“The old way of getting together, having tea and opening gifts is so stale,” Seri Kertzner, owner of Little Miss Party Planner, an event planning company in New York City, told The Post. “We’re seeing a major shift to experiential interactive events instead.”
To level up the party, here are five Insta-perfect party themes every bridesmaid, mom or bestie tasked with this event can easily plan for your favorite bride-to-be.
Stay in tune
Head straight to Scratch DJ Academy in Williamsburg for a bridal shower everyone will be talking about thanks to the master class in mixing. Here, everyone gets to take a turn at one of the 15 sets of turntables.
“We love watching people lean into their inner DJ,” said Rob Principe, owner, adding that the space can accommodate up to 100 people. “Everyone gets DJ names, too.”
Prices start at $40 to $55 per person for a two-hour lesson with two instructors. Food and drink are not included.
Rustle something up
If the bride has never missed a “Top Chef” episode — or just loves whipping up the most creative concoctions in the kitchen — a three-hour “dinner duel” at My Cooking Party in Chelsea is going to be an event to remember. According to co-owner Lisa Marie Justice, the space has hosted ‘thousands of bridal showers.’
It’s great for friends with a competitive streak, too. “When the group comes in, they’re divided into two,” Justice said, adding that the space can accommodate up to 130 people. “We have an emcee running the event and the teams make three dishes in an Iron Chef-like competition which creates a really high-energy and fun vibe.”
If this is too much of a pressure cooker, the space also offers a Battle of the Bites where guests get to make (and munch on) four types of hors d’oeuvres.
Prices start at $149 per person for the hors d’oeuvres party and $179 per person for the Iron Chef competition, which includes house wine, take-home aprons, everything needed for the cooking activity, cheese and crudité boards, passed dessert hors d’oeuvres, printed personalized signage and full-service staff.
Nailing it
Anyone can set up a manicure meet-up. But, at one of Dear Sundays’ five nail salon locations around the city, the gathering adds a next level meaning.
“We always encourage all our clients to write a love letter to themselves and we end every service with an affirmation card,” said Amy Ling Lin, owner of the all-vegan salon. “At a bridal shower, we encourage guests to write a letter to the bride. We provide the paper, the stamp and mail it. No one does this anymore so it’s a little extra treat.”
The ideal booking is for five, perhaps to also get mani-pedis close to the wedding date.
“We’re happy to make sure there’s time for gifts, games and photo shoots, too,” Lin said.
Price start at $250 (for five people) per hour. This includes manicures, sparkling wine, tea and water or a custom cocktail.
True colors
If the bride-to-be in your life has ever wondered what colors work best for her, a hen party at Lily’s Color Lab in Kips Bay will be a winner.
During the two-plus hours, a group of five friends will get draped in color-curated fabrics to determine your best color palette. “A group session allows friends to see the effects color has on their faces and discover what works best for wardrobe, makeup and hair,” said Jenny Mahoney, CEO and founder. “It’s also such a fun bonding experience. While the bride is getting feedback, everyone else can try on our color-curated wigs and lipsticks, and everyone gets a comprehensive season guide via email to ensure they’re purchasing clothes and makeup that suit their season.”
Prices start at $100 per person (four people and two-hour minimum). Party planners are welcome to bring wine and snacks to the studio.
Just makes scents
At the Olfactory NYC boutique in the West Village, there’s no such thing as simply buying a run-of-the-mill fragrance. Instead, you and your friends will get to choose your favorite of nine core fragrances, and then consult with a ‘scentologist’ to accent it. Then select a label color and name before it’s bottled fresh on-site.
“This is an elevated, personalized event that’s the perfect bridal shower experience,” said Carly Carabella, events manager. “The scents guests create will last long after the wedding day, making this a meaningful and luxurious way to celebrate love and connection.”
When groups reserve the entire space (total capacity is 25 people), wine and light refreshments are provided. In addition, guests can serve cold bites (hot food is not allowed since it can affect the scent experience) as well as light-colored beverages (to avoid staining). Guests are also welcome to decorate the space.
Prices start at $85 per fragrance.
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