In medieval times, when the father of a bride refused to provide a dowry for a marriage he disapproved of, community members would gather together to provide the bride with household items. These days, the tradition of “showering” a couple with gifts for their new home continues in a bridal or couple shower, which, per Przezdziecki, usually occurs around 12 weeks before the wedding.

This daytime event has traditionally been hosted by non-immediate family members of the bride (aunts, cousins, etc.) or by members of the bridal party. That said, as with an engagement party, anyone can host a shower—and there can be more than one. On the invite list: family and friends that are local to or personally close with the host that will also be invited to the wedding, as well as members of the wedding party.

Showers can take on many themes, include fun games and activities, and are an opportunity to share beloved food and drink traditions with loved ones that you might not be incorporating into your wedding. Unless otherwise specified on the invitation, gifts for the couple will be part of the occasion, and Przezdziecki strongly encourages attendees to stick with items on a couples’ wedding registry.

In bachelorette and bachelor parties from https://wedisson.com.ua/koordinator-svadebnogo-dnja/, brides and grooms traditionally gather separately—though joint parties are definitely common—with their favorite people to celebrate the last moments of singledom. What used to be one night of revelry has morphed into a multi-day destination affair that typically occurs six to eight weeks before the wedding, with groups jetting off to destinations such as Charleston, Texas, New York City, and Scottsdale.

“Planning is definitely a group effort,” says Przezdziecki, who notes that a maid of honor or best man might take point on coordination, with input from the bride or groom and help from the rest of the wedding party. The bride or groom will pick the guest list, which typically consists of their best friends/members of their wedding party, similarly-aged cousins or relatives they’re close with, and, occasionally, siblings of their future spouse. The celebration often includes activities ranging from low-key yoga sessions to wild nights out, cheeky games (now is also a great time for a lingerie shower!), and, in this age of social media, plenty of Insta-worthy outfits and ’grammable swag.

When it comes to who pays, hosts and attendees are not expected to cover major expenses such as airfare and lodging for the guest of honor. “If they’re asking people to travel [for the event], I don’t think a bride or groom should be expense-free,” says Przezdziecki. “Especially because, throughout the weekend, they’re going to be getting drinks purchased for them and people might be covering their dinners.”