I have been hearing about these couple’s showers for quite a while. I think they are brilliant. After all, the whole tea sandwiches and gift ceremony can be quite the snooze—adding the male element certainly makes the experience a bit more palatable—even fun!

So, if you are down and looking to plan, host of request a couples shower, there are a few things you will need to consider before you begin. Not all couples are created equal. Just like the more traditional showers, the theme needs to be tailored to fit the individual’s personalities and interests. Below is a list of the couple types, party styles and favor ideas. Find yourself or a friend by reading the different profiles and then check out the planning cheat sheet for a little much needed advice.

1. The Sophisticates: This couple favors art museums and gallery openings over clubs and house parties. There hobbies may include travel, NY Times on (their one) lazy day, Sunday and shopping at over priced, gourmet markets.

Theme: a wine and cheese pairing tasting.

Personalize this party by choosing wines and cheeses that relate to their wedding, cultural or honeymoon plans. Plan an evening affair—always more elegant—and keep the music classic yet fun with old school and new jazz tunes. Have literature on hand (very important to these two) that describes the vintage, region, etc. You may even want to hire one of the sommeliers to really keep things educational. This is the perfect party for those who like a more culturally enhanced affair. Send your guests off with a great wine accessory.

Favor Ideas: fancy bottle stoppers, a personalized bottle of wine, cheese knives

http://www.wineenthusiast.com/E/details.asp?Ep=An/386+15//A/21555&uid=5BA5346E%2D0CAF%2D4C6B%2D9378%2D78FA1AEC2704

2. The Casual Duo: These two love all things laid back. Total comfort seekers, a shower that required dresses and slacks would make them more anxious then excited.

Theme: A backyard or rooftop BBQ- Plan an outdoor or roof top barbeque and you can’t go wrong. Keep things interesting by serving gourmet versions of classics like sliders and fries. Games are a fun addition to a party like this—bouche ball, anyone? Serve cold beers in old school bottles and fill some glass canisters with a fun punch. Pass out sparklers as favors and spark them during the toasts or gift ceremony.

Favors: sparklers

3. The Retro Duo: These two love the throw backs parts of life---vinyl records, vintage tees, and indy bands. Often considered the arty types, a traditional tea or brunch just wouldn’t suit their style—they need something with a little more pizzazz and originality.

Theme: Bowling and beers—Today many bowling alleys have kicked things up a bit and added DJs and booze giving bowling a new twist. If you have one of these chic bowling lanes in your hood and your duo falls into this fun, funky couple type then I think this is the perfect venue. Mix up some pre-made tunes that you know they will dig and plan a signature drink that is fun and fruity—just like the couple that you are honoring!

Favors: the personalized mixed CD

4. The Trendy Two: These two love birds are fond of the funky and fabulous things in life. Trendy and trendsetting—they turn up at every restaurant opening, black tie event and new lounge. TO please this couple the theme of the night just has to be chic.

A cocktail party at a trendy lounge: Martinis, mini bites and mood music is a great way to start this coed cocktail party. Forget balloons and bouquets when decorating for this event and go with ambient and sexy décor (after all, it is a couples affair) like loads of votives, pillar candles and burning incense. A signature martini that is totally representative of them is a definite must-have—if anyone will appreciate a designer drink it is these two.

Favors: designer cookies, martini glasses filled with personalized m&ms, incense.

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5. The Homebodies: These two could do dinner and a movie every day of the week. But, rather than heading out for a fancy dinner, this couple prefers to do it all at home—from scratch. They love sappy, romantic movies because well, let’s face it—these two are a bit sappy and romantic. This down home couple is simply a no-frills, crafty pair who love to spend time at home with their closest friends and family.

Cooking and a movie: An interactive couple’s shower such as pizza making for an evening affair or make-your-own omelet for a daytime date would suit these two quite well. To kick things up, have a make your own punch bar for night and smoothie bar for day, as well. After dinner and gift opening, of course, pick a movie that makes sense for these two. Perhaps, a classic romantic comedy to keep the mood casual and cohesive.

Favors: a DVD of the screened movie