Out-of-the-box shower ideas

If you ask event planners, they’ll tell you that bridal showers are long overdue a redo.

“The old way of gathering, drinking tea and opening gifts is outdated,” Seri Kertzner, owner of New York City event planning firm Little Miss Party Planner, told The Washington Post. “We’re seeing a major shift toward experiential, interactive events.”

To take your party to the next level, here are five Insta-perfect party themes that every bridesmaid, mom, or bestie in charge of the event can easily plan for your favorite bride-to-be.

Be consistent

Head straight to Scratch DJ Academy in Williamsburg for a bridal shower that will have everyone talking thanks to a mixing masterclass. Here everyone can take a spin on one of 15 spinners.

“We love seeing people get into their inner DJ style,” said owner Rob Principe, adding that the space can accommodate up to 100 people. “Everyone has a DJ name.”

Two-hour sessions with two instructors are $40 to $55 per person. Food and drinks are not included.

rustling

If the bride never missed “Top Chef,” or just loves whipping up the most creative concoctions in the kitchen, a three-hour “Dinner Duel” at My Cooking Party in Chelsea will be an event to remember. The space has hosted “thousands of bridal showers,” according to co-owner Lisa Marie Justice.

This is also great for competitive friends. “When the group comes in, they split into two,” Justice said, adding that the space can accommodate up to 130 people. “We had a host running the event, with teams creating three dishes in an Iron Chef-like competition, creating a really energetic and fun atmosphere.”

If that’s too much like a pressure cooker, there’s also a “Snack Battle” where guests can make (and munch on) four types of hors d’oeuvres.

Prices are $149 per person for the Appetizer Party and $179 per person for the Iron Chef Competition and include house wine, take-home apron, everything you need for the cooking event, cheese and lettuce boards, passed dessert appetizers, printed personalized signage and full-service staff.

nail it

Anyone can host a manicure party. But at one of Dear Sundays’ five nail salon locations across the city, the gathering took on a new meaning.

“We always encourage all clients to write a love letter to themselves, and we end every service with an affirmation card,” says Amy Ling Lin, owner of the all-vegan salon. “At bridal showers, we encourage guests to write a letter to the bride. We provide paper, stamps and mail it. No one does that anymore, so it’s an added treat.”

The ideal booking is for five people, and maybe a manicure treatment close to the wedding date.

“We were happy to make sure there was still time to give gifts, play games and take photos,” Lin said.

Rates start at $250 per hour (five people). These include manicures, sparkling wine, tea and water or bespoke cocktails.

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