College bridal showers celebrative, cost-effective
Jancy Nightingale
Issue date: 3/11/10 Section: Arts
In some cultures, bridal showers consist of colorful costumes, food, festivities and elaborate ceremonies that intend to usher in good luck and joy to the new couple while simultaneously allowing the women present to bondt.
While the ladies of Hillsdale College are less elaborate when they throw showers for brides-to-be, their informality and budgets do not inhibit creativity or the ability to provide lasting, bonding experiences.
Only instead of henna ceremonies, Hillsdale students use toilet paper bridal gowns and underwear-banners varying in size and color strung around the room to spice up get-togethers.
"It's really just about being together and focusing on one person for awhile… and being giddy," junior Laura Golden said.
For newlywed and December graduate, Arden Smith's shower, Junior Megan Dunn said her group of good friends and housemates gathered for brunch featuring Mimosas and beautiful china and floral arrangements. They all contributed to one gift from Victoria's Secret and quizzed the bride-to-be on how well she knew her man. Dunn said she passed with flying colors.
Although having males present at showers is becoming more common, a certain unanticipated visitor became the highlight of one bride's shower.
Golden planned a surprise shower for her friend Chandler Smith '08, née Baer. Golden hosted the shower during the 2008 spring semester when the Grewcock Student Union's Formal Lounge was relatively empty: an ideal and novel space for such a gathering. They sprinkled the lounge with campus foliage and Waterman residence vases. They also combined budgets to give lingerie, "which I tell you, is hard to find in Hillsdale," Golden said.
As Chandler opened her gift, the door opened and in walked President Larry Arnn with four board members in tow, taking a tour of the building. After the initial shock, Arnn asked, "Which part of the festivities am I interrupting?"
"That part," Golden responded.
The new guests lingered for 15 minutes, wishing the best for the bride-to-be.
"And now Chandler can say Dr. Arnn came to her bridal shower," Golden concluded.
For one upcoming shower, timing plays a crucial role.
Junior Michele Philbrook is in charge of making invitations for senior Sarah Howard's shower in April. She said they're hosting the shower after spring break so they can take advantage of shopping other places than Wal-mart.
"I hope she really enjoys it and feels blessed by her friends here," she said.
While the ladies of Hillsdale College are less elaborate when they throw showers for brides-to-be, their informality and budgets do not inhibit creativity or the ability to provide lasting, bonding experiences.
Only instead of henna ceremonies, Hillsdale students use toilet paper bridal gowns and underwear-banners varying in size and color strung around the room to spice up get-togethers.
"It's really just about being together and focusing on one person for awhile… and being giddy," junior Laura Golden said.
For newlywed and December graduate, Arden Smith's shower, Junior Megan Dunn said her group of good friends and housemates gathered for brunch featuring Mimosas and beautiful china and floral arrangements. They all contributed to one gift from Victoria's Secret and quizzed the bride-to-be on how well she knew her man. Dunn said she passed with flying colors.
Although having males present at showers is becoming more common, a certain unanticipated visitor became the highlight of one bride's shower.
Golden planned a surprise shower for her friend Chandler Smith '08, née Baer. Golden hosted the shower during the 2008 spring semester when the Grewcock Student Union's Formal Lounge was relatively empty: an ideal and novel space for such a gathering. They sprinkled the lounge with campus foliage and Waterman residence vases. They also combined budgets to give lingerie, "which I tell you, is hard to find in Hillsdale," Golden said.
As Chandler opened her gift, the door opened and in walked President Larry Arnn with four board members in tow, taking a tour of the building. After the initial shock, Arnn asked, "Which part of the festivities am I interrupting?"
"That part," Golden responded.
The new guests lingered for 15 minutes, wishing the best for the bride-to-be.
"And now Chandler can say Dr. Arnn came to her bridal shower," Golden concluded.
For one upcoming shower, timing plays a crucial role.
Junior Michele Philbrook is in charge of making invitations for senior Sarah Howard's shower in April. She said they're hosting the shower after spring break so they can take advantage of shopping other places than Wal-mart.
"I hope she really enjoys it and feels blessed by her friends here," she said.
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