Wedding Showers/Bachelorette Parties

Before specific rules are discussed, it is important to go over a few important things to keep in mind.

• Believe it or not, these events are supposed to be FUN. While it is okay to rehash silly pranks or stupid things the bride-to-be did in their youth, it is NOT okay to attempt to embarrass or degrade the bride to the point of tears. Keep the idea of fun in mind when planning these events. This is NOT a time to bring up the time she accidently ran over your cat or the abortion she had before meeting her fiance.
• The bride is SUPPOSED to be the center of attention. This is NOT a time to announce that you are pregnant, your getting a divorce, you are getting married, you've decided to change your gender, or that you are coming out of the closet - wait til the next day. If you feel you simply will be unable to contain this news, it might be a good day to call in sick (you have already practiced your fake cold for work, right?)

Now for the specifics >:)

• When purchasing a present - there are these really kewl things called GIFT REGISTRIES. They make purchasing gifts extremely easy, and it ensures the happy couple will actually use what you give them. If you REALLY don't have money, there are usually items that are pretty cheap (wash clothes, table cloths, napkins, ect;) you don't have to buy the refrigerator they put on the list as a joke. Homemade crafts may seem like a good idea, but unless you want to see it at the second hand store in three months - stick to the registry and help them start their life out with shit they want.
• Keep in mind the other people that will be at the event. If all of the participants will be approximately the same age, sometimes sexual enhancement gifts can be appropriate (depending on your relationship with the person and the maturity level of the other party goers). No one wants to open a dildo or edible underwear in front of their grandmother. It may seem funny at the time, but it is extremely tacky.
• If strippers are involved, don't be the desperate chick that takes off her clothes in front of everyone and tries to hook up with the strippers. If you think you have a chance, it is okay to slip them a number and chat them up, but the second you lose clothing or start making out with them in front of your friends - you will become tomorrow's very sad joke (and the stripper ain't calling you).
• Don't attempt to get the bride drunk and in compromising positions in order to create blackmail photos you can use in the future. While it might seem like the best time, especially since she would never want her significant other to see the pictures, it is decidedly malicious and evil.
• Try not to get drunk enough you actually tell the bride all of the reasons that her fiance is a total douche bag, you will lose a friendship because at this point she isn't leaving the guy. Getting trashed and talking shit about anyone in the wedding party is a bad idea, but especially keep any and all bad thoughts about the groom to yourself - forever if possible (if you haven't said anything by party time - you don't get a say).

Have fun. As much fun as the temperament and ideology of the bride allows, but don't do things that are not going to be fun for the bride, keep things light, fun and amusing without losing your head, your friends or your clothes.