Organize a bridal shower game—or two or three—to break the ice among guests that don’t know each other well, and you’ll give everyone more to talk about after the party than simply the model of the blender the bride received at her shower. However, they can only talk without saying one “forbidden” word—if they say that word, they lose their clothespin and lose the game.
Playing the Game
The object of the game is to be better than the other guests at watching your words. In order to prepare for this game, the host will need to get enough clothespins or safety pins for each guest to have at least one. If you are feeling festive, it’s fun to bedazzle, glitter or paint the clothespins for a special hint of party decor before the event begins. Here’s what’s next: It’s simple, straightforward, and direct. This is a bridal shower game that everyone can play and no guests will feel left out.
The Fine Print and Options
At the beginning of the game, tell guests whether they need to turn over all of the pins they have collected from catching other guests with the forbidden word or only one pin per word. The stakes certainly become higher if you have to turn over all of your pins, but it’s up to you! Some guests prefer a less competitive game. You can also make the game more challenging by changing the word mid-party. Watch as guests become confused trying to remember which was the old forbidden word and which is the new one. Another option: Instead of just giving each guest one clothespin for the game, give them three to five each. This allows everyone to make a few mistakes when talking, which lengthens the game. This is ideal if you only have a few guests at the shower. If you have a bigger group, it’s best to stick to one clothespin or safety pin per person.
Examples of Forbidden Words
The forbidden word you choose should be a common word for a bridal shower, making it extra hard to avoid. Some possible words are:
ShowerBrideMotherBridesmaidGiftWeddingGroomKitchenHouseCakeHoneymoonThe bride or groom’s first name
You can also play this game for a baby shower. In that case, possible forbidden words include:
BabyDiaperGirlBoyDeliverySleepMamaDaddyGrandmaGrandpaThe new baby’s first name
