Bridal showers are a way for all the women in the bride’s life to come together, get to know each other, and celebrate the bride-to-be. Games at a bridal party keeps things light and ensure that there are no awkward silences.
Another reason to offer games at a bridal shower is to prevent the occasion from centering around gift-receiving. A common problem, however, is that the old-school, traditional bridal shower games are a bit played out.
Here are five fun bridal shower games we know you’ll want to try:
1. The Gossip Game
The bride and the host team up to write a light-hearted, gossipy question about each attendee on little pieces of paper, fold them up, and put them in a bowl. Questions can include things like “who was Sarah’s first kiss?” or “When last has the bride’s mom bought lingerie?”.
As the guests come in, have them take a question out of the bowl. They then have to play detective, and in the process mingle and get to know each other to find out the answer to the question.
The rules are that they are not allowed to ask the question directly and there should be a set time limit of about 30 minutes to investigate.
2. Achieve the Look
This one is simple and it’s relevant. The bride probably knows exactly what she wants her bridal make-up to look like. But it’s always good to have some options… right?
Print out multiple copies of a photo of the bride with no makeup. Each player should receive a copy of the photo and a cheap set of makeup. Have them fill in the brides makeup on the photo.
For an added twist, you could blindfold the players too. This is sure to have you cry-laughing at the end results.
3. Creating Cocktails
Provide guests with various cocktail ingredients, set a time limit, and have them create a signature drink for the bride. Let the bride be the judge of the competition.
This one is sure to have everyone feeling merry, and the bride will have her own signature mixture to remember her bridal party by!
4. Dream Date
Each guest should write down her dream celebrity date. On the other side of the page, they should write their nightmare date.
The bride should draw each one, one at a time, and as a group the guests should try to figure out which card belongs to who. To make it trickier, have the guests guess which side is the dream date and which is the nightmare.
5. Cold feet
Fill a bucket with ice and place toy rings at the bottom. Each player needs to retrieve as many rings as possible in 1 minute…with their toes!
Planning a bachelorette party should feel like part of the celebration and not another task on your list. The easiest way to pull everything together? A strong bachelorette theme.
These are the bachelorette themes we’re loving right now — a mix of playful, polished and just the right amount of extra.
Groovy & boozy
A retro moment that leans all the way in. Think bold colour, disco energy and a dancefloor that doesn’t quit. A DIY cocktail station keeps things interactive and slightly chaotic — in the best way.
Last swing before the ring
Preppy with a twist. Whether it’s golf or tennis, this theme is all about country club styling, crisp palettes and a few competitive moments to keep the energy up.
Girls just wanna have sun
For the bride who belongs near the ocean. Relaxed, sun-soaked and easy to execute. Add tropical touches, fresh food and a sunset moment that naturally turns into a party.
Mamma Mia
A love letter to long lunches and even longer nights. Inspired by Mamma Mia!, expect blue-and-white details, shared plates and a playlist that quickly becomes a singalong.
Pearls, pjs and prosecco
Matching sets, glowing skin and bubbles on repeat. Add a spa element or movie marathon for a night that feels intimate but still elevated.
Last sail before the veil
Crisp, coastal and a little glam. Whether you’re actually on the water or just dressing like it, think stripes, spritzes and a day that rolls seamlessly into night.
Margs & matrimony
A margarita bar, citrus details and a menu built around sharing. It’s relaxed but still feels like a celebration.
Let’s get naut-i
Start with a boat day, end with a night out. Swimsuits, snacks and sea air by day, then a themed bar crawl after. Effortless, but memorable.
Looking like a snack
Playful and completely unserious. Assign each guest a snack-inspired outfit and commit. It’s guaranteed laughs and photos you’ll actually keep.
The one where she gets married
A nostalgic nod to Friends. Slogan tees, coffee-shop corners and a theme that works just as well for a night in as it does for a city break.
Last rodeo
Western, but make it fashion. Cowgirl hats, boots and just enough fringe. It’s bold, photogenic and full of personality.
On cloud nine
Soft and dreamy. Whites, silvers and floaty textures set the tone. It’s more aesthetic than chaotic — perfect for a bride who loves a polished look.
Wig out
Low effort, high impact. Everyone arrives in a wig — the bigger, the better. Add a playful runway moment and you’ve got instant entertainment.
Until they’re old and gray
Unexpected and very funny. Dress like your future selves, then head out and prove you’ve still got it. Lighthearted, ironic and always a talking point.
Final fiesta
Colour, music and a table that feels abundant. It’s festive, easy to pull together and perfect for a group that wants energy from start to finish.
Have you been tasked with arranging the all-important bachelorette party? Before you break out in hives because of the sheer immensity of the situation, read our Hen Commandments. This dos and don’ts list will ensure you throw a party that will leave the bride glowing with happiness – not fuming with anger.
#1 Thou shalt be organised
Set a day way in advance and give everyone enough time to arrange their lives, plan and be there (with bells on) for the bride.
#2 Thou shalt organise a night the bride wants
And not what you want… If the bride is a Champagne and strawberries kind of lady, don’t arrange a craft-beer tasting and hot-dog day. Or if she loves to chug back the brew, don’t get everyone together for a high tea. Be creative about your theme and activities, and make sure they reflect the bride’s personality.
#3 Thou shalt never make the bride feel awkward
It might be a lot of fun to dress the bride up like Borat and make her dance at a traffic light, but the whole reason for the hen party is for her to stop fretting about the wedding for a second and have a blast. You don’t want her dying of embarrassment and wishing she was folding 700 paper frogs with Aunt Margaret instead.
#4 Thou shalt not assume the bride wants a stripper
It’s not a bachelorette bash without some strippers! Ever heard that gem? It’s rubbish, ladies. It can leave some conservative brides in tears. Find other ways to spend the money, unless your bride has specifically requested one (or three).
#5 Thou shalt take others’ budgets into account
Nobody wants to feel pressured to spend more than they can afford on a night out or a weekend away. Before you make the plans, get an idea of what everyone is willing to spend on the party, and then set a budget.
#6 Thou shalt discuss the list with the bride
You can keep everything else a surprise, but not the guest list. If you leave out someone important, the bride will have to deal with the consequences.
#7 Thou shalt involve others
Yes, you might be the maid of honour and the bride’s BFF, but that’s not to say no one else can get involved in the planning. Be open to ideas and offers of help, and delegate where possible.
#8 Thou shalt relax and enjoy thyself
Being the person in charge can be stressful, but if you’re not enjoying yourself, neither will anyone else. Relax and let the party come together.
#9 Thou shalt get everyone home safe
If you’re hitting the town and painting it red, organise Ubers or a shuttle for everyone. You don’t need any drama close to the wedding.
#10 Thou shalt not post ugly photos on Facebook
Ban phones and any posting to Facebook or Instagram on the night, and keep any dodgy photos to yourself. Waking up with a hangover is one thing. Waking up with a hangover and your night blasted all over the ’Gram is another…
Your big day started with big gestures, and your bridesmaids should be included in these. Here are a few cute ways to ask those closest to you to be part of your wedding party.
In this day and age, it is quite a big ask (as bridesmaids are expected to perform a lot of duties) so asking those closest to you with a personalised gift of sorts makes their experience that much more special. No matter what you choose to gift in the bridesmaid proposal, make sure to include a letter written by yourself to each individual bridesmaid. You are asking them to give up a lot of their free time to be your bridesmaid, you can take the time to write a personal letter about why you would like them to be up there with you on your special day.
For decades, kitchen teas, bachelorettes, and bachelors have been celebrated separately, but modern couples are rewriting the rules. Over the past few years, the idea of hosting a joint bachelor and bachelorette party has become far more common, especially among couples with overlapping friend groups or those looking to simplify pre-wedding plans. That said, separate celebrations are still the most common. Many brides love their girls-only moment, and plenty of grooms enjoy their own dedicated send-off. But with the rising cost of events, busy schedules, and couples wanting more shared memories, combined celebrations are definitely gaining momentum.
Why combining your celebrations makes perfect sense
1. More time with your favourite people
Instead of splitting the wedding party for separate weekends, a joint celebration means you and your partner actually get to enjoy the build-up together. No FOMO, no separate plans. Just shared fun before the big day.
2. It helps both sides bond
A combined event brings bridesmaids, groomsmen, and mutual friends into one space. It’s the perfect ice-breaker before the wedding, especially if your groups don’t know each other well. By the time the big day arrives, everyone feels like they’ve been friends for years.
3. It’s budget-friendly
Two events often mean double the accommodation, transport, decor, and activities. A joint bash can cut costs for the wedding party and the couple. Think shared transport, split venue hire, and group discounts.
4. Less pressure, more inclusivity
Joint celebrations naturally avoid the stereotype-heavy, gendered activities some bridal parties want to avoid. They offer a more relaxed, everyone-welcome vibe. This is great for couples who prefer something low-key or who have mixed-gender friend circles.
Fun ways to combine the celebrations
If you’re leaning toward one shared event, here are ideas that work beautifully for co-ed groups:
• A themed dinner party or backyard braai
A relaxed, at-home celebration where everyone brings a dish or you hire a private chef. Add games or a DIY cocktail bar for extra fun.
• A competitive game night
Board games, trivia, or card games are perfect for mixed groups. Create teams that blend both sides of the wedding party for instant bonding.
• A wine, gin, or craft beer tasting
Great for groups wanting a more refined (or more adventurous!) outing. Non-drinkers can enjoy alternatives like coffee, cheese, or chocolate tastings.
• A group activity day
Think mini-golf, a cooking class, an escape room, or a friendly sports match. Something collaborative is ideal for building connections.
• A party bus or boat day
If you want high energy, rent a party shuttle or a boat for a few hours. It’s a simple way to keep everyone together without complicated planning.
• A weekend away
From glamping to a beach house, a shared weekend escape can be a cost-effective way to have both separate moments and joint activities.
Why a combined celebration might not be the best fit
Joint pre-wedding celebrations are fun and increasingly popular, but they don’t suit every couple or every friend group. Some people prefer the tradition of separate bachelor and bachelorette parties because they want the freedom to plan an experience that truly reflects the bride or groom individually.
You also need to consider group dynamics: if certain personalities don’t mix well, or if your friends have very different ideas of what “fun” looks like, combining the celebrations could leave someone feeling out of place. And of course, if one side prefers a more relaxed experience while the other is expecting something wild and energetic, the compromise may dilute the excitement for both groups.
Should you combine yours?
In the end, it comes down to what feels most “you.” If your group is already close, you prefer shared experiences, or you’d like to simplify the pre-wedding calendar, a joint celebration might be perfect. If you’re dreaming of a more traditional girls-only or guys-only vibe, that’s just as valid.
Not one for the club scene? That’s perfectly acceptable. With all the stress of wedding planning, a nice relaxing weekend with your best girls is a great way to calm your nerves.
Low-key brides wanting to do something a little different to the traditional bachelorette rager can opt for more serene experiences designed to soothe those frazzled nerves and get you ready for your big day. Here are a few fun activities to consider.
Spa Day:
Who doesn’t love a spa day? A fresh set of nails, a massage and a facial can do wonders, especially when you’re feeling tense from wedding planning.
You can arrange for a group spa day at a local beauty salon or wellness centre, or you could even have them come to you. Allow your guests to pick from an assortment of treatments, and throw in some delicious light snacks and infused water to complete the vibe.
Feeling tense? Maybe you need to work out those muscles! Yoga is a great way to ease stress and get your body moving in a low impact workout that will leave you feeling calm.
You can have a yoga instructor come to you to host a yoga class, complete with breathing exercises, and guided meditation. If you want to add a unique element, you could even try goat yoga!
Live the life of luxury without even leaving your city. There are so many incredibly Airbnb listings across South Africa, allowing people to book out entire villas overlooking mesmerising views.
All your guests can pool together to book a place with enough space for everyone in a central area. You can spend the weekend chilling poolside, cooking up meals with your besties, and bonding.
Wine tasting is a national sport in the Western Cape. With so many wineries to choose from, locals are truly spoilt for choice.
For a safe experience, we suggest taking a trip on the Franschhoek wine tram, a hop-on-hop-off service connecting you to six wine estates in the Franschhoek Valley.
What’s more luxurious than lounging on a luxury yacht? Spend the day cruising away with 360° views and sunshine warming you up.
You don’t need a specific destination, a local cruise is perfect. Most boats are equipped with sound systems so you can DJ the day while you work on your tan, and menu and bar options are typically available as well.
Times have changed and so have traditions. If you’re getting married but don’t feel you need to have both a bachelorette and a kitchen tea, there are several ways to combine them into one awesome bridal event.
There are loads of benefits of combining the two events into one. One bridal event will save time and energy, as well as money. It will also mean you get exposed to fewer people and environments, keeping your immediate bubble small and staying within that bubble instead of hanging out with different groups of people.
Here are some ideas of ways your bridal event can include everyone from your mom and aunt to your besties. Activities that everyone will enjoy and don’t break the bank is the way to go.
Picnics never get old. It’s chic, low-fuss and absolutely yummy. You can choose a theme or let the theme be the food! Gather your closest ladies and avoid the crowds by finding a private spot. You can also book a picnic from a vendor so it can be all set up in a cosy little nook when you arrive, ready to dig in.
It’s summer! Sun’s out, which means bikinis and sarongs are on. Plan a fun day of leisurely lounging by the pool if you have access to one. Make cocktails together and get your dose of Vitamin D. Remember to wear adequate sunscreen, hats and seek out some shade every now and then.
Who doesn’t love a good games night? Collect all your favourite board and card games and let your competitive side take over. You can even go as far as to place bets so there’s real incentive to win, or take it easy and just have a good laugh with your mates for the sake of it.
Food, glorious food. Whether you’re an aspiring fine-dining chef or just a plain old sweet tooth, get everyone together for a day of creating a beautiful meal, dessert or even just snacks. You can go for a cooking class or go DIY, as long as you walk away with a full belly and happy heart. Oh, and don’t forget to open a bottle of wine.
Look, we’re not saying it’s never been done before. But honestly, who wouldn’t want to do it again (and again and again)? Book a day at your favourite spa for some serious relaxation. Plus, it will leave everyone looking and feeling refreshed and in top form for the big day!
Congratulations, you are getting married! After many years of relationship and waiting for the man of your life to dare to ask you the famous question, the time has come: you are going to celebrate your wedding and you must organize everything correctly to make it an unforgettable day.
For many brides to be able to organize their wedding day to their liking is a challenge, since they not only want their dress to be the ideal one and the place where the event will be held to be suitable for the type of ceremony they plan to celebrate, but they also want excellence in each of the details that surround an event of these characteristics: the type of flowers that will predominate throughout the ceremony, the banquet, the music, and of course choose what will be the dresses of their bridesmaids.
It is a truth known worldwide that a bride will always need at least one bridesmaid on her wedding day, although the ideal and most common is that there will be between 3 and 4 lucky bridesmaids who will accompany the bride to the altar and help her in everything she needs during the most important day of her life.
Now, what is the best way to choose the dress to be worn by the bridesmaids at your wedding? Is there only one way to get it right? Or does it all depend exclusively on the bride’s taste and the patience you have with her bridesmaids to accommodate her every whim and change of mind?
The answer is very wide. Cicinia has tons of experience dressing brides and their bridesmaids and they firmly believe that there are two main factors: the place where the wedding will be held and the time.
From these two factors, and of course the personal taste of the bride and groom, they assure you that you can choose the dress for your bridesmaids without fear of making a mistake. Knowing where and at what time your wedding will be held will help you to solve many doubts regarding the wardrobe, such as: choose long dresses and dark tones if it is a night wedding or opt for a more casual dress with white tones if it is a beach wedding, among other things.
Straight from the Cicinia team, they’ll explain six original ways to dress your bridesmaids so that the theme of your wedding and your wardrobe are perfectly combined!
Take note!
A wedding based on your moon sign
More and more brides are deciding to follow the designs of the moon and prepare their weddings based on what their zodiac signs tell them. For example, if you are a Leo bride, your bridesmaids’ dresses should be striking and quite seductive, because according to what astrology tells us about this fire sign, Leo women are usually very attractive, intelligent and with a great gift of people. Something that translated into the world of fashion results in dresses with large openings in the back, plunging necklines and beautiful silk or satin fabrics.
Each moon sign is different and unique, so every wedding that is prepared according to these characteristics is unique. Do not miss the opportunity to use this theme to make your wedding unforgettable for you and for all your guests.
In fact, in Cicinia we already have an opinion on this type of ancient quest, so do not hesitate to visit our article to learn more about it!
Picture: Supplied
A wedding on the beach
Are you and your groom passionate about the beach and have always wanted to celebrate the most romantic day of your life surrounded by sand and sea? If so, you’ll be happy to know that using the beach theme to determine the style of your bridesmaids’ dresses is very effective. In fact, your own dress will also need to be tailored to the circumstances, as walking on the cold, hard aisle of a church is not the same as walking on the warm sand of a beach that sinks beneath your feet.
A wedding at the sea invites all dresses to be light, with a lot of flight and in white or beige tones. On the other hand, she also suggests you the option of eliminating shoes in your bridesmaids’ ensemble and opting for boho-style dresses with linen and cotton as protagonists. Finally, if you choose to do it in silver you can also think about choosing some kind of tiara or natural updo for you and your bridesmaids since in the sea it is always usually quite airy and for the ceremony and photo shoots you will be much more comfortable to have your hair well collected and out of your face.
Rustic Wedding
If you choose to get married outdoors but instead of opting for the sea you choose the mountains, you can also choose the style of your bridesmaids’ dresses inspired by nature and everything that represents for you to get married in a place as magical as the woods.
A mountain wedding invites you to choose vintage style dresses, with off-white and lace as the protagonists of the design. On the other hand, you can also add a floral detail at the waist of your bridesmaids’ dresses or in their updos to match your wedding dress. This way you will blend in with your surroundings and look like real forest nymphs. The possibilities are endless, you just have to look at the place where you will get married and try to find dresses that fit perfectly with its light and colours.
An evening wedding
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, taking into account the time of day you are getting married will also help you determine the type of dress your bridesmaids should wear. Therefore, if you are getting married at night, your bridesmaids’ dresses should be according to the light and tones of a night event, that is, dark tones but full of bright elements that in contact with the light of the spotlights illuminate and generate a hypnotic effect on the dresses.
An example of the ideal bridesmaid dress for this type of wedding would be a cobalt blue dress covered with sequins and with a large opening in the back. In our catalog you will find a wide variety of options that match this description, do not hesitate to consult it to learn more.
Indoor wedding in classic style
Your wedding will follow all the classic canons of traditional weddings, it will be held in a church and the banquet will be indoors. You may think that this style of wedding is already seen and that your bridesmaids’ dresses will not be anything out of the ordinary, but the truth is that you can also innovate in this field and use the classic style to your advantage to choose a beautiful and timeless design that will make both you and your bridesmaids look very beautiful and fashionable.
An indoor wedding invites you to choose long silk or satin dresses, with demure sweetheart necklines and with some kind of cape or veil on the shoulders that bring movement and sensuality to the design. Pastel colors are perfect for this type of ceremonies, such as salmon or blue. Whatever your choice, on our website you will surely find the bridesmaid dress that suits your needs.
Picture: Supplied
Winter Wedding
More and more brides and grooms decide to get married in winter and have a wedding worthy of a Christmas fairy tale. However, getting married when temperatures are so low makes the search for a dress even more complex, but nothing is impossible. You just have to let yourself be carried away by the magic of the season and its colors.
For example, if you are getting married in December or January you can opt for green or red colors (since you are in the middle of the Christmas season) and thicker fabrics that help your bridesmaids to cope with the cold without preventing them from looking beautiful. Wearing gloves is also a good idea, both to keep your hands from getting cold and to make the whole dress more complete and elegant.
You can also opt for all-white dresses that emulate snow and do the same with the rest of the decoration. The options for choosing a dress in winter are many, you just have to relax and look at all the information available to you.
These are six really effective ways in which you can find the perfect dress for your bridesmaids to look spectacular on the most beautiful day of your life. Although they are not the only ways to find your ideal dress, we hope that with the information we have given you and by consulting our website, you will be able to find what you are looking forward to for your wedding.
No matter the season, you want members of your bridal party to feel elegant and stylish. Unless you have an unwavering vision for your bridesmaids, it’s quite easy to be swayed by the plethora of wedding trends out there.
Between wrap dresses, bold prints and jumpsuits we‘re helping you sift through the trends and providing you with killer ensembles that your bridesmaids will love wearing.
The elegant slip dress
Rust and champagne colours are all the rage right now and tying this phenomenal colour in with an elegant slip dress design will leave your bridesmaids feeling chic.
Wowing with bold prints
Adding bold prints to any dress, no matter the occasion can be a great way to elevate things. Whether it is summer or springtime, this floral design contrasted with navy hues is bound to make a statement.
Wrap dress for the win
We love a gorgeous wrap dress. Not only are these trendy designs comfortable, but they can be as chic as you would like. Add a few patterns or make it pop with a gorgeous colour like emerald green and you have a winner.
Jumping for joy
Jumpsuits don’t have to be the only thing on the bridal menu. Jumpsuits are uber comfortable and can add a little twist to your wedding party, the colour is also to die for!
Who says chiffon is outdated? This fabric is an extremely popular and versatile choice and can be incredibly affordable for bridal couples on a budget. There are so many possibilities that come with choosing this fabric, but make it’s always important to make it your own.
A sea of velvet dreams
When you think of bridesmaids dresses, velvet may not be the first thing that comes to mind. This fabric can be quite a departure from traditional fabrics such as chiffon, but it offers a unique look for brides looking to take the road less travelled. It will also leave your bridal babes feeling stylish and oh-so fierce.
