Couples showers are great fun, and we've seen some totally awesome party pics to prove it! But the truth is, pictures can lie. For example, the hostess (after the party) might say:

"We had a great time! It was a Co-ed Shower so i was worried the guys would get bored...but we had a great time and the games were a hit!"

But a male guest might leave saying:

"Someone had the bright idea of hosting a 'couples' bridal shower that I went to and to be honest, it felt about as awkward as a middle school dance. Upon leaving, I felt a strong desire to change the oil in my car or do some other 'manly' act."

The disconnect? Possibly that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. But more realistically, the hostess just didn't read her audience right. Some men - no matter how much fun of a couples shower you have planned - are just uncomfortable at the traditionally girly shower. If you're thinking about including men, make sure the men you invite WANT to be included. After all, I've yet to meet a man that's like, "Why wasn't I invited to that bridal shower? I really wanted to go!" (and then they stomp off pouting). And make sure ahead of time that you won't end up with one male hanging solo because he was the only one brave enough to come. That's right - you might have to get some *gasp* RSVP's. I also took the time to poll a few men around here (these two were possibly the two least likely candidates that would like to participate in a bridal shower) and here are their suggestions:

• Make sure the event is a less casual shower. Guys are concerned this would just be another event that they would have to get dressed up for...and they didn't want to. They said if it was casual, they would be more likely to attend.
• For the games, use games that the men and women can play against each other, like Bridal Jeopardy and use more interactive games like Charades and Pictionary as compared to Bridal Trivia type games.
• Supply beer and maybe even during the gift opening, let the guys go and play video games or sports together if they don't want to partake.
• Make the shower more about being a party/celebration instead of being a shower.

Or, heck with it, leave the men at home and enjoy girls-only time with lots of traditionally girly shower games. Kind of like showers used to be.