Let’s be real. No one wants to go to your bridal shower. You don’t even want to go to your bridal shower. The only reason you’re even having one is for the gifts. Hey, we agreed to be real here.

Bridal showers are boring. You’ve been to one, you’ve been to ‘em all. We know. It’s not your fault. You’re stressed and sick of planning everything from shoes to napkins, but don’t worry. We’re here to help you throw a shower that your friends will talk about for years—in a good way.

You see, the ability to throw an amazing event is an essential part of every public relations pro’s bag of tricks. It’s like we always say, you can’t wait around for news to break. You’ve got to make it happen. Events are a great way to bring some positive press to your brand and give a fun reward to your customers—or bridal shower guests.

Recently, Jo, the visual storyteller at our agency, hosted her bridal shower, and it was certainly one for the books. Jo’s secret to success was in her ability to merge the traditional and the unexpected.

Let’s start with the fun part, the unexpected.

Jo didn’t want to have the same ol’ boring shower. So, she picked a fun theme: The 1920s. Beaded fringe and cigarette holders are way more exciting than making a ribbon and bow bouquet. Jo’s shower included table decorations with artwork picturing flappers and a Victrola phonograph. Impressive, we know.

But the real conversation starter was a photo booth with a handmade moon cutout for guests to take pictures, an activity and a souvenir all in one. Strategy, she’s got it.

These unexpected touches separated Jo’s shower from other showers her guests had attended. They were the elements that not only made the party fun, but so much fun that the guests just had to tell their friends. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you make PR success.

But you don’t want to get too crazy, or you’ll make your guest feel like they’re a part of a weird public art display—especially when one of those guests is your 87-year-old nana. And that’s where the traditional comes into play.

The traditional is what people relate to.

Traditions bring up memories and are basically responsible for a lot of the warm and fuzzy feelings you want your guest to have toward your event. It’s also what helps set their expectations.

At Jo’s shower, she served traditional brunch fair and beverages: Plates of pastries and mimosas topped off with sparkling champagne. These traditions are what shower-goers look forward to, and removing them completely would be a big mistake. Can you imagine the riot if there hadn’t been any Bloody Marys? Madness. Sober madness.

The traditional and the unexpected are the yin and yang of event planning. Too much of one and things get boring or weird. Together, it’s party planning perfection, whether you’re planning your bridal/bachelorette/baby/new doghouse shower.

And don’t forget, if all else fails, there’s always your next wedding.

Kellie Bramlet works at The Black Sheep Agency, a Houston-based creative agency specializing in non-traditional public relations, social media and experiential marketing. A version of this story first appeared on the Black Sheep Agency blog.

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