Planning a Memorable Jack and Jill Party: Tips and Ideas 2025

A Jack and Jill party is a fun, co-ed pre-wedding event where both the bride and groom celebrate with their closest friends and family. Unlike a traditional bridal shower, this co-ed event includes everyone-male and female guests-making it a great way to bring people together before the wedding day.

Whether you want to raise money for the wedding or honeymoon fund, or simply throw a party to celebrate the happy couple, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to plan a Jack and Jill party successfully.

Key Takeaways – Jack and Jill Party

• A Jack and Jill party is a co-ed wedding shower that includes both the bride and groom.
• It can be a casual backyard barbecue, a fancy cocktail party, or a themed celebration.
• The party can include fundraising activities like raffles and paid games to help pay for the wedding or honeymoon.
• Invitations should be sent one to three months before the wedding with clear details on the theme, location, and guest list.
• Fun games, entertainment, and personalized décor will make the event special.

What Is a Jack and Jill Party?

A Jack and Jill party—sometimes called a stag and doe or co-ed shower—is a pre-wedding celebration where both the bride and groom invite their closest friends and family.

Unlike a female-only traditional bridal shower, this co-ed event allows everyone to celebrate together. Some couples use it as a fun way to raise money for their wedding, honeymoon, or life together, while others simply want to celebrate with a larger group.

Where Did Jack and Jill Parties Come From?

This relatively new trend originated in Canada as a way to raise money for wedding expenses. Over time, it has evolved into a fun pre-wedding celebration that many couples in the U.S. and beyond now host.

How to Plan a Jack and Jill Party: Step-by-Step

1. Set a Goal for the Party

Before you start planning, decide on the main purpose:

• A fun, casual gathering to celebrate the couple.
• A fundraising event to help pay for the wedding, honeymoon, or other expenses.
• A mix of both, with some fundraising activities but a focus on fun.

2. Choose a Date and Venue

A Jack and Jill party usually takes place one to three months before the wedding.

For the venue, consider:

• Backyard BBQ – A relaxed setting with appetizers and drinks.
• Restaurant or bar – A great choice for a cocktail-style gathering.
• Community hall – Perfect if you’re hosting many guests or planning fundraising activities.
• Outdoor park or beach – Great for casual celebrations with outdoor games.
• Indoor event space – Ideal for a formal party with décor and entertainment.

3. Create the Guest List and Invitations

Decide how many guests you want to invite. A Jack and Jill party can take place with close friends, family, and even out-of-town guests who might not attend the wedding.

For the invitations:

• Send them one to three months before the wedding.
• Include date, time, venue, theme, RSVP details, and whether guests should bring a gift.
• Use traditional paper invites, email invitations, or digital invites via Facebook or Evite.

Fun Jack and Jill Party Themes

A theme adds excitement to the party and makes decorating easier. Here are some fun Jack and Jill party themes:

• Backyard BBQ – Casual, fun, and easy to organize.
• Cocktail Party – Elegant with signature drinks and appetizers.
• Casino Night – Raffles, poker, and fundraising games.
• Tropical Luau – Hawaiian decorations and fruity cocktails.
• Game Night – Trivia, board games, and paid games for fundraising.

Activities and Games to Play

To keep guests entertained, plan fun games and activities:

• Couple’s Trivia – Guests answer fun questions about the bride and groom.
• Raffle Drawings – A great way to raise money for the wedding or honeymoon.
• Wedding Bingo – Guests mark wedding-related words for a prize.
• Cornhole or Lawn Games – Perfect for a backyard party.
• Paid Games – Guests buy tickets to play and win small prizes.

Fundraising Ideas for a Jack and Jill Party

If you’re hosting the event as a way to raise money, here are some fundraising activities:

• Sell admission tickets – Charge a small admission fee to enter.
• Raffle tickets – Offer small prizes donated by family or local businesses.
• Silent auction – Guests bid on items to raise money.
• Cash bar – If your venue allows it, sell drinks to help fund the wedding.

Food and Drinks

The menu should match the party style:

• Brunch party – Mini pancakes, pastries, and mimosas.
• Backyard BBQ – Burgers, hot dogs, salads, and appetizers.
• Cocktail party – Finger foods, cheese platters, and signature cocktails.
• Buffet-style dinner – Easy self-serve meal for guests.

Offer a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages so everyone can enjoy refreshments.

Decorations and Personal Touches

Simple décor can make the party feel special. Try these ideas:

• Photo wall – Show pictures of the couple from their engagement and life together.
• Themed table decorations – Centerpieces, flowers, or candles.
• Personalized signs and banners – “Celebrate the Happy Couple!” or “Jack and Jill Party!”
• Color scheme – Match the couple’s wedding colors.

Gift-Giving and Registry Etiquette

Unlike a bridal shower or engagement party, gifts are optional at a Jack and Jill party.

If the couple has a wedding registry, include the link on the invitation. If you’re fundraising, guests can bring a donation instead of a gift.

Some popular gift ideas include:

• Gift cards – Help the couple with wedding expenses.
• Home essentials – Kitchen appliances, linens, or décor.
• Personalized gifts – Engraved photo frames or custom wedding keepsakes.

Summary

A Jack and Jill party is a fun, co-ed event that brings together the bride and groom’s closest friends and family. Whether it’s a casual backyard BBQ or a formal cocktail party, the goal is to celebrate and enjoy refreshments together before the wedding.

Decide on the purpose, set a budget, pick a theme, and plan games, food, and entertainment to make the party special. If you want to raise money, consider fun activities like raffles or a silent auction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between a Jack and Jill Party and a Bridal Shower?

A bridal shower is typically female-only, while a Jack and Jill party is a co-ed wedding shower that includes both the bride and groom.

Do Guests Bring a Gift to a Jack and Jill Party?

Gifts are optional, but some guests may choose to bring a small gift from the couple’s wedding registry.

When Should a Jack and Jill Party Take Place?

The party was a way to celebrate one to three months before the wedding, allowing enough time for guests to attend.

Can a Jack and Jill Party Help Raise Money?

Yes, fundraising activities like raffles, paid games, and admission fees can help raise money for the wedding or honeymoon fund.

Who Hosts a Jack and Jill Party?

The maid of honor, best man, or close friends usually host an event like this, but sometimes the bride and groom help with planning.