The Shower Diva: Where Fun Reigns!

Claire Stucklen, Five Diamond Massage Therapist

Planning to pamper your shower guests with massage? The owner of Island Spa Parties shares her professional success secrets

Massage is a natural choice for Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, and Bachelorette Parties because it integrates the idea of self-care into the event, which is one of the underlying themes of every shower. Providing massage to your guests heightens the intimacy of the party. Everyone is able to take a deep exhale. It’s like that moment of stepping into a tub of warm water when you feel the wave of relief come over you and you relax into the bath with a big sigh of “ahhhhhhh...”

Massage also gives all the guests something in common. Although they might be strangers when they arrive, they will soon be visiting about how good the massage feels. Having one subject to talk about will lead to others.

In addition to expanding everyone’s comfort zone, massage makes people feel great. It elevates their mood while naturally relaxing them. It can be very grounding and is great for circulation. It’s easy to see that a group of people who are feeling relaxed yet upbeat will lead to a fun party atmosphere.

Pay attention during the hiring process

Choosing the right massage therapist is essential to your success.

• If you don’t already have a massage therapist, start by asking friends for references or call a local massage school to ask for recommendations. You might also find some good leads at your local health food store.
• Ask if the therapist is insured and licensed. Since each state has different licensing requirements, you’ll want to check with your local licensing board to find out the rules in your state.
• The massage therapist should be able to bring her own table or massage chair if you are using one and all the linens and other supplies she will need.
• Consider her “stage presence” and manners. Her behavior at the shower will be a reflection on you. Will she represent you well? Will her style of relating to people be a good fit with your guests?
• Find out what massage options the therapist offers. You might want to offer seated chair massage, full table massage, or just have the massage therapist work the room giving casual hand and foot or neck and shoulder massages.
• If you’re confident you have found a good massage therapist, receive a massage before you make your final decision. During your massage, note whether the therapist is hygienic, drapes you appropriately, has a good bedside manner, and gives a quality massage. Does she do a good job of creating a relaxing atmosphere? Do you feel safe and comfortable with her?

Set the stage for relaxation

Consider whether you want the spa area to be away from the other guests or right in the thick of things so people can continue to socialize during their massage. Most hostesses will choose to offer massage in another room or in a quiet space outside. But, if you’re having a spa party where the point is to get all the girls together for pedicures, massage, and facials, you might want to have the massage chair in the main activity area. Choose a space that will include the type of privacy or sociability you want to offer guests during their massage. If you plan to offer full-body massage, make sure the spa area is behind a closed door to protect your guest’s modesty.

Don’t forget to make sure the massage area is reasonably close to a sink where the therapist can wash her hands between massages. If that’s impossible, make sure she has a bottle of hand sanitizer. It's also nice if there is a bathroom nearby where guests can freshen up and have a quiet moment before they rejoin the party.

Work together with your massage therapist to plan and decorate the spa area. Your goal is to create an atmosphere that will help your guests shift gears. Flowers, aromatherapy, candles, crystals and fountains are all good options for the massage area. If you will be using warmers or fountains, make sure appropriate outlets are available.

Coordinate the décor of your spa area with the rest of the party, but don’t match it exactly.  More calming, subdued or intimate decoration is called for in the massage space. If cost is not a concern, consider providing linens that match your shower theme for the massage area.

Plan how massage will be integrated into the rest of your event

Provide a way for people to receive their massage within 20 minutes or so. Longer than that and they will feel they missed out on too much of the party. If you want to treat people to full-body massages, consider offering double massage where two therapists work together on one client.

Figure out how long each massage can be leaving every guest a chance to participate. Remember, everyone will want to be present during gift opening and other group activities. If you need all the guests available for certain games, shorten the total amount of time available for massage and let the massage therapist use that time to take a rest break.

Your plans should include payment expectations

Before you even hire a massage therapist decide whether the hostess will cover the entire cost of the massage therapist or if the cost will be shared among several friends. If you decide to go this route, arrangements should be made for the hostess(es) to pay for the Guest of Honor’s massage.

Give your guests options

Some people are very comfortable and familiar with massage. Others are not. Visit with your massage therapist about what kind of treatment she offers and talk about how the two of you will communicate the choices you are offering guests. If a guest is not comfortable participating, they should never be pushed or embarrassed. Respect their choice and they might feel comfortable enough to have their hands massaged by the end of the party.

Invite the Guest of Honor to come early

Since the Guest of Honor will likely not want to leave her friends and family during the shower, invite her to arrive early to receive a special massage. Have her come early enough that she can dress and do her hair and make-up before the party. She’ll be relaxed and glowing during the shower.

Consider giving the gift of massage

A gift certificate, or series of gift certificates, for massage makes an excellent gift for the Guest of Honor. Mothers-to-Be often find massage comforting during the last stages of pregnancy when their body is pushed to the limit. It’s well known that Brides-to-Be are some of the most stressed out people on the planet, especially in the last few days before the wedding. It’s a good idea for her to have a massage 24 hours before the ceremony. She’ll be more relaxed and centered on her big day.

Massage is also a wonderful choice for the Bride-to-Be to give her bridal party. Many Brides enjoy taking their Bridal party out to the spa the day before the wedding as a thank you for their help and support during the weeks leading up to the big event.

About Claire Stucklen:
Since 1990, Claire Tatsumi Stucklen has been helping her clients connect with the peaceful place of ease and balance within through massage. She started Island Spa Parties while living in Santa Monica, California as a way to combine her experience as a private party caterer with her massage work. In 2001, after moving to Hawaii, Claire opened her private practice, Journeys of Wellness, where she offers wellness modalities from around the globe—everything from a great hour massage to swimming with whales in Tonga! She still offers Island Spa Parties and is also a highly regarded massage therapist at Four Seasons Resort Wailea. Claire has been a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Practitioners since 1996.