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A bridal shower is a chance for friends and family to enjoy a day with the bride-to-be before the wedding. Here are a few fun ideas for planning a bridal shower she will never forget.
Classic
For brides who want everything just so, a traditional, women-only shower is a must. Decorations should be elegant and understated. Think crisp linens, sparkling crystal, beautifully arranged flowers and wide satin ribbons tied in bows. Host a late morning brunch or an afternoon tea. Serve fresh fruit and salads, quiches or eggs benedict for brunch along with coffee, tea, juices and champagne mimosas. For teas arrange finger sandwiches on pretty cake plates or platters along with a selection of pastries, cakes or cookies. Brew several different teas in beautiful china pots. Ask guests to bring a vintage teacup and saucer, which can then be exchanged with other guests as a party favor or given to the bride as mementos of her special day.
Contemporary/Co-Ed
As times change so do traditions and many brides are comfortable with couples or co-ed showers. These gatherings are usually more informal than traditional showers and can be held in the evening at a local restaurant or pub. Have fun with the decorations. Make a “brag book” for each table including photographs of the bridge and groom through the years from baby pictures to their engagement photo. Create fun party favors like personalized coasters or t-shirts. The menu can range from a “small bites” selection of appetizers and cocktails to a full sit-down dinner followed by coffee and cake.
Honeymoon Shower
Chances are the bride is nervous and a little stressed out about the approach of her big day. Why not pamper her by tying the shower to the vacation she’ll soon be taking with her new husband? If the couple is jetting off to Hawaii after the ceremony, host an island-themed shower. Leave a flower lei and a pair of sunglasses at each place setting. If they’re heading for a week in Paris, consider berets and a cake in the shape of the Eiffel Tower. Serve food inspired by the region: fresh pineapple or coconut cake for the islands; croissants, cheeses and fine wines for France. Decorations can include travel posters, vintage post cards, seashells or Chianti bottle centerpieces – whatever inspires the feel of their destination.
Favorite Things
Plan the shower around the interests of the bride and groom. Are they dedicated bookworms? Foreign film buffs or committed cooks? For book lovers or film fans, suggest that each guest bring a beautiful edition of a favorite book or movie along with a personalized inscription or note explaining why they chose it. Fun-loving foodies will probably get a kick out of walking into a room filled with guests dressed in aprons and toques. Plan menus and decorations around the premise – bookmarks or playbills as invitations, kitchen timers or gadgets as favors, coffee drinks and pastries, popcorn and candy or a gourmet potluck for snacking – depending on your theme.
