Bridal Showers | Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog

October 28, 2013 by Hannah Jackson

Top 3 Fall Bridal Shower Themes

If fall is bridal season for any of your friends or family, get creative with celebrating! Honor your loved ones by showering them with all that this season has to offer. There are many great ideas and themes to choose from, just make sure it fits their personality and style. To get you started, here are 3 great ideas that make great fall bridal shower themes.

RUSTIC: Fall is such a great season to utilize nature. If your bride-to-be enjoys more of a laid back and vintage feel to her party, bring nature inside for your decor. It can be as simple as taking some pretty, glass jars already lying around your house and filling them with leaves from your backyard. **PIC**You can do the same thing with sticks or acorns from your yard. Gather them together and use them with your leaves for inexpensive table centerpieces.

APPLES and PUMPKINS: Put together, these are really appealing to the eye. They're also great to pair together for a fall bridal shower. Use them in your decor or send small gala apples and miniature pumpkins home with your guests as favors. Apple cider is a cozy beverage for you all to sip while you're celebrating. You can also make fun drinks for the shower guests with apple peels and cinnamon sticks in them for flavor and texture.

SPORTS FAN: Do you know a bride who is a big sports fan, as well as her soon-to-be husband? Fall brings football, specifically, and it's fun to bring out this part of the bride's personality for their special party. Put a girly touch on tailgating foods and drinks for your menu. You can also get a football and have all of the bride's closest friends and family decorate and sign it. Give it to her at the end of the party as a keepsake from this special occasion.

Planning a bridal shower this fall? Be sure to go with a theme fit for the season!

July 2, 2013 by Shelbi Raysor

Breakfast at Tiffany's Bridal Shower

Bachelorette parties are a breeze to plan, but a bridal shower for just your female relatives and close friends can be more difficult. Here is a fun theme for a bridal shower that is not only classy, but a theme that everyone can enjoy!

Tiffany Blue & White

It may feel like yesterday when you received that tiny blue box, with a not so tiny surprise! Now, it’s time to celebrate your next step with Breakfast at Tiffany’s themed bridal shower. If you’re obsessed with Tiffany & Co, pearls and old fashioned class this theme is perfect for you!

Like most vintage black and white romance movies, you have found that iconic love. Now, it is time to put the old glamour, romance and class to good use.

Bridal Shower Décor

Nothing travels you back in time more than your atmosphere. Create an escape from all the wedding planning for not only you, but your guests! Make your shower decorations have a fresh look that is perfect for a mid morning brunch. White table cloths, glass dishes and lace leave the slate clean for color. After all, this is all about Tiffany Blue.

The perfect base created by your whites and crystal can be embellished with a few decorations. Centerpieces will be the main statement pieces at your brunch. On your tables, there should be different heights. Each table should tell a story and represent your personality in its own way. For the table centerpieces you could use:

White Feathers (Elegant, Fun and Tall)
Pearls (In strands or in the bottom of vases)
Candle Holders (Crystal or Silver)
Blue Tiffany Boxes (All sizes for height and centerpiece vases)

Elegant Shower Decor

Flowers should be simple elegant colors like white and a light green. Hydrangeas are what come to my mind for the perfect height and full look. The flowers would look stunning in light blue vases or in a clear vase placed in the bottom half of a large tiffany blue box. The hydrangeas are so full; it will literally look like they are popping out of an engagement box.

Another element to this shower is women love to dress up. So, let your party be an excuse to go shopping! It’s a fun way to bond with the girls or family members before the shower. If you are worried about your guests having to buy something for your shower, don’t fret. Everyone owns…

That Little Black Dress

Dress codes can vary when it comes to bridal showers, but have fun with this one. Wear simple black dresses, pearls and don’t forget to bring your “puff” cigarettes. If you really want to have fun bring a set of white gloves.

Let’s say you want to stand out as the bride? What a simple way to have everyone wear black dresses for your entrance in white. Be the star for your perfect day!

If you are a woman after my own heart, you are probably thinking “Brunch… Where’s the food?” Don’t worry ladies it’s in the title of the theme.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

An early brunch is perfect for this theme! Not only does it go with the title, but breakfast is so easy to snack on while mingling. Of course, you should always choose your favorite breakfast foods for a unique appeal, but here are some starter choices:

Pearl Donuts (Also known as powdered)
Bagels
Fruit Bar
Pancake Cakes with powder sugar
Scones
Éclairs
Parfaits

Wedidng Brunch

These are all perfect starter choices for your brunch. They are easy to carry around from conversation to conversation and are not too filling. Did I mention they are super girly?

The Words of Love

From here you have everything you need for the set up of the party, now it’s time for the fun. After the mingling begins to die down it’s time for games. “He says… She says…” is always a hit and incorporates women from his side of the family. Write down quotes that you and your future husband have said. Allow the women to guess which of you said the funny one liner. After the given amount of time, reveal the mouth from which the quote came from and watch the look of shock and laughter fill the room.

When the party is over, don’t let your guests leave without their own set of pearls and a tiffany blue coffee cup. For an extra touch, I would wrap the cup in a thick white ribbon. Now, every morning they will remember memories of your bridal shower.

Coco Chanel believed that women should be two things: classy and fabulous. This party theme is just that.

January 30, 2013 by Kelly Curtis

Help! Do You Have Any Ideas for a Disney Themed Bridal Shower?

Ask The Celebration Advisor:

Help! Do You Have Any Ideas for a Disney Themed Bridal Shower? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely – Katherine

The Celebration Advisor:

Katherine,

A Disney bridal shower sounds like such a fun idea! You can easily come up with such an elegant bridal shower that is Disney themed, even though you may think it could turn out looking like a kid's birthday party. First decide which route you want to go. Do you want to go with Mickey and Minnie or a princess themed route? Here are some ideas for both,

Disney Princess Themed Shower – A Princess themed bridal shower should be centered around a tea party. Theme each table after a Disney Princess. For example, for Ariel, create an under the sea theme table or for Cinderella, use the castle, blues and silvers for inspiration. Serve petite fours and play games that lets guests guess release dates in order of Disney films. Don't forget a "throne" like chair for the bride where she can open all her goodies.
Mickey & Minnie Themed Shower – Of course, red and black should be the colors of this shower. It doesn't have to be over-the-top Mickey and Minnie. Talk with your local florist and let them know what theme you're going with. They can create elegant arrangements in black and ride and even incorporate hidden Mickeys into the centerpieces. You can then create cute Mickey and Minnie cake pops, cupcakes, and cakes for this shower.

Hope this helps!

Need suggestions on more bridal showers? Check out Wedding and Party Network!

July 2, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

Bridal Shower Gift Essentials

Are you planning a bridal shower or planning to attend one? Nervous on what to give as a gift? There are various ideas out there that the bride will absolutely love and need for her new home. However, if you're still unsure, Wedding and Party Network has a guide to bridal shower gift essentials.

If you're wanting to stray away from her bridal registry or just add something cute and unique with what you get off her bridal registry, there are lots of options out there. Here are a few tips and ideas that will help make your gift stand out.

Wedding Day Survival Kit – This is such a cute gift to give any bride and it's an easy gift to put together. Visit the travel section of your local pharmacy and pick up toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, breath mints, travel hairbrush, Shout wipes, lotion, bobby pins, hairspray and anything else you may think of that the bride may need on her wedding day. You never know when little mishaps could occur.

Creative Garment Bag & Hanger – The bride will definitely need a garment bag and hanger for her wedding dress. Her wedding photographer will even want to take pictures of the wedding dress on the hanger. Search for fun and colorful garment bags that suit the bride's style. Also, you can even find hangers that feature "bride" or even her new last name spelled out in wire. She will absolutely love this gift.

Mr. & Mrs. – There are different items that feature Mr. & Mrs. on them like coffee mugs, t-shirts, bags, picture frames and many more items. If they're a fan of drinking coffee together or want something to wear to the airport that shows that they're just married, these gift items are a must.

Create a date night gift – Of course, coming up with unique date ideas maybe hard for some couples. So, help them out by creating a date night gift basket. Send them off on a picnic for their date night by including a picnic basket, drink yard stakes, fun paper plates and a picnic blanket. You can also create a weekend getaway bag by including sunscreen, bride and groom towels and a bag. They will both appreciate this gift.

So, when it comes to finding gift essentials for a bridal shower, think out-of-the-box. Come up with unique gift ideas for the bride to pair with your shower gift that you got off their registry. It doesn't have to be anything big, just think of something that can make your gift stand out that the bride will love.

This post is brought to you by Houston Wedding Shower Decorations.
Not in Houston, TX? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find wedding shower decorations near you!

June 13, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

Chic & Elegant Bridal Shower

Are you looking for a great idea for a bridal shower? Well, the first thing to do is consider the bride's personality. What is her style, what does she like to do and what are her hobbies? If she loves everything girl inspired and a bit of fashion as well with a hint of traditional, a chic and elegant bridal shower is just for her. Well, Wedding and Party Network has a few tips and ideas on hosting this gorgeous bridal shower.

Beuatiful Bridal Shower

So, how can you create a chic and elegant bridal shower? It's truly simple with a few details. It's definitely all about the decorations and how you present it for this bridal shower. Focus on mixing fabric, paper and fresh flowers.

Use fabric within your tablescapes. Even mix and match patterns with a hint or burlap for table runners. Make sure everything is pretty subtle, you don't want a clash of patterns and colors. Picking the right fabric is definitely the base for creating a chic and elegant bridal shower.

Another must is featuring flowers as well. Your flowers can be made from paper even or a combination of fresh flowers, as well as paper ones that you created yourself in soft pastels. Create simple floral arrangements to display on each table to go with the chic and elegant theme. Also, for the paper flowers, you can make a floral chandelier or create a piece of art on the wall.

Talk with your florist about wanting to use fresh flowers and even mixing in a few paper flowers that have beautiful patterns to create a unique centerpiece. They'll love talking with you and coming up with unique ideas. Mix and match different colored vases, also use different sizes of vases and set out tea candles.

Bridal Shower Food Setup

Also, don't forget to use cute sayings like, "A special gift for you, as you get ready to say I Do" or "Bride-to-be" for the gift table and as seating cards. This will just be added detail that will create a beautiful setting.

Now that you have taken care of the decor that will create a beautiful setting, it's time to think about food and drinks. Rev up the menu with some cocktail shrimp, slow roasted tomatoes, herb tartlets, eclairs and even mini s'mores with pink marshmallows. Think elegant and sophisticated food, however, don't be intimidated because most of these appetizers are pretty simple to put together.

However, if you're having doubts, contact your local caterer and they will have a wide variety of options and wonderful ideas for this type of bridal shower. Don't forget to use gorgeous platters like mirrors to display your food and create various heights on the food table.

Whether you are hosting a bridal shower tea or a cocktail shower; this look works for both. The bride will absolutely love having a sophisticated bridal shower with the right decor and shower food. This will definitely be a preview of her wedding and get her totally ready to walk down the aisle.

This post is brought to you by Houston Party Caterers.
Not in Houston, TX? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a party caterer near you!

June 8, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

Inspirational Friday – Bridal Shower

Here at Wedding and Party Network we want to give you inspiration for your wedding and party details. The details are what sets your wedding and party apart from anyone else. The colors, theme, detailing and style all creates your wedding day style and conveys your party theme. So, today's Inspirational Friday will focus on bridal shower decor.

Wedding showers are all about the bride. You want to find a bridal shower theme that fits their personality and style. There are various themes that you can pick from like an around the clock shower, Parisian inspired shower, fashion inspired, stock the pantry shower or just incorporate the bride's wedding style into the shower. There are so many themes to choose from, it's just finding the theme that best suits the bride. Her shower is important and should always have the right wedding arrangements, her favorite food and colors show throughout it. It's another important event that she'll always remember.

April 11, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

What To Wear To Your Bridal Shower

Your bridal shower is a major event that happens during the wedding process. You are really showered with love. This day is really important, it is all about you and how often does that happen? Even the groom isn't a major part of this big day, he probably isn't too thrilled about getting kitchen or household items in reality. However, that doesn't mean that you aren't? Therefore, you should stand out on this day. So, Wedding and Party Network has a few tips on what to wear to your bridal shower.

Bridal Shower

1. If you have to ask yourself is this dressy enough, it's not. – Always go with the dressier outfit, especially since this event is for you. You don't want to be the most under dressed person there. Therefore, dress up.

2. No Jeans – Again, this event is all about you. It's your time to shine and to celebrate a special time in your life. So, please, no jeans for your bridal shower. Wear a dress, skirt or even dress pants if skirts and dresses aren't your thing.

3. Plan In Advance – Yes, shopping may not be for every girl. However, please shop in advance for your shower outfit. You need to shine and find an outfit that you look great, as well as be comfortable in.

4. Plan For The Season – If your shower is being held outdoors or in the middle of summer, a light cotton dress is ideal. However, if it's during the cooler months, you can wear tights or bring a sweater or shawl with you. Look ahead at the weather and see what it will be like on the weekend. Will it be raining, cooler weather or warmer weather? Just make sure to look ahead.

5. Be Modest & Respectful – Yes, a bridal shower is different from a bachelorette party. It's more of a formal affair or conservative. Your bridal shower will be a mixed event of close family and friends. Along with family members and friends, a lot of photos will be taken. So, be a little modest and cover up.

6. Hair & Makeup – Lets not forget about your hair and makeup. Keep you makeup light and refreshing. Definitely don't over do it. You want to look natural. For your hair, there are so many unique ways that you can style it. You can do unique braids, updos, curl it or leave it straight. However, don't go overload by styling it how it could look on your wedding day.

This post is brought to you by Miami Wedding Planners.
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find a wedding planner near you!

October 17, 2011 by Kelly Curtis

Don't Forget About The Groom!

Of course, the main focus during this joyous occasion is mostly on the bride. The bride plans her dream wedding, gets the showers and plans everything down to the tiniest details. Rightly so, they should get most of the attention. However, we can't forget about the groom, it's his day too. So, when planning a gift for the shower, don't forget about the groom. Wedding and Party Network has our top picks for what to get the groom for this special occasion that he'll truly enjoy.

Kitchen – What can you get that guys will like using in the kitchen? There are plenty of things that they will enjoy. Who doesn't love unique kitchen

Wedding Gifts

tools like a griddle pan for those nice sear lines when he's cooking meat in the kitchen. Also, a nice knife block set, personalized beer glasses, whiskey glasses or even a unique corkscrew are all great gift ideas with the groom in mind. Guys like to spend time in the kitchen when they have something fun to play with when creating their food.

Outdoors – Of course, what guy doesn't enjoy spending some time outdoors? This is where there are lots of ideas for the guys, because some brides just like to stay indoors better. A grill, grilling supplies, hammocks, outdoor games, sports equipment, fire pits, pool accessories and even a lawn mower.

Electronics –Guys love playing around with the latest technologies. Keeping up-to-date is a must for them. Whether it is a gaming device, television or computer, these make great groom's gift ideas. The bride may even benefit from it too.

Vacation – We can't forget about an amazing trip! If you truly want to blow them away and are looking for a great gift, a trip is just what they need. This is a great time for both of them to relax and enjoy one another, which is both beneficial to the bride & groom!

So, don't forget about the groom! It's his wedding too and he deserves something special, even though we're sure his wonderful bride is enough!

This post is brought to you by Miami Party Planners.
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a party planner near you!

August 24, 2011 by Kelly Curtis

Top Bridal Shower Themes

Have you had close friends or family members recently become engaged over the summer? Is it time to start planning her bridal shower? Well, what type of bridal shower will you host? There are so many themes out there that you may not know where to begin. Well, Wedding and Party Network is here to bring you our 5 favorite bridal shower themes!

Bridal Shower Accents

Spa Shower – Yes, wedding planning is a little stressful at times. If not a lot stressful at times. Therefore, taking time to relax is a must. So, why not host a spa bridal shower? It's the perfect stress reliever! Now, you can either go to a spa or bring the spa to you. Set up different stations if you're having it at home like, manicure, pedicure, facials & massages.

Guests can choose which one they would rather do. Create a soap bar that resembles a food table. You see soaps that come in various shapes, sizes & replicas and they're all so adorable. If you're hosting this shower at home, guests can bring presents. However, if it's at a spa, let everyone pitch in on a spa gift certificate, embroidered robe & slippers. This is truly a relaxing treat.

Vintage Bridal Shower – Throwing vintage into any party theme is a huge trend. However, it's perfect for a bridal shower. How do you incorporate this into a bridal shower? It's all how you decorate your bridal shower. This is the key to incorporating it into a bridal shower.

When decorating, choose vintage mason jars and glasses for centerpieces. Line them down the center of the table with a few flowers in each one. Use pastels, delicate flowers, chevron print, vintage suitcases, fun straws and texture.

Five Senses –This bridal shower is truly unique. When finding inspiration, consider the five senses. For sight think about how you can draw eyes to unique shower decor. Think of having art for centerpieces or unique floral arrangements to draw guest's attention. Have mellow music playing in the background for sound. Touch is represented by incorporating different textures. Of course, taste will represent through the menu. Lastly, smell is achieved by placing various candles and fragrances out. All of these elements combined will create an amazing setting for any bridal shower.

Breakfast At Tiffany's –This is ab absolute classic, which is exactly what you're going for with this bridal shower theme. Think Tiffany blue & white, diamonds, bows and black. Of course, having that little blue box that girls all over love is a must. Use them for centerpieces or for your party favors.

Bridal Shower Table

Create cupcakes with in the Tiffany blue with a ribbon on top. Also, for centerpieces, use white carnations, create flower balls with them and sprinkle some diamonds on each table. For event food, serve up breakfast! Fresh fruit, casseroles, breads & scones are all great items to serve for this shower. A shower theme that everyone will love!

Sweet Love – It's all in the name with this bridal shower. Of course, your main focus is to serve sweet items. Think colorful when choosing your shower decorations and floral arrangements. Don't forget about the candy bar for this theme. Use various candies, like jelly beans, lollipops, taffy, chocolate and the bride's favorite candy for your candy bar. This is a fun bridal shower that is a must for a colorful bride!

So, when planning your next wedding shower, choose these fun themes to help make it a success. Showers are a great time for the bride to take a break from planning and to kick back with great friends and family.

This post is brought to you by Miami Party Decoration Providers.
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find a wedding planner near you!

Shower centerpiece, cupcakes photo provided by Eloise Claire, clarescupcakes.co.uk via flickr.

March 18, 2011 by Kelly Curtis

Celebrating A Bridal Shower At Flower Shop Network

Today we had the pleasure of celebrating a wedding shower for Samantha, who works in Flower Shop Network's order transfer department. We had lots of great food, a delicious cake and she was showered with great gifts that she'll be able to use in her home! There was yummy cheeseball, fruit and vegetable platters, chips and dip and some yummy salads paired with a raspberry and ginger ale punch! Everything was great and she was "showered" with lots of amazing gifts she loved! So, check out the pictures from her wedding shower!