On Saturday, I helped to host a bridal shower for one of my very best friends, Logan. It was held at Amelie’s, an adorable French bakery in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte right outside of uptown. We gathered with her closest family and friends to celebrate her becoming a Mrs! I’m certainly no expert on throwing a party but today I’m sharing just a few tips on throwing a shower for that special bride in your life.
MAKE A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT
Throwing a shower can get a bit pricey (depending on how many people you invite) so make sure everyone who contributes is on the same page. If you have it at a restaurant or some other type of venue, you may have to cut some costs when it comes to decorations. If you have it at someones home, however, you may have more to spend on decor since you’ll likely be preparing the food but remember that means more cleanup too!
TAILOR IT TO THE BRIDE
Bridesmaids usually plan the bridal shower but I would say most brides would like at least some say in the planning process. The shower is kind of a big deal so make sure it’s what she wants. Does she want a formal sit down lunch or bite-size appetizers? Just girls or a couples shower? Does she want a lot of games or just mingling? These are all things to consider when planning a shower because it’s all about the bride after all!
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS
Make it pretty, y’all! We decided to have a mimosa bar because we were in a French bakery and well… champagne! I made a little mirrored sign and picked up some fun drink stirrers from Etsy. Have photos of the bride & groom scattered around the room or maybe play a game on how well you know the happy couple. If you want to get really fancy, print out menus or make place cards for the tables.
INCORPORATE PERSONAL TOUCHES
If the bridesmaids are planning the shower, don’t forget to ask parents and other family if they’d like to be involved or do something special for the bride. In this case, the groom’s father used to be a florist so his parents were in charge of the floral arrangements (which turned out so beautifully!).
HAVE FUN (AND TAKE LOTS OF PHOTOS!)
In my opinion, every wedding-related celebration should be photographed. I mean, these are some of the happiest and most exciting days of your life so we all need to remember them the best that we can. Make sure you have a designated picture-taker (oh hi, that’s me!) to capture all of these moments because friends and family will definitely want to see them! Mingle with all of the guests and make yourself available to answer questions, fill up drinks, and make that lovely paper plate bouquet that we all know and love!
All of us ladies had a great time and I cannot wait for Logan’s big day that’s just over a month away. What are some of your must-do’s when it comes to planning a shower? I’d love to hear!
you had me at mimosa bar! haha but really these are great tips. and since I've never planned one, it's pretty handy! the budget is key and of course taking tons of photos!
xoxo cheshire kat
Great tips! The food and mimosa bar looks amazing!
xO – Steph
http://www.urbanblonde.com
This bridal shower looked top of the line!!! Great tips! Stunning ladies!! XO
What an absolutely gorgeous wedding shower! & at Amelie's? Perfect location!
Such good tips and I love that mimosa bar!
Shaheen | Lows to Luxe
What a beautiful shower! So much fun you had it in a french restaurant!
Super cute shower! I feel like every event should have a mimosa bar, no? <3
xo, Nina
Law of Fashion Blog
These are such awesome tips!! Tailoring it to the bride is definitely key. I had one friend who looooves games and another who did not, so we tried to do things at both that the ladies would enjoy.
Meg, Borrowed Heaven
I love the tips, and all the detail put into the shower! The food and mimosa bar looked amazing!
xoxo
Samantha
http://www.findingfabulousonline.com
Looks like so much fun!! Most of my friends are single, so I have a feeling this post will come in handy over the next few years!
-Katherine
engineering-in-style.com
Love the mimosa bar and those flowers are gorgeous! What a lovely shower!
This is such a helpful post! I love the flowers and decor!
Maggie
http://www.polishedclosets.com
Such great tips. This shower looks so so pretty!!
You did such a great job with the shower!! I love all your tips!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
I definitely agree with your point "Tailor it to the bride". I have not thrown a bridal shower before, but I worked at two retail stores where a lot of people like to buy party/special occasion items. It aggravated me when the shower-thrower would act like the shower was all about *her* preferences.
Such a beautiful set up! So thoughtful!
xo, Sara
Love the mimosa bar! Such a fun party!
xx Lexi, Glitter, Inc.
This bridal shower turned out great! Everything looks so good!
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com