Bridal Shower Celebrations {Ideas and Inspiration}

 

Looking to host the perfect bridal shower? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you choose the perfect invitation: 

Choose a Theme

You do not need a theme but some prefer to have one. Themed doesn't have to mean extravagant. The theme could be as simple as certain colors (like the wedding colors) or a certain type of food or ethnicity or you can really play it up and do a Breakfast at Tiffanys brunch or an afternoon tea.

Decide on the Decor

Check out different sites and blogs for decoration inspiration. The Knot and Martha Stewart both have wonderful ideas from simple DIY decorations to more upscale decor. These inspirational blogs and websites might help you decide everything else.

Also, don't forget about where you are hosting the shower when it comes to decor. If the shower is being held at a restaurant you may want to incorporate the restaurant's decor and style with your invitation.

Pick an Invitation

And when choosing the decor think about how you want that interpreted on the invitations. Both of these can play upon each other to tie the theme together. And remember that Cherish Paperie can personalize and customize any invitation you may find or be interested in! I especially love the design pictured above for a brunch shower or if you're planning a tea, our new tea bag invitation will definitely add the perfect touch. 

Mail out the Invitations

Talk with the bride (or her mother) to see if any close relatives or friends live out of state. A good time to send out the invitations is 4-6 weeks in advance of the shower; closer to 6 weeks if there are guests who need to make travel arrangements or if it is during a busy social season such as the winter or summer holidays.

Paper Scraps and Crafts {Party Ideas and Decoration Inspiration}

We always have tons of paper and ribbon scraps leftover from all out jobs, so I have often tried to think of project for getting rid of them in an effort to stay green and recycle or upcycle... here are a few ideas I thought I could share with you!

These potted paper flowers we found at Hostess with the Mostess would make the perfect centerpiece for your next birthday party. I'm actually considering using a similar design for my daughter's baptism reception. They're so eye catching and beautiful. And you can really make the design match any theme or color combination you choose.

I love the idea of homemade wrapping paper. It's just so much more personalized than the stuff you buy at the store. So when I saw these adorable map bows on How About Orange I knew I could try my hand at them with the paper scraps we have laying around as well. Wouldn't this look amazing on top of that perfect gift?

And how gorgeous are these flowers we found at lushlee? They'd be great just laid out on a tablescape like confetti. Or used to accent a napkin ring at a table setting.

These cute hearts also found at lushlee could serve as Valentine's Day decorations or you could use them at another event celebrating love.

Paper garland is so simple and easy to make. And there are so many different variations (as shown on Oh Baby!'s blog). These would be great for a bridal or baby shower. You could even use them for a children or adult's birthday party. They'd work well for themed parties such as Cinco De Mayo festivities and St. Patrick's Day celebrations. You just match the colors to the theme and start stapling, taping or gluing away!

DIY ribbon pomanders are a fabulous idea we found at Project Wedding for the DIY bride. They're a great alternative to flower pomanders for your flower girls to carry down the aisle. They'd also make great aisle or pew decorations as well and you would be able to make them ahead of time.

We found inspiration in paper flowers from Pepper Design Blog. Paper flowers are always a great alternative to real flowers and bridal and baby showers. And they're great for more than one reason. You don't have to buy them within a certain time frame since they keep forever and you don't have to water them! You can find DIY instructions on how to make your own flowers here on the Martha Stewart website.

If you're interested in more paper flower ideas check out these whimsical paper flowers by Emmaline Bride. They are all so very cute and really inspire us to think outside the box the next time we see those bits of scraps left over from our next project. What are your favorite ways to reuse scraps?

Tea Time {Party Planning Ideas}

Going to tea is coming back in style. Over the past five years there has been an increase in tea shops opening all over the US. Utilizing these shops for your next shower or party is a fabulous way to show that special someone that you care about them and also allows you to host a fabulous party without any worry. No prep, no decorations to worry about and no clean up. The tea shop does everything for you!

Now I've been to quite a few bridal parties at tea shops over the years. It has been great every time I go. And Adrienne has even started going regularly to meet her friend for tea each month. The food is fabulous, the tea is flavorful and never lacking in choices and the service has never been less than stellar.

And bridal showers aren't the only thing you can celebrate at a tea shop. Baby showers are also a great event to host at one. And if you have a little girl in your life who you want to take out and celebrate you should do it over tea. I don't know many girls who would turn down tea. Especially if they get to dress up for the event as well. I know one of our local tea places has a hat rack and a plethora of boas to choose from should you decide to dress for the occasion but forgot your hat and boa at home. My mother in law treated me to lunch here when I was pregnant with my first child "just because." It was perfect.

I have found two websites that can help you find that perfect tea shop for your next event. Both Tea Guide and Tea Map have suggestions on locations in your area complete with reviews. You can also always do a quick Google search to find the nearest one.

And, of course, no tea party is complete without an adorable invitation! We have this tea bag invite ready to use for your next event! Just contact us or head on over to our website to order yours today.

Tea for Two!

Today I had a luncheon tea with my friend at the Sussex Teapot in Garden Grove, CA...what a great lunch - not as busy as a restaurant and more personal service, as it is the owners doing the serving. They had fabulous tea, finger sandwiches and delicious scones. Plus they have a great little gift and grocery shop attached with all kinds of fun finds!

I understand now why the English do this all the time! I will definitely be going back soon. Maybe all my meetings and consultations will be here from now on too - so much nicer than a Starbucks! And they do parties and showers too...my new favorite place!