Tea Party Bridal Shower

For all of you brides out there who are planning your own bridal shower, or bridesmaids looking for shower ideas … this is one of my favorites – a bridal tea party!  A tea party theme works perfectly if you are planning an afternoon shower.  Tea parties are great for both small or large groups, fancy or casual occasions and can be held in your backyard or a rented hall.  Whichever way you choose, it can be a fun and affordable theme to get creative with!

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The way I see it, there are two directions you can go with the bridal tea party. You can go clean and simple, sticking with a certain color palette …

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Or you can take the Mad Hatter approach and use all different bright colors and funky decorations …

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Both options are fun for bridal showers.  Go in whatever direction you think the bride will prefer.  Whichever method you choose, there are still lots of details you can incorporate to customize the shower.

There are many bridal invitation sites that offer Tea Party invitations.

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Tea favors are also easily found on most wedding favor websites.

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With so many options when it comes to planning and decorating …  here are few essentials you will need in order to host a successful tea party shower.

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The essentials are as follows …

• Theme related Decorations
• Fun teacups
• Large teapot (probably a few)
• Different size and shape dishes, containers, stands
• Treats – cupcakes, cookies, candies, fruit, finger sandwiches etc.
• TEA!!

With all of these items there is a very good chance you’re tea party will be a hit!  Everything listed above can be easily obtained … and at a reasonable price!

If you are going with the simple and clean color palette, you will probably want to get your items all in one place (where you can buy in bulk) to make sure they match.  If you’re taking the Mad Hatter approach … you can find teacups, dishes and containers at any store.  You may be able to find inexpensive items in places such as your local dollar store or thrift stores.  You could also buy in bulk and then paint on your own designs!

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As for the food … the great thing about a tea party is that the menu is all baked goods, fruit, candies and finger sandwiches.  Rather than having the catered meal that is common at most big showers today, the tea party allows for other (less expensive) options.  When invited to a tea party, guests will not come expecting a meal -  only tea and light refreshments.  Assign certain food items to each of the bridesmaids or even some family members … and you’re all set!  They can either make treats themselves or pick them up at the local bakery.

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When it comes to decorations … anything that fits in with your colors (crazy or controlled) will do!  You can use fun fabrics for table cloths, use colorful ribbon accents or hang paper decorations.  Buy them at your local craft store … or make your own!

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Be creative, have fun … raise those pinkies and enjoy your tea!