Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a bridal shower and bachelorette party for a dear friend of mine. I’m lucky to be part of her bridal party and am very much looking forward to her wedding in November (and yes, it helps that my dress is pretty and I get to wear my favorite Manolos with it). We had a great day – the shower began with a cooking demonstration followed by a yummy lunch and our evening involved a casual but fun dinner and many cocktails at a couple of our favorite upscale lounges.
All the pre-wedding excitement and sharing of wedding stories got me thinking about ways bridal parties can make the bride feel special as her big day approaches. And I’m not talking about simply throwing bigger and better parties – indeed, neither of yesterday’s events was an over-the-top affair – but meaningful gestures that let the bride know her friends and family are looking forward to her wedding and will be there to support her when the day arrives.
So I put together the following list based on things we did yesterday, ideas I’ve come across and things that (lucky me) were done for my benefit. I bet any of these (or a combination thereof) would make any bride-to-be feel loved.
Photo Credit: JustJen.com
1. Create a soundtrack for the wedding warm-up
We all love to take our favorite tunes to the gym – they get us excited for the workout ahead. A warm-up for a wedding is no different! You and your fellow bridesmaids can assemble a playlist of tunes the bride loves or that remind you of favorite moments in your friendship, and have these songs serve as the soundtrack for the shower or bachelorette party. And while you’re at it, why not burn a CD for everyone attending?
2. Have everyone pitch in
No matter how large the guest list, chances are most party planning gets done by a few people. Having all the attendees contribute to a scrapbook or recipe book allows them to provide the bride a lasting memento of the days leading up to her wedding.
3. Take the bride to school
If the bride in your life has a favorite hobby or is looking to hone a new skill, having your shower guests attend a class or getting a lesson from an expert will give her a great opportunity to do so. You can have a great time (as we did) cooking a new dish, gardening or crafting.
Photo Credit: ExperienceDays.com
4. Toast the bride with her own cocktail
If the shower takes place at a restaurant, chances are there will be cocktails involved. Why not have the cocktail feature the bride’s favorite flavors? Check with the restaurant’s bar staff to see if they’ll put together a cocktail for you – chances are they’ll welcome the chance to create something new and interesting.
Photo Credit: AnExclusiveEngagement.com
5. Take the bride on a journey
Who says a shower or bachelorette party needs to be located in one place – literally or figuratively? The bride-to-be will surely love a trip down memory lane that happens through visits to important locations in her and her fiancé’s past or through stories about the important events that took place at those places.
Hope these ideas have given you some great ideas for how to show some love to your favorite bride-to-be!
Saying ‘I Do’ in J. Crew
Photo credit: www.jmaichang.blogspot.com
J Crew is becoming known as the one stop wedding shop. Who knew? Their wedding Style is becoming more popular and their wedding apparel designs are consistently being updated to be cute, romantic and low on the wedding budget. I just adore every J. Crew wedding attire item. The wedding collection is fun, flirty and whimsical – filling the hearts and fashion desires of many brides and grooms on their wedding day.
J. Crew has a variety of bridal gowns that celebrate a romantic sweet aesthetic to the wedding day. Brides that have a modern flare and love for simple and classic fashion can all find their dream dress in this wonderful retail store.
Photo credit: J. Crew
Photo credit: J. Crew
Photo credit: J. Crew
Your groom could look sleek and stylish dressed in a J. Crew suit! Whether you’re having a formal affair or an outdoor garden wedding, grooms can dress their best in handsome clothes such as these.
Photo credit: J. Crew
Photo credit: J. Crew
Whether or not brides are dressed in their J. Crew best, bridesmaids can also be dolled up in the latest J.Crew fashion for the big day! These dresses are affordable, budget friendly and you can choose from many different colors, patterns and styles.
Photo credit: J. Crew
Photo credit: J. Crew
Lets not forget the children! The children in your wedding party can look even more adorable in these formal J. Crew outfits! To top the off the cuteness, they have simply delightful accessories for the special children who take part in your wedding.
Photo credit: J. Crew
Photo credit: J. Crew
Photo credit: J. Crew
Photo credit: J. Crew
Happy Planning