Bridal Shower Inspiration

A week or so ago on Tickled Pink at 504 Main, there was a link up to a beautiful bridal shower. I of course love all of those fancy schmancy bridal shower photo shoots you see in magazines and online, but I am really impressed with real life bridal showers and I think we can all learn a thing or two from what happens in the real world! So, as I find real life, real world, real people inspirations I have decided to share them.

Cambria at Live to be Inspired 

hosted and designed this very pretty and elegant bridal shower.

You can see the complete post HERE.

There are a lot of great details and the colors are fabulous.

Thanks Cambria for letting me share!

 **********

An inviting welcome.

I always love a wreath or special detail

on the door when having a celebration.

Wishes and welcome.

Fabulous flowers! Love the colors and the feathers!

 One of my favorite subtle details!

Sheer perfection!

Sweet favors!

Polka dots are FAB!

The food looks delicious too. Here is a sampling.

Visit Cambria's post about the MENU to get a

yummy chicken salad recipe for your collection!

Thanks Cambria for letting me share your bridal shower design!

I love planning bridal showers.

What about you?

{all  photos are property of Live to be Inspired}

Lovebirds! Bridal Shower Inspiration

Today's absolutely amazing eye candy
is courtesy of Yvonne at StoneGable.

The theme is Lovebirds - perfection!

And Yvonne describes is as a

"...whimsical, vintage and organic feel.

Lots of natural elements.

A sort of Anthropology meets StoneGable."

It is one of the most delightful,

well-designed themes I have seen for a bridal shower.

Seriously it is so fantastic that I believe I stopped

my comment on the post to go to my email and

ask if I could post her idea here.

So, get ready...this is gorgeous!

Lovebirds

The decor consists of nest, twigs, sticks, moss,

and items from around the house, with shades of spring greens,

blue, aquas with accents of white and brown and fun pops of yellow.

Enjoy StoneGable's Lovebirds bridal shower!

I have nothing but love for this kind of party planning!

Love, love, love the detail of the nest in the chandelier!

 

The lunch table

 Details, details! Absolute perfection!

Even the utensils are displayed with flair!

The details are not lost in the food presentation...

notice the "salmon mousse"on the egg or

the arugula salad sitting in the nest.

Yvonne has the entire menu on her blog.

These cupcakes look almost too good to eat.

Check out Yvonne's tutorial for how to make these beauties!

A BIG thanks to Yvonne at StoneGable for letting

me share her beautiful bridal shower.
All photos in this post are courtesy of StoneGable.

Anyone have a favorite theme of a bridal shower or

wedding that they would like to share?

Happy Showers!

Holly

What's Your Question Wednesday?

I just love answering questions about weddings.
So, to honor this little hobby of mine
and in anticipation of my book,

The Everything Wedding Etiquette Book: From invites to thank you notes - All you need to handle even the stickiest situations with ease (Everything Series)

releasing very soon, I am making Wednesday's

"What's Your Question Wednesday?"

The Question

My daughter and all of her bridesmaids live in Seattle. I'm in Denver, as are most of her childhood friends and all our extended family. I know that traditionally family members should not throw a shower for the couple. In this situation, would it be terrible to break that rule or should I have a couple of my friends put their names on the invite? The shower will have to be held at my house because of the size of the shower? Advice???

The Answer

When I give advice, I always like to reference the traditional etiquette for each case just so we all know where we I am coming from. That said, times have changed, people have changed, and every circumstance is totally unique, so, in my opinion, there is no one right or wrong answer for most questions (I say most, because, I do have a few points I am a stickler with).


Traditional etiquette dictates that the bride's (or groom's) mother or grandmother should not host a shower; that responsibility should be left to more distant relatives, like a cousin or aunt, or to the maid of honor, bridesmaids, and other friends. The logic behind this rule is that the bride and groom’s families shouldn’t appear to be asking for gifts. 

Now for the reality of the situation...

1. You have to do what is right for you and your family. I seriously doubt anyone (unless you are inviting some super-strict etiquette experts) is going to give a second thought to a family member hosting the shower. Especially in your case, it is simply a logistical necessity. 
2. It is perfectly fine to hold the shower at your home regardless of who is hosting (i.e., if some others step in to assist).
3. Are the bridesmaids hosting a shower as well? Or is this the only shower? If this is the only shower, consider including the Maid of Honor's name on the invitation.
4. If it makes you feel more comfortable and a few of the childhood friends or extended family members wouldn't mind, include their names on the invitation along with yours. 

So, what does this mean?...The etiquette police will not come knocking on your door. This should not be something you worry about. Etiquette rules should be taken into account, but only to the point where as they are feasible. Guests know what to expect at a bridal shower - they know it is about showering the bride with gifts, and no one should hold it against a mother for having her daughters shower at her home or for hosting it.

Happy Planning!

Holly