Organizing a Bridal Shower
I recently hosted a bridal shower for a very dear friend of mine. She was one of my college roommates and is marrying the younger brother of one of my husband's college buddies (I may or may not have set them up...), so as you might imagine we're pretty excited for their wedding! So I thought I'd share the vendors I used to pull off a pretty, breezy get-together to celebrate the upcoming marriage of one of my very favorite people in the world.
The Place
The bride requested a simple shower: brunch, mimosas, NO GAMES. My kind of party! We selected Presidio Social Club in San Francisco for a couple of reasons. Most important: their brunch is delicious! Other bonuses: there is parking so we could load up my car with the bride's loot after the event, they have a long table in the middle of the restaurant perfect for a party, they don't charge a minimum for reserving said table, and the event staff were pleasant and very easy to work with.
The Flowers
My go-to flower shop is Bloomers. I'm not exactly a flower buff so I never have very specific direction to give them, but they always produce beautiful arrangements. For this bridal brunch, I just said "bridal shower, blush and ivory, low," and voila! Plus, Bloomers is just around the corner so I can stop in when I'm out and about in the neighborhood.
The Paper
I used Minted* for my Christmas cards for the first time this past year, and the site has become my go-to for paper. There are so many options, all created by talented independent designers, and (unlike many other sites, cough - TinyPrints - cough) every piece is highly customizable. Plus, once you find an invitation you like, chances are good the same designer has created menus, place cards, and other items to coordinate!
The Favors
I believe that favors, if provided at all, should be simple and consumable. The bride is not generally a sweets person, but she does indulge in dark chocolate from time to time. Jade Chocolates was a new discovery to me (I found them on Yelp!) but I will definitely go back. They use incredible high quality ingredients to create a wide range of unique Asian-inspired flavors. We picked Lychee Rose Green Tea and Lilikoi (passion fruit) for a fun and delicious little favor that did NOT get left behind.
The Presents
While a bridal shower usually focuses on kitchen, bed, and bath items, this bride and groom live in a small apartment and are not looking to fill it with more stuff. Instead, we decided on a wine or "stock the cellar" theme. Every guest brought a bottle (or a few!) and I provided gold paint pens so they could write messages on the bottles. Now, whenever the couple opens a bottle from their stash, they'll be reminded of the friends and family who joined to celebrate their marriage.
When it comes to events, I always think the most successful ones keep the details simple and let the occasion shine through. Based on all the chatting, seat switching, and devouring of tasty brunch that went on at this bridal shower, I think it's safe to say it was a success!
K, I am so happy for you and A, I can hardly stand it!
LMW
*This post contains referral links, which will earn me cash back or shopping credit on the linked sites. I was not asked by any of these companies to advertise their products or services.
