Category Archives: Celebration

Celebration – Wedding Traditions

Posted on by

There are so many wonderful traditions regarding weddings and in this post I will explain the stories behind several more wedding traditions and their origins.  Some of these traditions may seem a little strange in our modern world because they are based on old customs and superstitions.

The Engagement and Wedding Rings

  • The engagement and wedding rings are traditionally worn on the third finger of the left hand.  The Romans believed that the vein of this finger runs directly to the heart.  The wedding ring symbolizes true and everlasting love in the shape of a never ending circle.
  • Traditionally the wedding ring is worn first so that it is closest to the heart.  During the wedding ceremony, the bride will wear the engagement ring on her right hand and after the ring exchange she will move the ring to her left hand and place it next to the wedding ring.
  • Today, modern couples are still choosing the traditional white diamonds in a variety of different cuts and sizes, but the current trend is selecting other options of colorful precious gemstones such as yellow diamonds, pink diamonds, sapphire and emeralds.

The White Wedding Dress

  • Prior to the late 1800s, brides generally wore their “best” dress on their wedding day.    The tradition of the white wedding dress is linked to England’s Queen Victoria who wore one when she married her cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg in 1840 and since that time the custom of the white wedding dress became very popular.  By the 1890s, due to the Industrial Revolution, a new wedding dress for the bride to wear on her special dress became a very affordable option.
  • Modern brides are still choosing white wedding dresses but the fashions have become less conservative and more daring with a style such as a strapless bodice.  Brides are also adding more color to their bridal fashion with ribbon sashes that coordinate with the wedding colors or accessories such as a blue petticoat to add a fun element of something blue or and sometimes the bride will change to a shorter dress in bolder colors for the wedding reception.

The Bridal Veil

  • The bridal veil was once traditionally a symbol or purity.  In Roman times, the bride was said to be vulnerable to enchantment and her face was hidden from evil spirits.
  • In many religions, the bridal veil is a considered a sign of humility and respect during a religious ceremony.
  • Queen Victoria is known as the first bride to not cover her face with a blusher.  Today, some brides still choose to wear the romantic tradition of a blusher veil while other brides are still selecting a longer train but one that is detachable for the wedding reception.
  • In the Victorian era, the length and quality of a bridal veil were effective by the bride and her family social status.  Royal brides and members of the aristocracy had the longest veils and trains made of the most expensive fabrics.
  • Modern brides are adding sparkling tiaras or floral wreaths to their bridal veils.  Some brides are choosing other options such as hats in a variety of shapes and sizes while other brides are omitting wearing any type of head covering.

The Bridal Bouquet

  • Floral bouquets have traditional been an accessory for a bride to carry on her wedding day.  Originally flowers were used in the wedding ceremony as a symbol of fertility and were made of a variety of herbs.  In the Victorian Era, orange blossoms were a popular floral choice and many brides wore the flowers attached to their wedding dress or woven into their hair.
  • An old Victorian custom of the language of flowers when creating small nosegays with hidden messages can be interpreted into a modern bridal bouquet.  Search online for the meaning of flowers that could represent the bridal couple’s wishes for a happy marriage.
  • As a loving and thoughtful gesture, brides will recreate the same bridal bouquet that their mothers carried on their wedding day.  Another ideas is instead of a mother’s corsage have the florist to make a special bouquet for the mother of both the bride and groom which can be presented to them before the wedding ceremony.
  • The tradition of tossing the bridal bouquet began in England when the custom of the wedding guests was to rip pieces of the bride’s dress or flowers from her hair or bouquet in order to share some of her good luck.  To save herself from this ordeal, brides started to throw their bridal bouquets into the crowd and then would quickly run away with their groom.
  • Today, the custom has developed into gathering all the single women at the wedding reception, then the bride tosses her bridal bouquet and the tradition is that whoever catches it will be the next one to marry.  Modern brides that wish to keep their bridal bouquet will have their florist make a special smaller bouquet from tossing.
  • Another great option is to throw a special “wish” bouquet.  This unique bouquet is created from several small clusters of flowers that are tied together with ribbon that have a note attached with different romantic fortunes such as: love, happiness, luck, fortune, travel, etc.

Tossing the Bridal Garter

  • The wedding custom of tossing the bridal garter started out in a very unusual way due to a medieval tradition of weddings in England and France when guests would approach the bride and rip pieces of her wedding dress which were considered a piece of good luck.  These events would be so upsetting for the bride that eventually the idea of tossing the bridal garter was done to satisfy the wedding guests.
  • The custom of tossing the garter is usually done by the groom who, sometimes with much fanfare, will remove the garter from the leg of the bride.  The single men will gather and the groom will toss the garter into the crowd and the one who catches the garter is the next one to marry.  In some parts of the Midwest, garters were suctioned off to the highest bidder.
  • Today, traditionally the bride will select a blue garter decorated with blue ribbon and white lace for their “something blue”.  Sometimes, if the bride wishes to save her garter, will wear a second garter and that is the one used at the wedding reception.

Other Wedding Traditions

  1. Giving away the bride – The custom of the father giving his daughter away dates back to the time when arranged marriages were common.  Daughters were considered the property of their father and were given way for a price.  Today, traditionally the father will give his daughter away as a symbol of his blessing of the marriage.
  2. Bridesmaids – In past centuries, the purpose of the bridesmaids was that the bride’s friends would dress like the bride in order to confuse the evil spirits away from her.  Today, bridesmaids are chosen by the bride from her close friends to support her during the stressful time leading up to the wedding day.
  3. The Best Man – In Medieval England, there was an ancient custom of a man selecting his strongest men to capture a woman from her family.  Then, his best man would accompany the groom to the wedding ceremony and stand on the left side of the bride to keep their sword arm free to protect the bride.
  4. Cutting the Wedding Cake – One of the highlights of the wedding reception is usually when the bridal couple cuts the wedding cake.  The custom originates in England during Anglo-Saxon times, when guests would bring small cakes to the wedding.  Later, a French baker decided to create a tiered cake and stacked small cakes on top of each other and covered them with frosting.
  5. Throwing Rice – The custom of throwing rice on the bridal couple symbolizes the guests showering their love and good wishes for a happy marriage.  In France, people used to throw wheat and Italians would toss candy or sugared nuts.

Every bride getting married knows the tradition of the Old English rhyme, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.”  Please check out this month’s Celebration post “Something old, new…” for ideas and suggestions regarding this wonderful tradition.

Celebration – Something old, new …

Posted on by

Every bride getting married knows the tradition of the Old English rhyme, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.”  The exact origin of the poem is unknown but the tradition can be traced back to the Victorian era.  According to the tradition, usually the items are given by the bridal couple’s family and friends or more recently the modern bride will collect some of these items herself.  This is a perfect opportunity to add special meaning to a wedding and the items used should be personal and sentimental to the bride and groom.

When presenting these items, at a bridal shower or bridesmaid luncheon, the gifts should be given in a very special way.  To start the presentation, explain the tradition of why the items are collected for a bride to have on her wedding day and what the meaning of each item represents.  Then, I would suggest that each item should be opened individually and to make the presentation very meaningful, explain the story behind why that particular item was chosen.  I think it would be very interesting for the bride and her guests to hear.

The meaning of each item with ideas and suggestions:

Something old represents a link to the bride’s life or her family.  This is probably the easiest item of the four to acquire; usually a mother or a grandmother of the bride or the groom can have a special piece of jewelry that can be passed down from one generation to the next.  Sentimental items can be a first communion cross, a pearl necklace from her mother or a special locket from a grandmother, other pieces of jewelry could be a bracelet, earrings or a necklace.  An old rosary or an antique handkerchief or perhaps a button from an old suit of the bride’s father which can be sown into the bridal dress, or a piece of fabric from an old dress of the bride, mother or grandmother can be wrapped around the bridal bouquet are other ideas for something old.

Here are some more ideas for something old:

  1. Have the wedding ceremony or reception at an old and historic venue.
  2. Travel from the ceremony to the reception in an antique car.
  3. Display wedding photographs of parents, grandparents or great-grandparents at the wedding reception or tuck a small copy into a bridal purse to carry down the aisle.
  4. Carry a relative’s monogrammed handkerchief on the wedding day.
  5. Use an antique hat pin in the bridal bouquet.
  6. Shop for a vintage purse, compact or gloves to use on the wedding day.
  7. Use the parent’s old cake topper or if one is not available shop look for a vintage one in an antique store.

Something new represents a hope for the future of the bride and the groom on the occasion of their marriage.  The obvious choice for most brides will be her wedding dress, headpiece or shoes.  Perhaps the bride’s future husband will have purchased a special piece of jewelry to mark their wedding, such as a pair of earrings, necklace or a charm bracelet with a special charm for the wedding day.  Another suggestion for something new could be simply a new bottle of a special perfume.

Here are some more ideas for something new:

  1. The bride can wear beautiful new lingerie for her wedding day; maybe splurge for a lovely pair of silk stockings.
  2. Purchase a new special lipstick shade for the wedding day and tuck it into a new make-up bag.
  3. The bridal couple can purchase a brand new car for transportation after the reception as they drive away to their honeymoon.
  4. The groom can surprise the bride with a new puppy or kitten!

Something borrowed is traditionally an item that comes from a happily married woman who is letting the bride “borrow some of her martial success”. The borrowed item be could something as sentimental as a wedding dress or veil that was worn by a parent or grandparent.  Another idea could be a piece of jewelry loaned from a family member, a parent, grandparent or even a great grandparent.  The important thing to remember is that the something borrowed needs to be returned after the wedding.

Here are some more ideas for something borrowed:

  1. Borrow a father’s silk handkerchief, the groom can use it tucked into his tuxedo pocket or the bride can use it wrapped around her bridal bouquet.
  2. Borrow an old family bible to use at the wedding ceremony.
  3. The bride can borrow a headpiece or veil from a family member or friend.
  4. Borrow the toasting glasses or the silver knife to cut the cake at the wedding reception.
  5. The bride can borrow a button-down shirt or a bathrobe from the groom to use while she is getting dressed for the wedding day.
  6. Borrow a poetry book from the library to use for the reading at the wedding ceremony.

Something blue represents fidelity and loyalty; this item can be a fun way to express the bride’s personality or her quirky sense of humor.  This item can be something that is hidden from sight or it can be used as a bold fashion statement of the bride’s style.  Traditionally, this item is usually a blue garter decorated with blue ribbon and white lace.  Another traditional idea is blue-stone jewelry, such as: sapphire, aquamarine or tanzanite.  A fun idea which is popular with the modern bride are blue shoes or blue nail polish on her toes.

 Here are some more ideas for something blue:

  1. The bride can use a blue ribbon or blue flowers in her bridal bouquet or the groom’s boutonniere.
  2. The bride can wear a blue sash or petticoat with her wedding dress.
  3. The groom can wear a blue tie or baby blue socks with his tuxedo or maybe even a blue suit on his wedding day.
  4. The bride can wear a special tiara made with blue stones or carry a blue purse.
  5. The wedding flowers can incorporate blue flowers for the ceremony or reception.
  6. Use blue confetti at the end of the wedding ceremony instead of rice.
  7. … or simply the bride can tie a blue thread around her finger!

The last item is the sixpence which represents good fortune and prosperity for the bridal couple.  The sixpence is traditionally an item carried by British brides and it is placed in the bride’s left shoe.  Today’s modern brides can have a sixpence or another special coin sewn into the hem of her bridal gown or she can carry it in the purse used on her wedding day.

Here are some more ideas:

  1. The bride or groom can carry an old coin from the year of their birth or a coin from the country of their parents or grandparents ancestry.
  2. Another option is to get a coin from the year of their marriage.
  3. Purchase travelers checks for the honeymoon.

Here is a great craft idea to present these items at a bridal shower or bridesmaid luncheon.  I found the paper mache boxes at a local craft store years ago.  I liked them because when they are stacked, largest on the bottom and the smallest on top, and with the pattern on the boxes the look resembles a wedding cake.  (If you cannot find similar boxes, the same style can be achieved with a pattern paint design)

Celebration – Father’s Day

Posted on by

father's day vintage cardFather’s Day is an annual holiday celebrated on the third Sunday in June.  This is a special day to celebrate our fathers and to acknowledge their contributions to our lives.   Hopefully, sons and daughters around the country take this opportunity to honor and remember their fathers.

A Brief History of Father’s Day

With the success of Mother’s Day previously established after the Civil War and officially made a national holiday in 1914 the public wanted a similar holiday for fathers.  The person credited for the start of this holiday is Sonora Smart Dodd.  Her father was a Civil War veteran who raised her and five siblings in Spokane, Washington.  In 1909, after hearing a sermon about the celebration of Mother’s Day, she thought that fathers should have a similar holiday.  Initially, through her efforts the holiday proved to be a success, but when she went away to school in Chicago the celebration gradually faded away.

Upon her return to Washington in the 1930s, she again started promoting the holiday but this time she approached several trade groups that manufactured items normally used by men, advertisements and promotions were also used to coincide with the holiday.  This marketing trick seemed to work for promoting the idea of a holiday specifically for fathers and it proved to be extremely successful this time.

In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers and designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day.  The day was made a permanent national holiday by President Richard Nixon and passed into law in 1972.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas and Suggestions

Father’s Day gifts are available in wide range of prices, from the very expensive and extravagant to the inexpensive, thoughtful and very personal hand crafted items.  Listed below are some great gift ideas for Father’s Day:

  1. Clothing – Neckties are a traditional Father’s Day present, but think about purchasing a coordinating button-down shirt, too.  Another idea would be to add cufflink and a tie clip.  Maybe think about a t-shirt or sweatshirt from their old college.  Men generally prefer gifts that are practical, so make sure the items of clothing being purchased are something that he would like.
  2. Food – Have the kids make a dozen homemade chocolate chip cookies and present them in a fun cookie jar or maybe a pan of brownies wrapped up in colorful gift paper. (just be sure to have everything cooled before wrapping!)  If he likes a good pie or delicious cake make one for him to enjoy.  Another idea is to purchase his favorite candy bars or snacks, such as peanuts, chips or pretzels.  Then put everything in a basket, tuck in the television remote maybe include a couple of his favorite action or science-fiction movies and add a cute note that lets him know it is his special day to watch anything he likes.
  3. Breakfast in bed – this idea can be as extravagant as a catered meal to a special menu planned and cooked by the kids with the supervision of their mother.  As an extra special touch consider serving the meal on custom hand-painted plate by the kids and from the local pottery store.  (this idea needs to be planned in advance because there is usually a processing time to pick up a completed fire-kilned plate)
  4. Sports stuff – if he is a golfer, maybe plan a visit to the local sporting goods store or his country club golf shop to purchase a set of golf balls, a special golf club, a personalized golf bag or golf club covers.  Golf shirts, shorts or pant are another gift idea.  If he is a football or baseball fan a great gift idea is to purchase his favorite team t-shirt, sweatshirt or hat and maybe toss in a couple of tickets to see a game.
  5. Garden stuff – if he has a green thumb, maybe check out March’s Craft post, Spring Garden Basket, for a great gift idea.  A garden basket is a wonderful craft idea with everything inside the basket that he would need for inspiration,  Fill the basket with items such as: a couple of small pots, a small bag of potting soil, a few seed packets, garden tools, garden gloves and a few garden accessories.  The garden basket can be as simple or elaborate as you wish but the amount of the items used is determined by the size of the basket you choose.
  6. Tool box – Just like a women can never have too many shoes, a man can never have too many tools!  Take a look in your local hardware store or home improvement store for items like: hammers, wrenches and screwdrivers.  Maybe he has a bigger item on his wish list, such as: a table saw, a generator, etc.

Gift Wrap Tips and Suggestions: (excerpt from the December Celebration Post)

For a masculine style of gift wrap, be inspired by menswear when wrapping a present for a father, husband or brother. Use darker colors, such as: hunter green, burgundy and navy blue.  Look for wrapping paper in plaids, herringbone and pinstriped patterns.

Check out your local fabric store for masculine fabrics to use, such as: corduroy, flannel, suede or simulated leather.  Be inspired by fabric normally used in menswear, such as: tartan plaids, black and white herringbone and grey or navy pinstripe fabrics.  The ribbon aisle is a great source of different styles of ribbons, such as: suede, leather or menswear patterns.  Check out the sewing notions department in the local craft store for unique buttons to attach to the present.

When gift wrapping presents such as formal tailored shirts use the accessories as gift wrap accents.  Think about using the coordinating tie purchased with the shirt tied with a traditional Windsor knot or if he uses a bow tie instead consider pinning it on the outside of the present.  One suggestion is use a one or two inch wide solid color ribbon or a leather or suede strip around the present vertically and glue several buttons down the front to simulate a shirt front.  The matching pocket square can also be attached to complete the look.

 Father’s Day Trivia

  • There are over 70 million fathers in the United States.
  • Nearly 95 million Father’s Day cards were given last year in the United States, making Father’s Day the fourth-largest card-sending occasion.
  • 50% of Father’s Day card are by sons and daughter to their dads. Nearly 20% Father’s Day cards are purchased by wives for their husbands, 30% of the cards which go to grandfathers, sons, brothers, uncles.
  • Roses are the official flower for Father’s Day. A red rose is worn in the lapel if your father is living; a white rose if he is deceased.

Celebration – A Special Bridal Rose Pesentation

Posted on by

bridal rose ceremony

There is a Southern tradition regarding a bible and rose ceremony that I saw several years ago in Southern Lady magazine.  Inspired by that article, I thought this idea was a wonderful way to honor the bridal couple and to add special meaning to their upcoming wedding.  I took the idea of the rose presentation and rewrote the script to express hopes and wishes for a long and joyful marriage.

This bridal rose presentation can be performed at an engagement party, bridal shower, bridesmaid luncheon, rehearsal dinner or even the wedding ceremony or reception.  Any of those events would be a very wonderful time when the bride (bridal couple) has family and friends gathered together to celebrate the marriage.

Bridal Rose Presentation instructions

  1. When planning the bridal rose presentation, select 8 or 9 family members or close friends to participate.  Invite the various speakers to participate and let them know what will happen and what they have to say during their section of the presentation.
  2. For the Bridal Rose Presentation, I would recommend using long stem fresh or artificial roses.  Create a tag with the wording for each rose presentation and attach the tag to the rose with a ribbon.
  3. Special Note:  The silver bouquet holder is sometimes hard to locate in bridal stores but look online for other sources.  If you cannot find one just omit this section of the presentation.  A bible is used in the traditional Southern custom and this could be added to the end of the presentation.  If you are using a special family bible or perhaps a childhood bible of the bride or groom, please include this information in the presentation to add a wonderful personal touch.
  4. Then, on the day of the event and at an appropriate time during the celebration, gather the participants/speakers and distribute their roses, greenery or ribbon that they will be presenting to the bridal couple.
  5. Next, gather the bride (bridal couple) and the guests and announce that there will be a special rose presentation.
  6. Follow the Bridal Rose Presentation below.  As each participant/speaker is finished reading their section, they will present the rose to the bride (bridal couple).

The Bridal Rose Presentation

Introduction –

As we gather today (tonight) as a group of family and close friends, we will be making a presentation to the bride (bridal couple) of a special bouquet that will represent our wishes and hopes.  In sharing this tradition and explaining the meaning of each rose, we hope you will understand the significance of marriage and the values needed as you start your journey through life together.

Over the past centuries and dating back to the popular Victorian era custom, bouquets or nosegays played a significant part in the courtship of a couple.  To express his love a serious suitor would present his special lady a bouquet of flowers to show his true feelings.  In the language of flowers, each flower in the bouquet had a different and special meaning that was an unspoken message to his beloved.  Today (tonight) we, your family and friends, will present the bride (bridal couple) one of these unique bouquets.

The Pink Rose –

The pink rose represents true love which is the foundation of a strong home.  In becoming engaged you have made an important decision.  As you build a married life together, our wish is that your love for one another will continue to grow stronger through the joys and sorrows of the coming years.  (Present the pink rose)

The Red Rose –

The red rose represents the passion that comes from your love for one another.  As this red rose is given to you it is our wish to remind you that you have each other to turn to for love and guidance throughout your journey in life.  (Present the red rose)

The White Rose –

The white rose represents purity which is important in your lives together so that you are free from false expectations and selfish ambitions.  This white rose is given as a wish for purity of your heart and soul.  (Present white rose)

The Yellow Rose –

The yellow rose represents sincerity which is an important quality to have.  The most successful marriages are when you have compassion and respect for one another.  This yellow rose is given to remind you of the vows you have made to each other and the sincere love you share.  (Present the yellow rose)

The Red and White Rose –

The red and white roses together represent unity.  In a marriage, there will be frustrations and misunderstandings through the years but love each other with your mind, body and spirit.  These red and white roses are given together to remind you are not alone as you move forward in your life together.  (Present the red and white roses)

The Greenery –

The green foliage represents beauty and growth.  As this greenery is given to you, our hope is that as time passes you will continue to grow in your love for one another and our wish is for an abundance of grace in your marriage.  (Present greenery)

The Ribbon –

The ribbon we give you now is to bind your bouquet together, much as your love will bring you together through your marriage.  (Present ribbon to be tied)

The Bouquet Holder – (optional)

As in the centuries long ago, the precious flowers received from a suitor were carried by his lady in a bouquet holder often made of silver.  A chain was attached to the holder and slipped over the lady’s fingers and then a pin was inserted to safeguard the precious bouquet. As this bouquet holder is given to you, remember to hold tight to your love and devotion to one another.  (Present the silver bouquet holder)

Conclusion –

The bouquet you now hold represents all our wishes for a successful marriage. We hope you have an abundance of love, a passion for life, a purity and sincerity of heart, and with devotion to each other you will both grow in the happiness of the coming years.

Copyright 2013  The Enchanted Manor – All images and text from this site are the sole property of the Enchanted Manor and may not be used or copied without consent.  If you wish to link this site or post from this site please give appropriate credit.

Celebration – Planning a Bridal Shower

Posted on by

Celebrating a bride and her upcoming wedding is a perfect opportunity to plan a party.  Generally, the maid or matron of honor will host a bridal shower.  Sometimes a family member will wish to honor the bride with a family bridal shower for the bride and groom’s family members.  If a co-worker who is especially close to bride, they might want to host an office bridal shower at the bride’s workplace and invite her co-workers.  If a bridal couple has a special group of friends that they socialize with on weekends, maybe a couple shower would be a great way to include the groom-to-be and have him join in on the fun.  Coordinate with the bride and her mother to see if anyone else is hosting other showers to avoid problems with conflicting dates.

The first step to planning a bridal shower is sit down with the bride and find out what type of party she would like.  This is a very important step because you don’t want to plan an elaborate party when she just wanted a small gathering or vice-versa.  She might want to help make some of the important decisions and could have some definite opinions on the details.

One of the first decisions is to determine the date of the party and always check to confirm that there are no problems with conflicting dates.  Normally the bridal shower is held a month or two before the wedding.  After the date is set, the next step is to decide on the number of guests and check with the bride for a list of names and addresses for the invitations.  A general rule of etiquette is do not invite guests to the bridal shower that are not invited to the wedding, this could possibly create and awkward situation for the bridal couple.  The one exception to this rule is an office bridal shower which usually is scheduled during office hours; this would be a great way to include friends that would not be invited to the wedding which is located out of state.  Another etiquette note is that the bridesmaids are not required to attend multiple showers but they are expected to attend at least one.

In regards to invitations, there are numerous styles and price ranges that are available from a variety of stores or online at various websites.  Another option is to create the invitations with a home and a scrapbook store is a great source for paper and other supplies.  When purchasing the invitations, keep in mind the theme of the bridal shower because this could determine the style of the invitation.  When sending out the invitation it is acceptable to add the bridal couple registry information but the important thing to remember is to send out the invitations early, at least 4-6 weeks before the shower date.

Budget is another important decision and setting a firm budget will help to keep the costs with reasonable amount.  Expenses can quickly get out of hand, so be sure to have a plan and stick to the budget.  This is the time to determine if the party location will be at your home, restaurant or another venue.  The location costs can greatly affect the party’s budget so this is an important decision.  Party items to include in the party budget: invitations, thank you cards (be sure to add postage costs), party decorations including flowers, food and beverages (be sure to include if there are party rental supplies and service staff, caterer or restaurant costs) If you are the host of the shower, it is acceptable to ask for assistance and if you are co-hosting with the other bridesmaids or family members it is also sensible to ask for sharing the expenses involved with the bridal shower.

The party theme is the next decision and this can be the fun part of planning a bridal shower.  A theme should reflect the bride’s personality, her style or color preferences or maybe a favorite activity.  Some ideas and suggestions are listed below:

Tea party – This is always a popular choice for a bridal shower, it can be held in a private home or at a local restaurant and is usually a more formal event.  Small sandwiches and pastries can be served on cake stands or silver platters and of course several pots of different kinds of tea.  Ask the guests to wear their best dress and even a beautiful hat!

Kitchen shower – This is a wonderful way to stock the bridal couple’s kitchen with pots, pans, mixers, crockpots, toaster, etc.  This can be a good opportunity to refer the guests to the bridal couple’s registry.  Guests can also be asked to bring their favorite or perhaps a family favorite recipe.

Linen shower –  This is another way to stock the bridal couple’s home with luxurious sheets and monogrammed pillowcases and fluffy pillow for the bedroom or bath towels, bathrobes and lovely soaps and lotions.  Be sure to check with the bride for her color preferences and include their bridal registry information with the invitations.

Travel shower – This is a great theme for a bridal couple that are about to embark on an exotic honeymoon or maybe they are world travelers for business or pleasure.  Gift suggestions can include luggage, camera equipment, guidebooks, etc.

Lingerie shower – This is a fun shower idea but it can get a little embarrassing for the bride.  Gifts suggestions can include beautiful or sexy lingerie, such as silk nightgowns and bathrobes.   Risqué items are best left to a bachelorette party, we don’t want shock grandma!

Destination shower – This is a great opportunity to travel to a nearby city and it could be a great weekend to bond with close girlfriends.  Suggested destinations could be a fun beach house, a ski trip to the local lodge, a small cabin by the lake, or a luxurious hotel.  A calming weekend at the spa is another suggestion for the bride and her close friends to get pampered with massages, facial, manicures and pedicures.

 Bridal Shower tips and suggestions

  1. Shower invitation idea – Use one of the bridal couple’s engagement photos,   attach to the front of the invitation and print the shower information such as date, time, location, etc. on the inside of the invitation.
  2. Shower game idea – Before the date of the shower, videotape the groom being asked a series of fun questions, then during the shower hand out the list of the questions for the guests to fill in their possible answers.  Play the video of the groom being asked the questions but pause the tape before his answers, ask the bride her answer to the question and then continue the video to find out the groom’s answer.  (this game is like a version of the old television game show of the Newlywed Game but everybody gets involved!)
  3. Shower gift idea – This idea will take a little extra work, but it is worth it in the end!  Ask each guest to bring a photo of themselves with the bride or groom; the photos can be old or new, funny or sentimental.  Set out strips of paper for the guests to write funny captions of sayings, place the photos into an album with the captions, and then pass the album around for the bride and her guests to enjoy at the shower.
  4. Preparing for the thank you notes – When the bride is opening her shower gifts, designate someone to sit beside her to write down the gift and the gift giver’s name so that proper thank you notes can be written after the shower.  This is also a good opportunity for the tradition of creating the rehearsal bouquet with the ribbon and trim from the shower gifts.