I feel the need to start this post off with a quick confession. In the recent past, I was a bit of a Scrooge when it came to attending showers. I know, that sounds so bad. But there was a time in my life when I felt as though I was attending some sort of shower every other weekend! I was starting to feel a little unenthused about spending my Saturdays playing bridal bingo. Unenthused, that is, until I got engaged and it was time for my own shower.
I remember feeling so bad that my friends had to take time out their weekend to celebrate ME. I felt bad that they too would begrudgingly play along with the lame games and watch me open endless amount of presents. But it wasn’t until my wedding day that I realized, people actually wanted to be there. People wanted to celebrate with us. People wanted to give us gifts to help us build our home. It was at that moment that my perspective changed.
I’m happy to say that these days I’m no Scrooge when it comes to attending a shower. In fact, I LOVE showers. I’ve experienced firsthand how meaningful it is to celebrate life’s biggest milestones with the ones you care about most. When my little sister got engaged, I knew I wanted to throw her a shower that was as beautiful as she is. I wanted it to be a day that made her feel encouraged and celebrated. I also wanted it to be a day the guests wouldn’t regret spending their Saturday afternoon at.
Perhaps you’re reading this and your best friend is engaged. Or maybe you have an anniversary party to plan or a baby shower approaching. Thanks to our beloved Pinterest, cookies and punch in the church fireside room just doesn’t seem to cut it these days. These are a few of my tips for making your backyard party a Pinterest approved success that won’t leave you broke when it’s all said and done.
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Recruit Help
For this shower, I recruited the help of many of our dear family friends. I had decided that I would take care of all of the décor and games, and request some help bringing the food. I created a sign-up sheet that was emailed out. Within a few hours, the sign-up sheet was full and our shower was well on its way.
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Stick to a Theme
The shower was decorated in white, black, gold, and accented with LOTS of greenery, white flowers, and glassware. Everything from the place settings, serving platters, cake stands, and vases all went along with the theme. This helps keep continuity throughout the shower, making everything look polished and purposeful.
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Select a Simple Menu
Our menu included a salad bar, tomato bisque soup, pasta salad, fruit, and rolls. For dessert, we opted for a pie table! No late night cupcake decorating here. Pie is the way to go! Pick up a few from your favorite pie shop and it will look like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen.
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Avoid Lame Games
From a former shower game hater, my best advice in the game category is this:
- Stay Seated: Don’t make people get up and run around. Most of the time, people would prefer to participate from the comfort of their chair.
- Keep it Short: Don’t make the game a long-lasting one. Keep people engaged by making it a timed event lasting no longer than 10 minutes.
- Include the Groom. There’s nothing cuter than hearing adorable answers from groom himself. The ladies swoon over this every time I tell ya. This is a sure way to keep everyone engaged and entertained.
The two games I decided to play at the shower were “A Love Story” and “How Well Does He Know His Bride”.
In the first game, guests attempt to decode famous romantic movie titles. I gave this one a five minute time limit. Everyone seemed to love it! For the second game, I recorded the groom’s answers and played them over a speaker. This was hands down my favorite moment of the shower! It was so fun to learn about the bride while hearing the groom’s take on all of her favorite things.
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Choose A Few Focal Points
You will drive yourself crazy trying to make every. Little. Thing. 100% Pinterest approved. Choose five spaces you really want to draw attention to. Here are some of the focal points I decided on
- Entryway
- Mimosa Bar
- Flower Crown Station
- Place Settings
- Pie Table
- Fun Balloons
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DIY To Your Heart’s Content
Here’s a quick look at a few of the DIY projects I did to make the shower just a little extra special.
- Yarn backdrop: Made from one wooden dowel and three spools of white yarn!
- Signage: I designed these on my computer and had them printed at our family print shop. I have attached them for you here. Dessert Poster & Mimosa Bar Poster.
- Labels: Download mine here or make some of your own! Print out on cardstock and you’re good to go! Mimosa Bar Flute Tags & Mimosa Bar Juice Labels
- Greenery: Hop in your car and start driving around town. When you find a tree you like, pull over and cut a few branches! This is much more cost effective than purchasing a truck load of flowers. Lots of greenery with a touch of flowers makes everything look bright and fresh.
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Maintain Engagement During Gifts
We had each gift giver sit next to the bride as she opened their gift. This makes things much more personal and keeps everyone engaged! Not to mention it takes some of the pressure and attention off of the bride. Be sure to snap a picture of the bride with each guest!
I hope you find these tips helpful! Happy showering!
Loved the shower and loved this blog! You did a great job! I loved the game “How Well Do you Know your Bride”. It was so sweet hearing Josh’s answers and just the love and joy that they already share! One of my favorite Bridal Showers! XO
Thank so much, Janet! 🙂 I’m so glad you were there to celebrate with us. XOXO
This is a beautifully done shower!! Saving for the future!
Thank you, Jessica! So glad you found it helpful! Thanks for stopping by the blog! xo
It all looks beautiful!!! I love every detail!!
You’re too sweet! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your encouragement! xo
One of my Favorite Showers ever.. Loved every little thought that was put into it.. Something Danae said when asked what was one of her favorite things, was sitting there looking out at those who had loved, supported and prayed for her throughout her life. Such a blessing to spend the day Celebrating.
The Shower was BEAUTIFUL.. Thank you for all you did..
XOXO! Thank YOU for all you did!
You did a beautiful job!!❤
Thank you so much 🙂
Such beautiful pics!!
Great tips. Love the look of this shower!!
Thank you! I’m so glad you liked them! XO