DIY Bridal Shower Favor: Photo Chocolate Bars

Make inexpensive and personalized chocolate bar favors for the bridal shower! The too easy to be true instructions:

1. Choose a few favorite photos (we love baby photos of the bride), then print them using an ink-jet printer or photocopy onto lightweight paper. (Enlarge or reduce images if needed.)

2. With a paper cutter, trim so photos are slightly shorter than candy bars.

3. Remove outer wrappers but not inner foil.

4. Wrap each candy bar with a photo, and secure in back with double-sided tape.

5. Adorn with waxed twine tied in a small bow.

Voila! Custom photo favors!

Bridal Shower Theme: Lilly Pulitzer Inspired

Images: The Scarlet Letter Boutique, Zazzle, KinsREvent Company, Etsy, Etsy, Etsy, Peapods Cookies

Invites

We found a few gems that will really set the tone for the Lilly inspired shower.  Head to Zazzle or Etsy for the invites featured above.

 

 

Décor

Go with a mix of garden ideas like the ones found here and very preppy ideas.  Think everything monogram.

Drinks

Go with pink cocktails like:

Raspberry Flirtini
Mix 1 part vodka with ½ part Chambord and add champagne. Serve in champagne flutes.

Cosmopolitan
To make the perfect Cosmopolitan mix 1 oz. vodka, ½ oz. triple sec, ½ oz. lime juice and ½ oz cranberry juice. Serve in a martini glass garnished with a slice of lime.

Pink Bikini
Take 1.75 liter raspberry lemonade and add 1 3/4 cups coconut rum and 1 cup amaretto liqueur.

Favors

Give everyone personalized lemonade packets. 

 

Food

A menu of anything would work for the Lilly shower. Classic tea party works.  Of course, adding these cookies from Peapods Cookies helps the theme. 

Bridal Shower Game: Nearly Newlywed Game

Nearly Newlywed Game

Turn the classic TV game into a fun bridal shower one.  This game is particularly good for co-ed showers where you can ask both of them the questions at the same time.


Note: these questions are stereotypical so switch around to your actual couple's likes.


Questions for the Groom

1) What is the bride's favorite handbag/purse designer?

2) Within 3, how many shoes/sunglasses/purses does the bride own?

3) What's her favorite perfume? 

4) What's her most commonly used expression?

5) What celebrity does she remind you of the most?



Questions for the Bride

1) What color does the groom think looks best on you?

2)  What is his dream car?

3) What is the name of his fantasy football team?

4)  If he could have played any sport professionally, what would it have been?

5) What's his favorite beer?


Questions for Either

1) Who said I love you first? 

2) What would your partner say your last fight was about?

3) Who was late last?

4)  What was their favorite vacation?

5) How many children does the other want?

6) What would your significant other say was their favorite date?

7) Who takes longer to get ready in the morning/for a date?

8) Who hit on the other first?

9) You're at  a bar. What would your significant other order?

Bridal Shower Etiquette: Are kids invited to bridal showers?

Q: .  Are kids invited to bridal showers?

A:   No. Bridal showers are adult-only affairs so children should not be invited (and are not assumed to be.)  If in doubt, always ask the hostess.  If you're the hostess and you think a guest might bring a kid, bring it up casually -"so whose baby-sitting Kim for the afternoon?" They should get the hint

Bridal Shower Theme: Starbucks/Coffee Inspired

Image sources: Hostess with the Mostess, Christy Robbins, Chica and Jo, Kimz Kitchen, Zazzle, Etsy, Your Home Based Mom

Dealing with a bride who doesn't start the day without an iced white chocolate mocha? Know a bride who would probably make her wedding budget if she cut out her daily lattes? Why not throw a Starbucks/coffee inspired bridal shower for her?
 
Another nice thing about the coffee themed shower is that it's very work-appropriate.  This is a great shower for teacher's lounges or office showers.

Invites

Set the tone for the shower with an invite that shows everyone that the couple's coffee breaks are just too cute for words.  

Or let everyone know that the couple really are a perfect blend with this invite. 




Drinks
Since the theme is coffee, obviously you're going to have lots of coffee for this shower. The easy solution: create a coffee bar! One sample menu for drinks would be Decaf, Regular, Tea, Water, and Hot Water for Hot Chocolate or Hot Teas. 
Note: Non-coffee drinks are essential here because not everyone drinks (or likes) coffee. 

The toppings for the coffee bar of one sample coffee shower included vanilla, hazelnut, creamer, milk, flavored creamers, various sugars, chocolate dipped sugar cubes, sprinkles, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, whipped cream, chocolate covered peppermint sticks, and lemons.

• Try putting vanilla sugar cubes, chocolate dipped sugar cubes, or heart shaped sugar cubes to add an unique touch to the coffee bar.
• Having a selection of flavored syrups like vanilla and hazelnut for the coffee bar takes the coffee to the next level.  Try this recipe to make flavored syrups for the coffee.

Homemade Frappie Recipe
courtesy of Recipezaar.com

Ingredients
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1 tablespoon granulated sugar, plus
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/3 cup strong coffee
1 cup ice

Directions

1. In a blender, combine everything but the ice, and blend until sugar has dissolved.

2. Add ice and blend until smooth (sometimes you will need a bit more ice).

3. Don't forget to top off with some whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup!

Food

Yum! When we think of coffeehouses, we think of desserts-and ton of them.  Serve plenty of cupcakes, cookies, biscotti, and cake for this shindig. 

Try different coffee-inspired cupcakes like:

• Chocolate coffee cupcakes with coffee buttercream
• Caramel Frappuccino Cupcake
• Vietnamese Coffee Cupcake
• Doughnuts and Coffee Cupcake (shown to the left)

Also try serving coffee bean cookies.

Favors
What else can you give out as favors? Coffee, of course! Try personalized coffee bags that say "Bride's Bridal Shower" on them or coffee scoop favors. 

We are not affiliated with Starbucks.  Affiliate links were used.

Sex and the City Bridal Shower Invitations

Sex and the City remains one of our favorite TV shows.  Of course, one of our most-viewed posts is on planning a Sex and the City shower but recently we've given a ton of comments asking for more invitations that perfectly set the tone for this type of fete.

This Martini themed bridal shower invite is ideal for a SATC shower.  Did Carrie go one episode without a Cosmo? Didn't think so.  

Go obvious with the NYC theme.  The ladies loved Manhattan and if your bride does too then celebrate it with this New York Skyline invite. 

Carrie wasn't the typical bride so skip a "typical" bridal shower (or invitation for that matter.) These chic modern cocktail party shower invites are just the trick-nothing too girly or frilly for Mrs. Big.  

Or celebrate the girls love of Manolos and Jimmy Choos with this stiletto bridal shower invite. 

Bridal Shower Guestbook: Flower Wreath of Wishes

 

What a unique fun thing for a guestbook!  The paper flowers pop out to let every guest write notes, well-wishes, thoughts, etc. in  a wreath that can then be hung up.  Get it at Uncommon Goods.

Theme: Mad Men Themed Bridal Shower

Sources: Kaley Goes, Etsy, Broadsheet, Beau-Coup, Tressugar, Pizzazzerie

Ah, Mad  Men.  Pretend like the bride is marrying Don Draper (lucky gal) and channel your inner housewife or working girl with this fun themed wedding shower.  Take your inspiration from the show.

Invitations
Set the mood with invites that let everyone know-this is going to be a party like its 1963.  Be sure to let everyone know to channel their best Joan, Betty, or Jackie.  We loved the invites from Etsy seller Creatively Engaged-the silhouette of the Mad Men characers sets the tone for a hip cocktail shower.

Source: Pizzazerie

Food

Think of the favorite 1960s classics like shrimp cocktail, chip and dip,  ambroasia salad, mini pineapple upside-down cakes, deviled eggs, a cheeseball and crackers, pigs-in-a-blanket, and of course, cake!  Fondue was also big in the 1960s.

Drinks

It wouldn't be a tribute to Mad Men if it weren't for cocktails.  Tom Collins, Martinis, and Vodka Gimlets were all huge in this era as were daiquiris, Manhattans, mojitos, Pink Squirrels, Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, and White Russians. 

-Make your own martini bar.  Set up:
1) Vodka and Gin
2) Vermouth
3) Cocktail Shaker
4) Classic martini accompaniments-Olives, cocktail onions, olive juice, lemon slices, citrus rind, maraschino cherries and any other additions you'd like to put in your cocktail.


Decor
Of course, the real retroness of this shower comes from the decor and props. Look on Craigslist, Ebay, and in vintage stores for the decor.

• Place vintage magazines, like Ladies Home Journal, Vogue, and Life around. 
• Frame copies of vintage ads around the food.   
• Use a vintage typewriter as a prop or as a guest book-have each guest write a note to the future bride.  
• The Mad Men website has a few printables of posters and door hangers to hang up.   
• Place  candy cigarettes in bowls around the shower to  help complete the 1960s feel.

Favors
Stick with the martini theme and hand out mini cocktail shakers, mini martini glasses, and cocktail mixes. 

Bridal Shower Etiquette: Should we throw one for a pregnant bride?

Q: The bride is pregnant.  Should we still throw a bridal shower for the bride?

A:   Sure. A bride who is expecting can still have a wedding shower.  Of course, there might be some practical concerns for you (and the bride.)  Does the bride need baby stuff or household items more?  Many guests will likely only bring one or buy one even if there are separate bridal and baby showers, so the bride might prefer a baby shower.

Bridal Shower Etiquette: Does The Bridal Party Have To Buy Bridal Shower Gifts?

Q: Since we have to pay for the bridal shower, are we expected to buy a gift for the shower?
A:  Yes. As friends of the bride, and even though you're hosting the shower, bridesmaids are still expected to buy a gift for the shower.  Most bridesmaids chip in and buy one large item like the china from the wedding registry.  Of course, if money is tight you can do something smaller or more heartfelt. 

Bridal Shower Etiquette: Does the Bride Have To Open Up Gifts At Her Shower?

Q: The bride has said that she doesn't want to open up gifts at her shower.  Does the bride have to open up the gifts at the shower?

A: Yes, the bride has to open up the gifts at the shower.  We can understand why some brides don't want to-some feel uncomfortable with everyone "staring" at them while they're opening the presents or some don't want to feign enthusiam for the gifts.  However, the purpose of the bridal shower is to "shower" the bride with gifts.  As a result, it is definitely expected by most of the guests, if not all, that the bride will open them at the actual shower.  If the bride doesn't, many of the guests will find it rude. 

Another consideration-if the bride doesn't open up gifts, what will the guests do instead of  watching the gift opening? Some guests have said they feel weird if the bride doesn't open up the gifts and thought,  "uhh, what are we supposed to be doing?" If the bride isn't opening up gifts, it's just a lunch with females. 

Champagne Bars-Make your own Champagne Cocktails!

Image via HiyaLuv

We just love champagne bars.  Not only are they classy but they're super appropriate for every occasion from brunch to dinner. 

You can have different champagnes for guests to try.  Or you can have a make your own champagne cocktail station. Guests love making their own drinks and the chance to customize their drinks. Added bonus-no bartender needed!

-Have plenty of champange flutes on hand. 

-Put the juices in carafes with labels and suggested recipes.

-Have 2 or 3 juice choices on hand.

Suggested Recipes:

Mimosa-A classic for brunch!

Ingredients:

2 oz. Orange juice

Champagne
Mix to taste.

Passion Mimosa-An updated take on the classic with passionfruit juice instead of orange!
1oz. Passionfruit Juice

4oz Champagne

2 fresh strawberries
Mix. 
Cranberry Champagne Cocktail
2 oz. Cranberry Juice
3 oz. Champagne
Mix.

American Glory Cocktail-a great choice for spring and summer days!2 oz Orange Juice
2 oz Lemonade
3 oz Champagne

Mix.


Mango Bellini

1 part Mango Juice
2 parts Champagne
Mix. 







 

Bachelorette Party Guide: Volunteering!

If the bride-to-be is more of a do-gooder than tequila shooter, why not make the bachelorette party a 
 a reflection of her by volunteering?  Instead of spending the night going from bar to bar, spend the day volunteering.  Just think of what good a group of 6 to 10 ladies can do!

One idea is Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity's Women Build brings together women from all walks of life to address the housing crisis facing millions of women and children worldwide. Women Build events have helped to construct more than 1,900 houses.  Since the builds are just for women, no construction skills are needed-they'll provide training for you. 

Other ideas include serving at local food banks, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters that are always looking for groups to help cook meals and serve meals. 

If you have longer than a day, consider taking a volunteer vacation.  Sierra Club offers outings which vary from helping to repair the Grand Canyon to backpacking through the Adironacks.  I to I Volunteering offers international trips

Tips:

• Be sure to plan ahead as many volunteer opportunities fill up fast.

• You can still outfit the bride with sashes and bridal veils to make the bride feel like a bachelorette.

Bachelorette Party Guide: Walt Disney World

If your bride-to-be is Disney obsessed, why not throw her bachelorette party at Walt Disney World? Have it the same weekend as her destination wedding there.  Get her her very own pair of Disney ears and a Disney bride shirt and head out to WDW.

Traditional Bachelorette Activities

Hit the bars.  After hitting the parks, head out to some nighttime attractions in Disney World.  Start off at Disney's Boardwalk Area.  Head to Jellyrolls in Disney's BoardWalk Area at Walt Disney World Resort which is a lively piano bar with dueling pianos and audience sing-alongs.  Want more traditional clubbing? Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney's BoardWalk Area at Walt Disney World Resort is a nightclub showcasing cool bands and hot DJs.  This nightclub plays the hottest songs from the '80s, '90s and today.  Or go to the House of Blues for a club where live music continually plays. 

Take in a show.  La Nouba is another extraordinary avant-garde circus spectacle performed by Cirque du Soleil exclusively in the Downtown Disney West Side area at Walt Disney World Resort.  Or try the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show which is an all-you-care-to-eat, family-style luau featuring hula dancing and a fire-knife performer at Disney's Polynesian Resort-get the chocolate volcanoes!

Do a spa day.  Disney has several spas that you can visit.

Make it Disney

Drink around the world.  Head to Epcot for a Disney bar crawl-get a drink in each country.  If that's too much drinking, try centering around the same drink.  Maybe attempt to try the best margaritas in Disney World. 

Take in a VIP tour. Even if the bride lives at Disney, chances are that she hasn't been on these tours.  You can take a behind the scenes tour of the parks, find out how they make the gardens at Epcot, or see the animals at Animal Kingdom.

Build the bachelorette party around Disney's festivals and events.  Make the bachelorette party around those dates to have even more to do.  Choose from Epcot International Wine & Food Festival, Atlanta Braves Spring Training, or a half-marathon. 

Want more Disney travel tips?  Beers and Ears has a complete list of every beer sold in WDW-this might be useful if the bride has a favorite one.  Find dining advice at The Disney Food Blog where you can search all of WDW's restaurants to find the best one for your group. 

New Spring Collection for Dessy

It's spring and along with new flowers comes the new spring collections even for wedding and bridesmaid dress designers.  Dessy's new spring collection is a hit.  We are loving the Social Bridesmaids line-contemporary, chic dresses that are very re-wearable.  

Look at this Style 8109 - an one shoulder cocktail length dress in stretch charmeuse with a  matching belt at natural waist and wide kimono sleeve. It's very different and perfect for an evening reception.  

Or this Style 8115-an one shoulder full length lux chiffon dress with scarf and flower detail at shoulder.  Very Grecian-this dress is so glamorous.  

This collection definitely deserves a second look.  These are dresses most of us would love to wear at a wedding.

Disclaimer: We are affiliates of Dessy and may be compensated for this post. However, our opinions have not been influenced in anyway.

Bridal Shower Invites: Send Digital Ones with Smilebox

Another digital invite by Smilebox While most of us still send out paper bridal shower invites, there are other options especially now that even most of our grandmothers have e-mail and Facebook.  Digital or e-mail invites can be just as glam and even more eco-friendly.  Of course, digital invites can also save you money-no need to buy postage! We particularly like the designs from Smilebox.  With Smilebox, you can  easily create invitations.  You can pick from thousand of templates, add photos you want to use, add music and voila, you've made a Smilebox!  What sets Smilebox apart though is that it gives you more ways to share than other digital invite sites: Facebook, email, blog, printing at home or to a store, and burning to DVD.   Tip:  Printing is a nice option because you can then use the invite for scrapbooks or as a memento.  It's the best of both worlds.  Smilebox is an affiliate of ours; however, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are ours and were not influenced in anyway.

Bridal Shower Game: Pass the Bouquet

What you Need:

Bouquet

How to Play: Just like in Hot Potato, pass around a bouquet of flowers while wedding themed songs like "Here Comes the Bride" play. When the music stops, whoever has the bouquet is out. Last one left with the bouquet wins!

Bridal Shower Game: Toilet Paper Bride

Bridal Shower Game: Toilet Paper Bride

The Idea: Who can make the best bridal gown out of toilet paper?

What you Need:

Toilet Paper (and lots of it)

Scissors

Tape

How to Play:  Tell the guests to break up into groups.  Give them a time limit and tell them they have to make the best wedding dress they can out of the supplies you give them.  At the end of the time limit, have the groups model off their creations.  The one the bride likes the most wins!


Want a variation? Have guests make wedding veils or bouquets as a twist. 

Garden Inspired Bridal Shower Favors

Hosting the wedding shower with a garden theme? Every guest will love this flower inspired bridal shower favors. 

1.  Project Wedding has a great, easy DIY bridal shower favor-give each guest their own potted plant. Be sure to choose flowers that are in season.  The best part is that you can use the flowers as decoration for the shower too.  For a unique twist, try mini lucky bamboo plants

2.   Instead of actually giving out potted plants, why not give seeds that can be planted.  With personalized plantable seed card favors, the entire piece of paper can be planted leading to tasty herbs.   This can be more convenient for guests who have to travel for the shower.  You can find out how to make your own (sortof) on Don't Eat the Paste.  For an interesting take on these favors, make seeded paper bookmarks  seed matchbox favors, plantable seeded paper flowers, and seed packets with tea packets.                                                                                   

3.  Flowers don't have to be real to fit in with the theme-or to look stunning.  Look at the gorgeous Gerber Daisy favor boxes  which you can fill with candies, cupcakes, or cake for a favor.  You can find DIY versions of gorgeous bouquet flower favor boxes at  Once Wed and  and these summer inspired flower favor boxes.  These boxes are so beautiful that they can still be decoration even in the middle of winter.      

                          

                                      
4.  Like in number three, the flowers don't have to be real to still create the "in the garden" effect.  Look at these towels wrapped up to look like roses -completely practical yet still pretty.  Or these rose soaps -for a DIY version head to Hearts, Hands, and Hope.                                                                                  

5.  Why not make your favors extra safe by going with something you know every guest loves? Chocolate!  Make chocolate covered roses for favors
or hand out chocolate covered sunflower seeds.









Affiliate links were used but they did not influence our thoughts or opinions.

Bridal Shower Invites from Wedding Paper Divas

When we think of Wedding Paper Divas, we think of weddings of course-their invitations, save the dates, and thank you cards are gorgeous and perfect for so many different types of themes.  However, until recently we didn't realize how extensive their collection of bridal shower invitations are.

Among the gems:

Love this invite-how perfect for a bridal showers where the focus is on cooking.  The apron is just so cute. This is also part of a line where invites can be as low as $.69 each; granted you do need to order quite a few to get the .69 rate but it's still a great deal. 

Or look at this  unique bridal shower invitation-the die cut circle shape alone is unique and trendy. We love the happy couple on the front and the romantic words on the back.   This invite stands out though in a world of cutesy invitations.          

We also love this stunning silhouette of a kissing couple for a wedding shower invite. The design is simple and timeless and, of course, silhouettes are very trendy right now. 

This is just a sampling of the invites available from Wedding Paper Divas. We hope you consider thme for the shower you're planning. 

(Disclaimer: Affiliate links were used in this post and we may be compensated for this post; however, our opinions and thoughts were  not influenced in anyway.)