Bridal Shower Etiquette: The Work Shower

Posted on October 11, 2012 by Kathryn

You would think a normal bridal shower would cut it in terms of the wedding prep, but not if you work somewhere with other former brides or brides-to-be because we all know that the wedding prep isn’t complete without throwing a proper work bridal shower. And because who really knows the work bridal shower etiquette… here is my three step guide to the perfect shower

1. Unless you work at a no-men-allowed office, then chances are, your work bridal shower is not the same audience as your traditional bridal shower (that is… it’s not all of us girls). So that means, my first guideline is to know your guests… restrain yourself from decorating the entire office with pink streamers, balloons, and flowers. Remember, men count too at the work shower!

2. Gifts, gifts, gifts… what to get? First, it’s okay to ask for donations from your team and those who you think would want to be a part of the shower. It’s rude to ask for a specific amount.. don’t do it. Unless you are the brides best friend (which most likely isn’t the case – you are co-workers) don’t get too creative with your gift choice. This is what a registry is for. But don’t collect $200 and spend it all on one registry gift. Buy a gift in your budget for delivery straight to the bride (really, she doesn’t want to lug it home from work). With your remaining budget, buy a few pretty (but subtle) decorations like the beautiful flowers, “confetti”, and an oversized bow (photos below) for a surprise desk “facelift”! As for the rest of your funds, no shower is complete without some tasty treats and favors. I love cupcakes because seriously, cake is so overused (see photos below), and for “favors”, check out the incredible white chocolate covered marshmallows (last photo).

3. The colors – I mentioned not to go pink crazy, so what should you do, pick a little of every color in the rainbow? No thanks.. Let’s assume since you’re planning the shower that you know a little about the bride’s wedding planning, specifically her color palette. The photos below are meant to coordinate with a beautiful lavender and pewter palette (so these are a spin on those colors to make it blend but not suppress)! Use variations of the brides colors in your gifts, decorations, and food to “make sense” of the shower. I promise, it will work.

So that’s it.. the shortened guide to a perfect work bridal shower… Happy planning!

Credits: My own photo, Flickr, My own photo, Intimate Weddings, Wrap it Pretty, Etsy

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Bridal Shower Etiquette: The Table Setting

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Bridal Shower Etiquette: The Table Setting

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Kathryn

The bridal shower is back on One to Wed, and today we wanted to provide some dainty and ladylike ideas for the bridesmaids planning the shower… for the table setting! So where to begin here? Well bridal showers come in all shapes and sizes (outdoor, indoor, big or small) but one thing that seems to be somewhat universal is the table! Everyone has to eat something right? Well, maybe not actually, but for today, we’ll pretend all the ladies are sitting down for a bite to eat!

I love the idea of a very “girly” table setting, because when after all, will you be sitting with only ladies again! Vases with flowers (aka baby centerpieces), colorful or elegant table runners, and pewter inspire me. I’m of the belief that any combination of these pretty things will produce a magical result, so use bits and pieces of our inspiration and some creativity of your own and it will be the perfect shower for your bride-to-be!

Credits: Something Turquoise, Amy Atlas, Amy Atlas, Ruffled Blog, Style Me Pretty, Pretty Stuff, Pinterest, Pinterest

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Bridal Shower Etiquette: A Bridal Tea

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Kathryn

There is a first for everything and today is our very first post devoted to bridal shower ideas and our kick-off for a new series: Bridal Shower Etiquette! So it seemed fitting to start with one of the basics this time as far as themes go (etiquette ideas to come later), and what could be more traditional than a bridal tea!

Now this may not be for everyone, but there are so many fun ways to create a bridal tea that fits your bride regardless of her style. For the vintage bride, the rustic bride, the traditional bride (or any other bride for that matter) adding a piece of china here and there as decoration, using china cups as a “bridal shower sign-in” (all the girls sign a cup for the bride to keep), serving soup or dessert in a cup, using a tea pot as a centerpiece, making your own dessert trays using old china, or creating place settings with a full china set (I prefer the mix and match sets that you find at little second hand shops), each of these are budget friendly and unique ways to build on the very basic tea party theme while creating your own version of the tea that fits the bride!