The 530 Bride | Blog
The 530 Bride offers creative and affordable wedding planning services and our blog brings you up-to-date events, wedding inspiration and trends!
Sure the wedding dress is important, but what should you wear for other pre-wedding fun like your engagement party or bridal shower, bachelorette party or even rehearsal dinner? Here is a few looks that could work for any of these events.
Bridal Showers are a fun event to throw because let's face it you mix a little champagne with some pre-wedding excitement and everyone has a good time! Besides, the design options are endless so get creative with your theme. Note: You do not have to stick with the colors the bride has chosen for the wedding! I consider the bridal shower as an event that the bride really shouldn't really have to much input it other than the guess list. She has enough on her plate with the wedding, so let this be something that even she will be surprised when she walks in! However, if your bride to be is very hands on, this approach may not work so play it safe if need be.
Suggestion: Contact a local wedding coordinator if you need assistance getting organized or getting vendor suggestions for food, rentals (such as tables, chairs, linens) or even fun favors!
1. Decor Choose a playful or glam color scheme with fun pops of color or textures. Save yourself time by finding coordinating paperie/decor packages that include invitations, banners or signage.
Minted's "Wildflowers" theme uses graphic prints and an understated color palette which allows you to throw in mixed textures and metallics for accents.
Wildflowers Party Decor - $1.70
from: Minted
You can mix textures like glittered champagne flutes to add a little sparkle. Catch the How-To Project on DIY Champagne flutes here.
Create a simple floral arrangement and spruce it up by adding the glitter element on a variety of glassware.
Photo Credit: http://studioblush.com/blog/blush-floral-design/bridal-shower-2/
"Botanical Wreath" Mixes a variety of colors which gives you a lot of options for decor. You could easily choose a cream or blush linen to keep it light, or add a hint of formality with a black linen.
Botanical Wreath Party Decor - $1.70
from: Minted
Botanical Wreath Circle Garlands - $1.70
from: Minted
Botanical Wreath Table Signs - $1.70
from: Minted
2. Refreshments
Lets face it, a party just isn't a party without yummy treats! Depending on the time you plan on starting the event, you can choose to serve light refreshments, heavy hors d'oeuvres or a full meal/dinner. We found a few inspirational ideas:
Photo Credits: www.Bridal Detective.com Photo Credit: Rochebros.com Photo Credit: Themeaningofpie.com Photo Credit: http://www.madiganmade.com
3. Entertainment
Choose the entertainment based on the group, usually a couple of games will get the party going and the crowd to mix.
Bridal Shower Bingo
Exclusive Personalized Things in a Bride's Purse Game
Exclusive Personalized Why Do We Do That Game
If you know the bride well, and want to create a little spicier of a party: Ask the guests to each bring a pair of panties (you can call each guest and tell them what size the bride is and explain the game) so that the bride will have to guess who brought what, and turn a few shades red..
Check out this blog post from "Skip to the Details" where we found the game (it looked like a fun bridal shower!)
There you have it, the bride will be sure to remember this day as a time when her friends and family threw her a kick *** party! Send the bride home with some treats, and of course the list of who gifted what so that she can get started on those thank you cards!
Happy Planning! Related Articles: 50's Theme Bridal Showers
************************ Affiliate Disclosure: The 530 Bride is a member of Minted Affiliate Marketing and may receive compensation for products purchased via links on our site.
"From the moment I laid eyes on my 50s inspired tea length wedding gown, I knew I'd eventually have a "housewife" themed bridal shower. Besides that parallel, I love the era, music and clothes. The decade is also perfect for the theme because of its emphasis on cooking,cleaning and appearance, which really lends to the kinds of gifts you receive at a shower. We found invites on Etsy and printed them out on cardstock paper at Mr. Kopy when we did our DIY invites in February and—after a long wait and lots of hard work— we (my mom, maid of honor and I) were able to throw a Pinterest-worthy shower!
The first part in planning this shower was finding a venue I could afford in my $200-250 budget, meaning free.
Pictured at left is our bridal shower VENUE, which is actually a small clubhouse at my great-grandparent's mobile home park in Los Molinos, CA. The tables, chairs, couches and full kitchen were all provided, for free, by the park and it could easily seat 40 people, though only around 20 came.
The decor really already added to the theme, with it's mismatched chairs and floral cushions, but we added checkerboard tablecloths from Party Town (found in the Spring/ Easter section) and strung my mother's apron collection from clothesline around the whole party. We also added baloons (not pictured) outside and the "bride to be" banner is from the dollar store. {Sidenote: I had no idea my mother was such an apron connoisseur. I love it…}
We had really nice engagement pictures gifted by my good friend Chanie (at left), owner of Chanie Bee Photography, that were displayed in my home already. We decided to bring them over to add to the decor and blew up one shot (on top of the display) into a 16x20 at Walmart for SO cheap. It's fake canvas, cost around $20 and we were able to bring it home later to hang. What a deal!!!!
We also used more pictures scattered around centerpieces and table decorations.
All the flowers were bought at the supermarket and cut down by my MOH to fit cute little vases. We had so many extra after that we made a bouquet for my mom to take home.
FOOD AND DRINKS
For drinks we served pink lemonade (with strawberry slices) and ice water (with lemon/ orange slices) in large, 3 gallon, beverage containers I got at Walmart for $20 each. My MOH created little labels for everything out of craft paper to match our theme, which really helped with all the food.
We got quiche lorraine and artichoke/spinish quiche in pie form at Costco and also served crustless chicken salad sandwiches with almonds (my mom's recipe) and tiny cucumber sandwiches. In addition to heavy food we also provided watermelon fruit bowls and spinach dip, which we ordered pre-made from our local Raley's.
The real star of the shower was my AMAZING cake gifted to me by my MOH.
She got it at Cake is the Best Part in Redding and it was strawberry filled in one layer and banana flavored in another (my favorites). I really love the fondant detailing in the cake which featured aprons, necklaces, a sewing machine, heels, cupcakes and a "homemade pie"/ rolling pin.
DECORATIONS
We used a combination of old household items and floral arrangements as centerpieces, which we scored at an antique shop. Among antiques were cookie jars, scales, pots and pans, picnic baskets, timers and handheld mixers. We also had framed "housewife rules" from a real issue of "Better Homes & Garden" from the 50s.
My MOH re-configured the images/ text on her laptop and just bought cheap frames.
Tackling a do-it-yourself wedding project is a great way to add a personal touch to your event while impressing guests with unique ideas and creativity. Though many DIY projects can save money and are fun to create with bridesmaids, they can also be time consuming. Fortunately many wedding websites offer free resources for visiting brides—in the form of print templates and speedy projects —that bring the fun back to crafting your special day!
Here are a few of our recent finds online that we'd like to share with our 530 brides.
Please make sure to follow any copyright or use instructions on the following websites.
We would love to see your finished creations and feel free to share the resources you have found along your journey!
~Happy Planning~
A Whole Collection of Adorable Mason Jar Designs.
Free Guestbook Fingerprint Tree Print.
Free Chevron Patterned Print for Invitations, Save the Dates and Inserts Cards.
Searching for DIY Resources and Inspiration? Check out some of these awesome projects on the web!
http://justsomethingimade.com/jsim-diy-projects/
http://blog.idoityourself.com.au/2010/09/freebie-cherry-blossom-wishing-tree.html
http://www.betsywhite.com/flightsoffancy/2009/06/diy-download-cello-bag-labels/
http://sprinklesinsprings.com/2012/12/diy-twinkle-star-bobby-pins.html
http://www.ispydiy.com/2012/04/my-diy-heart-ring.html
http://www.ispydiy.com/2012/09/home-diy-metallic-circle-pillow.html
http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/easy-centerpiece-clusters/6
http://www.oncewed.com/514/diy-wedding/decorations/rustic-wedding-cake-stand/
http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/diy-glass-magnets/
Do you have a favorite DIY project? Share links here!
Out of the box creativity is the best ingredient for a good time, especially if you are looking for a new spin on a bridal shower, bachelorette party or wedding. While you don't have to have a set "theme" it does help to keep everything cohesive. We are loving the carnival themed ideas, so here is some inspiration for you!
http://www.engagedandinspired.com/2011/09/12/vintage-carnival-themed-bridal-shower/
Click here for a downloadable template from OneCharmingParty.com
http://www.utahbrideblog.com/color-pallets/a-perfectly-planned-themed-bridal-shower-by-autumn-buys/
http://ruffledblog.com/carnival-themed-dc-wedding/
Pair these details with a whimsical Carnival Themed Engagement session and include in your wedding day photography and you are set!
http://www.bridalguide.com/planning/engagement/carnival-themed-engagement-photos
http://www.brides.com/wedding-ideas/real-weddings/2012/05/cassie-chris-i-do-sign
We saw a lot of new faces at the Chico Wedding Weekend, and we also saw some familiar faces of previous brides who are now helping their bridesmaids or maid of honor with their wedding! Although it was a warm day, there was plenty to see and sample at this year's show. Here are a few of our highlights from the event.
Kendall adding some finishing touches to our booth
Final Product
White Gown Wedding Invitations
Lakeside Pavilion
K Stone Photography
Designer Canvas
Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo
Venue Tour
We met with couples at the WeDo Designs showroom during the venue tour on August 19th. Couples were able to view table top design, linens, decor and rental items including Chiavari Chairs. We also gave mini consultations to those interested in coordination services for their event.
Welcome to the Showroom
Table Top's
The Showroom
Linens
Grand Prize Drawing
Our Grand Prize Winner was Mike & Billie, they won an event for up to 50 people including linens, party rentals and coordination. More pictures to follow soon!
If you came to our booth during the show and would like to ask a few more questions, please contact us to book a complimentary one-on-one consultation. We can answer any questions you have and give you a customized quote on the spot. email us at info@the530bride.com or call (530) 988-8344.
Happy Planning!
The bridal shower is an opportunity for the Bride to be surrounded by her closest girlfriends and family members, while playing games, opening gifts, and talking a whole lotta' wedding! The challenge for those who are planning the event, is to not only find the perfect date, time and location but to plan for some entertainment as well.Bridal shower games don't have to be the only source of fun, and a hot new trend is available right here in the "530" area!
Perfume Design Events by Studio Parfum, offers a creative and fun element to bridal showers, bachelorette parties, birthday parties and other events. The Bride and her guests will have the opportunity to create a personalized fragrance just like the stars! Studio Parfum is a hit in Hollywood, and has recently been featured in the 2011 Enjoy Magazine for Northern California.
Perfume Design Parties are fun, for all ages, and affordable, and gives each guest something to personalized that they can use long after the bridal shower ends. How does it work? First, book a party with Studio Parfum, by selecting one of their party packages or have a custom party created for your needs. Your designer will show you some of the differences between the oils and allow each guest to choose the scents they like from the 20 essential oils offered, and combine scents until they have found the perfect blend! All of the botanical oils are alcohol and water free, and are skin friendly.
Bridal Shower packages come with party favors, a variety of bottle sizes such as the .3 oz roll-top bottle that comes with a beautiful bag, which is great for keeping in your purse. You will also get to keep your fragrance "recipe" so that you can easily re-create it in the future. Interested in booking this fun party favorite? Just contact Carole with Studio Parfum for information and to book your party today. After booking an event with Studio Parfum, post it on our facebook wall for a chance to be entered into our next drawing!
Carole Thomas ~ 530-763-3467 signatureperfumes1@gmail.com Ask Carole about Perfume Workshops by Studio Parfum and upcoming events in Yuba City and the Chico area!
We Do Designs is opening their showroom to you, and you won't want to miss out on seeing their beautiful work. You will see a great mix of colors, textures and centerpieces that can complete your theme for Weddings, Bridal Showers, Corporate Events and more.
But wait, it gets better! Attend the event and you will have a chance to win a full set of linens for your event for up to 100 people. Who could pass that up? Contact WeDo Designs with any questions and we hope to see you there!
Our next awesome giveaway package is fromAmanda's Party Gals!
A great idea to incorporate into a Bridal Shower or Bachelorette Party is having a Party Gal's consultant come to your house (or wherever you are hosting the shower/party). It is a fun and inexpensive option for having an awesome party that everyone will have a blast at!
Make Margaritas or Cosmo's, serve the Brides favorite snacks and make it a Slumber Party (see this post for Slumber Party ideas) or follow your Party Gal's party with a night on the town.
One of our readers will win a Fabulous Gift Basket from Amanda's Party Gals valued at over $150. To enter leave a comment on this, or any other post on The 530 Bride starting today and ending Tuesday, August 23rd. For your entry to be counted, please include your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner!
If you would like an extra entry to the contest, Visit Amanda's Party Gals on Facebook and Like her and tell her that we sent you!
The winner will be announced next Wednesday and will have 24 hours to reply claiming their prize before a new winner will be chosen.
While there are 100's of Bridal Shower games out there, we have selected a few that should not only break the ice at the party but really entertain! What's In the Bag Before hand, have the host of the bridal shower make up a list of items that any women would have in her purse. Such as lip stick, cell phone, pens, pictures of family, etc. Assign each item a point value. The person with the most points wins the game. For larger parties, break everyone up into groups, and the group with the most points wins the game.
Hanging Out to Dry Each visitor is given a clothespin upon arrival to shower. They are told of two words they can not mention (i.e. "wedding", and the groom's name). If they do, they lose their clothespin(s) to the one who caught them mentioning the forbidden words. The one who has the most clothespins at the end of the day, wins the prize!
How Well Do You Know The Bride and Groom? Ask the bride and groom 20 or so facts about them before the shower. Print the questions out on a sheet of paper and pass them out to the guests. The guests will have to read the questions and facts and determine if they are about the bride or the groom. Example "they graduated highschool in 1995" "the bride or the groom has had 4 speeding tickets" "the bride or the groom is allergic to cats" etc. Make the facts funny but also facts that friends and family would know about them, chances are even the parents will get some of them wrong. Who ever guesses the most right wins.
Bridal Bingo Make "Bingo Cards" with 25 empty spaces (5 across, 5 down). Have the guests write in the gifts that they think the bride-to-be will receive. As she opens her presents, mark off any of the presents written down. Or instead you can use household items that the guests think the bride will need. As soon as someone has "5 in a row," shout "BINGO!
Scrambled Words Make a list of several words associated with weddings (i.e. marriage, husband, wife, bridesmaid, groom, bride, honeymoon) and then scramble them. Give the guests 2-3 minutes to try to figure them out. The guest that figures out the most correctly win the prize.
The Apron Game Buy an apron and have the bridal party buy lots of utensils to pin on the apron. Make them practical and a couple of things they would never think of buying until they need them. Pin all of the items on the apron. Have the bride wear the apron in front of all of the guests. Have her walk around the room for about 2 minutes. Then have the bride go into another room and have the guests try to list as many things as they can remember seeing pinned to the brides apron. The person with the most wins! Then tell the bride she gets to keep the apron!!
Make the Bouquet Take paper plates and simple things like tissue paper-toilet paper-construction paper - anything that you can "simply" decorate with and tell the guest to make her bouquet for her wedding by sticking everthing on the plate together (which is usually a mess). They only have one minute to complete their masterpieces. It's funny. Then, have the bouquets "judged" and the one that wins is thrown by the bride, and the one that catches it is the "next one to be married" and wins the prize. It is a lot of fun to see what people can create in one minute.
What is your favorite bridal shower game? Email us at info@the530bride.com
As a bride-to-be, the Bridal Shower is pretty exciting because it means you are getting pretty close to the big day and your friends and family want to help you prepare for your new life with your hubby-to-be. There are endless ways to celebrate this fun day, and chances are your Bridesmaids or Maid of Honor are pretty excited to get to plan this for you so let them make all of the plans!
Bridesmaids/Maids of Honor - if you are here because you are getting the ball rolling in planning this event you are in the right place. Lets get some pointers out there to make sure you have your bases covered.
♥ Set the Date (which means you have to make sure the bride and her family members can make it) so give yourself a lot of time for planning and for collecting all of the addresses for the invitations. Shoot for having the invitations out at least 4 weeks in advance.
♥ Choose a location - do you have a large family room or outdoor area at your home? If not try to network with other friends or family members of the bride to find a spot that works for you and the number of guests you think will be attending. See our list of venues both big and small to find a location that can accommodate you.
♥ Delegate! We all have a life outside of being an awesome bridesmaid or maid of honor so don't try to take it all on by yourself. Ask the other girls in the bridal party or family members to pitch in to ensure everything goes smoothly.
♥ Decor - Consider a theme, colors & patterns, flowers or other decorations. Although you do not have to stick to the brides wedding colors, it is nice for everyone to get a sneek peek before her big day. Incorporate interactive decor something that will create chatter to break the ice, such as large feathers, a wishing tree, a scrapbook with supplies for guests, a candy buffet etc.
♥ Food - Depending on how many guests are expected to attend you should consider selecting snacks and foods that will appease the entire group, so try to give options. Veggie, Fruit, or Meat/cheese platters go over pretty well. If the event is near the lunch or dinner hour make sure to provide a sufficient amount of food because your guests will come hungry! For a large group, catering is often your best bet because they can make sure that all of the food is prepared accordingly and kept at the right temperatures. The last thing you want to do is slave away in the kitchen and miss all of the kodak moments. Don't forget the sweets, it wouldn't be a party without cake, cupcakes or candy.
♥ Entertainment/Games - Keep your guests entertained and keep your bride happy! If the games and entertainment flows smoothly the entire event will be a hit. Offer game prizes to get people into the games, they dont have to be expensive but anything from a candle, perfume, picture frame, gift certificate etc. Now before you start planning anything too spicy just make sure everything is age appropriate so that no one is offended or feels uncomfortable (save that for the bachelorette party!)
♥ Gifts - help your bride keep track of all of the gifts that she recieves to ensure that she has no problems writing thank-you cards to all of her guests.
♥ Have Fun and know that all of your hardwork means the world to the bride, so enjoy the party!
*For some Bridal Shower game ideas check out this post with a list of fun games!
