Spring Showers for Summer Brides
Wedding season is only a few months away, which means it’s time for bridal showers. There are so many events associated with weddings, and showers can be a huge part of that celebration or simply the icing on the cake. As with any other celebration, the key is in the name - it’s meant to lift up the guest of honor and have a good time. If you’re struggling with how to throw a shower, or overwhelmed by your options, here are a few tips to keep the party planning fun!
We don’t just have advice - we have rentals to help as well! We’ll link everything from our inventory we mention in this post so you can get the inspo and items you need.
Photo credit: Sampson House Rental items: gold urn, copper pipe stand
While a wedding is a fairly serious affair, showers don’t have to be. The guest of honor will appreciate you celebrating her, but the shower won’t have the same kind of gravity in her memory as her wedding day. That frees you up to play with things like themes! They have a reputation for being cheesy, but a theme can help set the tone for your event. Both you and your guests can use it as a stepping off point for what to expect. There are so many adorable themes trending online right now, so it is easy to find one that fits the bride, the season, and the amount of work you want to commit to.
Showers aren’t just for brides! Celebrating a May mom-to-be? April Showers bring May Flowers
Photo credit: Sydney Leigh Rental items: paper parasols, round black wire bucket
Not only is a theme fun, but it can help make some of your planning decisions for you. Throwing a Dolce Vita themed shower? Serve an Italian menu! Your girl is Fresh Off The Market? You could have farmer’s market inspired tote bags as party favors for your guests. Maybe the most relevant thing a theme helps with is your decor. A focused theme makes it easy to decide what your event will look like.
If you’re welcoming a bookworm bride into her Next Chapter, give her a cozy story time nook to open her gifts.
Photo credit: Sampson House Rental Items: finale compote
Every shower is different, and you (the host) are free to choose how big you want to go with the event. Whether you’re planning to deck your venue out or keep things simple, choose a focal point to anchor your design. There are all kinds of things you can use as your anchor. It could be something visually stunning like a photo booth or a drink wall. Place it near the entrance so it is the first thing your guests see when they arrive. Or, you can use it to frame the bride (or your guest of honor) to make sure she is the center of attention. A more low-key way to visually center your event could be as simple as using bud vases or in-theme linens on the tables to tie the space together.
Photo credits: Corey Gross, Josie Holzwarth Rental items: clear bud vases, tree rounds, display wall
If you want a more hands-on focal point, try focusing on the food or activities. Good food is always a good call, and guests will remember a unique menu. Something as simple as cutting strawberries to look like hearts can be a sweet touch, or you can go all out to make upscale appetizers - and maybe even have someone to pass them around.
Photo credits: Georgia Abigail, Luke Savannah Rental items: donut board
While games that focus on the bride are a time-honored staple of showers, it can be fun to mix it up with other types of activities. If your guest of honor prefers to be out of the spotlight, she may appreciate something that lets all the guests participate. Think cookie decorating, mini paintings, or a custom bath salt bar. We’re especially partial to a flower arranging workshop (you can book one with The Bouquet Bar!) that gives your guests something fun to go home with.
Photo credit: Rhody Ray Rental items: The Bouquet Bar’s mobile bar
I promise, throwing a shower can be more fun than stressful, and the event can look however you want it to - extravagant or down to earth. Ultimately, it’s important to remember that the purpose is to celebrate your loved ones as they move into new and beautiful chapters in their lives. Showers are opportunities to break out your creativity and do something fun and lighthearted. With that in mind, happy partying!
xoxo, Rebecca
