Shower Etiquette + Inspiration

While living in New York is teaching me all kinds of interesting differences between Northern and Southern weddings, I believe this particular etiquette case doesn't change based on where you live. I'm often asked by brides with very small weddings if they can invite someone to a shower that they aren't inviting to a wedding. My answer is always no. Here is a write up on Southern Weddings with backup from the beloved Emily Post regarding this very issue.

Who's Invited to the Bridal Shower by Emily at Southern Weddings

Here is what's inspiring me lately!

Decor8

Ruffled

HWTM

Snippet & Ink

Inspired by This

Happy Planning!

Grab a Jar: Shower Desserts

I love little jarred desserts at showers. They make for such an easy way to have an adorable presentation. Here are some really great jarred dessert recipes for your next bridal or baby shower.

Lemon Meringue Pie - Recipe: Notions and Notations

Oreo Stuffed Cookie - Recipe: Picky Palate

Cinnamon Butter Cake - Recipe: Picky Palate

Cheesecake - Recipe: I Am Baker

Brownies - Recipe: Just a Taste

Carrot Cake - Recipe: The Family Kitchen

S'mores Cake - Recipe: How Sweet It Is

Happy Planning!

Featured: Bridal Shower on Pretty Tasty Things

Thanks to the lovely Korie Lynn and her skills with a camera, the bridal shower I threw for my sister-in-law (with tons of help from her bridesmaids and brothers/amateur caterers) was just featured on this adorable blog, Pretty Tasty Things. The photos are bringing back memories of the day and I thought I'd share some details of all the fun I had with planning the event.

We had quite a formidable guest list to accommodate so to keep the ladies from confusing their drinks, I printed labels in a pretty font, laminated them with some contact paper, and ran raffia around mason jars. The paper straws are from HeyYoYo on Etsy allowed everyone to sip on their iced tea or blueberry lemonade in style.

I collected little ornate frames from around my house (and when I could catch them on sale) to display labels for the food. I added a little flare using the Parisian Anthology Photoshop brush setfrom House of 3.

Partially out of fear for cheesy bridal shower games, but mostly because I really love a good surprise, I edited together a video of the groom answering a slew of questions for which the bride had to guess his responses. She faired quite well! Plus, it was fun to involve him in the day and to see how he can really make her laugh. I also DIYed a He Says She Says game.

We home-made several varieties of delicious cupcakes including devil's food, carrot, and lemon-berry cheesecake; we picked up those delicately iced peanut butter chocolate numbers from the local Wegmans Bakery. My now pregnant (!) brain is dying to take a bite right now. I might have to revive those recipes for the Easter holiday this weekend.

I hope you enjoyed these snippets from all the fun I had as a matron of honor and maybe even got some ideas for an event you're throwing in the near future.

Choose to see la vie en rose,

Lemons & Lavender Theme + First Shower

In honor of my first bridal shower taking place today I thought I would share with you this delightful shower theme I found on Hostess with the Mostess - Vintage Lemons and Lavender! In addition to a bridal shower theme this would make a great concept for a spring luncheon for Easter or Mother's Day.

I'll report back more on the bridal shower my office is throwing at lunch today. I'm sure Mr. NY wishes he lived here to join in such a girlie event!

For more details of this sunny celebration head on over to Hostess with the Mostess!

Happy Planning!

Free Download Friday: DIY He Says She Says Shower Game

While planning my BFF/sister-in-law's bridal shower, I was constantly scoping out ways to make the event unique and personal. One of my favorite details was the He Says She Says game I created. I nabbed the idea from the beautiful I-Do-It-Yourself blog, although it pointed to a post by Laura at Orange Beautiful from a shower she threw for her sister, and Laura was originally inspired by the Made Sweet blog. This is why I love the Internet. There are so many different interpretations of a concept out there that it feels like a definite win-win-win Michael Scott moment.

Here are a few pics of my version of the game.



It was fun to interview the bride and groom separately so they could both be surprised by what sentiments they shared about one another. We had around 50 ladies there, so the game got quite intense.

And just because I love you, click the link below and download a Word Document version that you can customize yourself. Happy Free Download Friday!

11/06/2012 Update: This new link will download the template via Dropbox!

He Says She Says Download

Choose to see la vie en rose,

Jannah

Free Download Friday: Candy Buffet

I found the most adorable labels & signs for a candy buffet on the Hostess Blog. The navy and pink color scheme could be used at a wedding shower, a birthday party or a girly baby shower. Print the labels on card stock and attach to grosgrain ribbon for a completed candy buffet look! For more details head on over to this sweet & sparkly candy buffet!

Download  finished labels, blank labels, table sign.

Happy Planning and Weekend DIY-ing!

Stephanie

Free Download Friday: Ice Cream

This week's download would be great for a bridal shower, birthday party, baby shower or casual bachelorette party! Everyone loves ice cream, and you're sure to love these precious downloads from Amy Moss of Eat Drink Chic.

DIY Ice Cream Parlour

Happy Planning and Weekend DIY-ing!


Stephanie