Guest Post: Alexis – Blushing Bride Bridal Shower

Today’s guest post is from one of my super creative friends Alexis. Alexis and I met through Linda, a wonderful friend and the lucky recipient of this shower who suggested we chat when Alexis trying to coordinate the long distance party planning. Though we live in different cities (Dallas & DC), Alexis and I became fast friends over our love for decorating and party planning. We have only met three times (at the shower, bachelorette party and wedding) but I feel like we’ve known each other forever and now we talk on the phone regularly! Now to Alexis on her Blushing Bride Bridal Shower! Enjoy!

First, Kendall, thanks for inviting me to post on your wonderfully inspiring blog! I’ve enjoyed all of your creative ideas and am so honored to contribute!

This party, which we’ve titled “Blushing Bride Bridal Shower,” is one that I threw for my best friend and then bride-to-be Linda back in October. I hosted the party at the mother-of-the-groom’s home in Georgetown, TX. Because I live in Washington, DC, geography posed somewhat of a challenge, but I wanted to host the party in close proximity to Linda and all of her college friends that would be attending (from UT-Austin), and wanted to do it at someone’s home rather than a restaurant in order to give a more personal touch. To make it easy on myself I had the brunch catered and chose to put my creative focus on the décor. I decided on the blue and pink color scheme and tried to stick with hot pink and light blue to avoid the all-pastel look of a baby shower. Although we were already a few weeks into fall and I could have gone with a more seasonal, autumnal theme, it was still hot in Texas and I wanted to keep the party super girly for the best friend that I’ve bonded with over fashion, gossip mags, chick flicks, champagne, many many laughs, and Britney Spears (circa Baby One More Time).

I started by creating a consistent look across all dining tables (4 total to seat 20 guests) by the use of plain white table linens. If you don’t already own a few in different sizes, I suggest ordering online from a company like Linen Tablecloth (www.linentablecloth.com). They’re great for parties and based on fabric preference can be very inexpensive ($5-8 – cheaper than renting)!The use of square scrapbook paper as place matsis an excellent way to add instant color to the table and set the theme/color scheme. I didn’t find the exact color combination that I was looking for, so I used light blue and crème colored striped paper, and stamped it with a hot pink design at each corner. And voila – my color scheme was in action!

Paper plates and plastic utensils not only made clean up a breeze (something I was conscious of since the party was not at my own home), but also offered additional opportunities to color coordinate. I chose light blue paper plates and napkins and hot pink plastic utensils, which I found at Party City. I used another scrapbook paper pattern – a pretty hot pink design – to cut and use as napkin rings and “coasters” for my party favors – small silver picture frames.

The party favors posed somewhat of challenge for me since I had to travel from DC to Texas with everything I needed for the shower. The frames added another element to the place settings and traveled well at about 2 x 3” each. One approach would be to use the frames as place settings, but in favor of a more laid back atmosphere, I printed words such as happiness, passion, love, tranquility, etc. in hot pink ink on small cards to fill the frames.

Use double-stick tapeto secure the lightweight plates, place mats, etc for an outdoor party. Brunch was arranged on a buffet indoors with clear plastic plates to place on top of the paper plate “chargers” secured to the table. The glassware is one place I couldn’t bring myself to compromise for plastic. The glasses were a really pretty way to catch the light during an outdoor daytime party where candles were not an option.

For pre-brunch cocktails I chose a simple signature drink – cranberry mimosas(2 parts champagne, 1 part cranberry juice with a floating cranberry as garnish) served in champagne flutes with ring stem charms. I plucked out the pink and red rings from a multi-colored pack that I found in the kiddie party favor section at Target, but I imagine sets of faux engagement rings exist as well. Some styles you may be able to slip around the stem, but I tied mine on with light blue ribbon. I used the same hot pink stamps that I used on the placemats to stamp the crème-colored cocktail napkins as well. Again, because of travel, I kept the centerpieces simple – and what’s prettier than fresh flowers anyways? If you’re anywhere near Austin or what Texans refer to as “hill country” you need to check out the Arnosky Flower Farm (www.texascolor.com). Of course any florist will do, but I found the Arnosky’s to be extremely helpful, accommodating, and reasonably priced. I borrowed the crystal vases from the mother-of-the-groom and tied them with thick wired ribbon.

Finally, you’ll see the picture of me with the guest of honor. I made all guests aware of the pink, blue, and white color scheme and encouraged them to dress to coordinate. Is that too much? Hmm I don’t know, but I can tell you the outcome was adorable!

Alexis is from St. Louis, MO amd currently resides in Washington D.C. I am hoping to feature more guest posts from the amazing Alexis in the near future!

Hosting a shower somewhere other than your hometown can complicate party planning. Alexis pulled it off seamlessly! Have you tried it? If so, what tips do you have for people trying to plan a party from a distance?