KMPH FOX 26 | Central San Joaquin Valley News SourceHow to plan an amazing bridal shower

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Forget the cliche pink decor and cucumber sandwiches - these parties can be a lot more original. Here's how to throw a great bridal shower.

Come Up With a Theme

Let's put it this way: "Bridal shower" isn't a theme. So instead of hanging a bunch of tissue paper wedding bells and calling it a day, come up with a real theme -- it'll help make the rest of the planning decisions a cinch. Go kitschy with a '50s housewife theme party with wooden spoons, whisks, and aprons as decor; give a nod to her favorite food with a Mexican fiesta; or let something as simple as a button inspire the entire party. In the very least, let the guest of honor's favorite colors guide the details.

Get Creative with the Menu

Skip the tea sandwiches and cookies (unless of course you're having a tea party shower) and reinvent the menu. Go for Asian noodles served in takeout boxes, a Bloody Mary brunch bar with pancakes and omelets, or even a down-home barbecue buffet. It doesn't even have to be a full meal either. Start the party late in the day and do a champagne and chocolate bar or even an ice cream sundae and milkshake bar with all the fixings.

Play Up the Paper Details

If you have the time and the skills, look for ways to deck out the space with simple paper projects. Create a "happy shower" banner to hang over the food table, make small labels to wrap around cocktail stirrers, and create cute tented card labels for the table. Bonus: You won't have to blow your budget on flowers trying to perk up the place.

Bring In a Statement Piece

Splurge on one detail that you know will get noticed. A few ideas we love: Order an "Ace of Cakes"-style party cake in the shape of her favorite handbag; an oversized floral arrangement for the dinner table; or even a barbershop quartet to sing a few tunes while everyone is arriving.

Plan A (Not Cheesy) Activity

Disprove the common belief that bridal showers are boring with activities that you know your guests will have fun with. And use your theme as your guide. Create a "pimp your own cupcake" bar for a retro party; include a wine tasting for an elegant lunch or dinner shower; or give out temporary henna tattoos for a Bali-inspired party.

Toast the Bride

Instead of awkwardly watching her open presents, skip the gift-opening portion of the party and take the opportunity to go around the room and introduce one another and tell stories about the guest of honor. You could even ask a friend to take video of the toasts and a few other highlights of the day to later edit into a special bridal shower video for the bride.

-- Anja Winikka



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