How-To & Must-Do's: Hosting a Bridal Shower

Just a few weeks ago, I was beyond thrilled to host a bridal shower for one of my dearest friends since middle school, Caitlin. Caitlin & her hubby-to-be met in the insurance industry at a Christmas party in Atlanta, GA, where she currently lives! Here's a picture of us, almost a year ago at the park where they'll say, "I do" this November!

Her wedding theme is vintage glam with fuchsia bridesmaid dresses & gold accents. Burlap & lace give that rustic-glam contrast and seem to be the latest trend for wedding decor! As they say, "It's all in the details." I'm pretty particular when it comes to party planning ;) I wanted to buy things that could be used as shower decor and again at their wedding. To start with, I made a banner that said, "Mrs. Wahlstrom" for the shower, and also did a "Mr. &" so she could put it together for the wedding. 
1. How to make a pennant banner:

Materials: Square sized card stock paper, decorative trim to match, string (to strand together), marker, hot glue gun, flower accessories, hole punch, pencil, scissors 
1. Use a 5X7 card (I used an index card) to create the template for pennants. Fold in half (vertical) and cut at an angle, from center to outer edges. Trace the template on to card stock paper. To make the arrow shaped pennants, finish the trace of the two sides so the outer lines are as long as the entire paper. The shapes should share the same "v" cut. 2. Cut out pennants.  3. Use a marker to draw the letters. This is freehanded so be sure to practice beforehand!! 3. Use a hot glue gun to tack the trim to the sides & edges of pennants. 4. Punch holes in top corners of pennants. 5. Strand together. 6. Hot glue flowers wherever desired. 
I had a ton of these paper flower petals, and I felt like the banner needed a little extra something, so I made these flower strands to go behind the banner. How lovely is this bride to be?!
2. How to make Flower Strands:

Materials: Clear Fishing Wire, Scissors, Paper flower petals (with hole in center)
1. Cut fishing wire to the exact length needed, then make duplicates for desired amount of strands. 2. Strand petal by petal, tying a knot into the center of each petal. 3. Leave some space, repeat.
As for the details, a food label is always a must! People like to know what they are eating & it really helps to complete the look! I made mine with faux burlap card stock paper, a stamp & marker. I would highly reccomend buying these label stamps from Hobby Lobby, there's a small, medium & large! I've used them so much since buying them for this shower! How cute are they & what else can I label?!
3. How to make a Food Label:

Materials: Card stock paper, stamp, marker, tape, scissors, index card
1. Use stamp on card stock paper. 2. Repeat desired amount. 3. Write food name on card. 4. Cut out. 5. Cut a strip of an index card, tape to the back of the food card, and crease to make stand.
**All of my crafts are from Hobby Lobby, they have the best selection**
4. Drinks, Menu & Dessert
First things first...whats to drink?! I love a champagne bar because theres options & its so stinking cute! The juices: Mango, Orange & Passion Fruit, tie a label on those too!! I also had white & red wine just incase someone didn't care for the champagne. 

Bridal Shower Menu (2pm event):

Caprese Kabobs w/ balsamic glaze
BBQ chicken dip w/ chips
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Veggies with Spinach Dip
Sausage & Cheese Wontons
Watermellon (not pictured)
Since the shower was at 2pm, it was a slight relief not having to do a full out brunch, lunch or dinner…but, 2pm can be tricky because some people hold out on eating until the shower. I've been to a shower at 2pm and the food was devoured, so never leave guests hungry…overdo on the food! Finger foods are great because its quick and easy for guests!
Now for the cake…or how about cupcakes?! I personally like cupcakes especially for a girly event ;) They're cute, individual and the perfect size! I have an amazing "cake lady" that I use & her specialty is a vanilla with buttercream icing thats out of this world! She accessorized these cupcakes with wrappers & toppers from Etsy! Add a pretty arrangement to the center and you're good to go! I got this tiered platter from Amazon, which has 5 tiers total. You can add or take them off as need be, but a great thing to have on hand for hosting a party or event!

5. Fresh Flower Arrangements
ALWAYS have fresh flowers in your home when hosting an event! It looks so nice & classy. These are straight from my mom's garden & assembled by her…it helps to have a mom in the garden club! So save some money, and get to clipping in your garden ;) 

6. Balloons
Don't forget balloons! I primarily like balloons to go outside...on the mailbox & outside my front door on the banisters. It gets your guests excited for what's to come inside, and extends a warm welcome before saying Hello! Also, if you have an outside space that you want people to use, put some balloons out there so they know its okay to venture that way. My little balloon helper was loving her job until it came time for the party ;)

7. Favors
The favors were done by Caitlin's cousin & Maid of Honor, Leigh. They just so happened to match my foyer perfectly so we decided to stagger them along the staircase so people could grab them just as they were leaving! How cute are they?! Wrap a candle with two different color ribbons (brides colors), glue in place, tie on a tag (these are from Etsy) and done! Who doesn't love a candle?!

Happy showering!!