Many brides dream of a fabulous bridal shower, surrounded by their dearest female friends and relatives. The shower is often an opportunity to get to know your mother-in-law to be, as well as her dearest friends and relatives. With all this at stake, you will want just the right decorations to make this a memorable event.
Themes
Wilton Cookie Sheet
One of the easiest ways to decorate for a bridal shower is to choose a theme. If it's a kitchen shower, add wooden spoons to your centerpieces. Get a retro rolling pin that doubles as a recipe card holder. Place one at each place setting and ask each guest to bring a recipe for the bride. For favors, give each guest a set of heart-shaped measuring spoons. And to decorate your gift for the bride, use a set of cookie cutters in the shape of hearts, wedding bells and a wedding cake. If your theme is "shower," decorate with galvanized watering cans filled with flowers on each table. Hang a real umbrella over the bride's chair and sprinkle the table tops with clear acrylic raindrops.
Favors
The favors, or gifts you give the guests at the bridal shower, range from lovely little trinkets like a "thank-you" charm tied on a satin ribbon, to practical things you can use - like personalized labels for water bottles. There are plenty of cute containers from which to choose, including little baskets, bags and boxes. If you are going with a basic bridal theme, check out the Bride's Gown decorated favor boxes, available in black and white and decorated with a black satin ribbon bow tie and crystal buttons. These little 2½-inch square boxes can be stuffed with mints, candied almonds or even acrylic rhinestone hearts, wedding bell confetti or acrylic "diamonds."
Want something a little more magical for your favors? You'll love a little Cinderella pumpkin coach-shaped favor box. Just 3½ inches tall, the carriage top opens, revealing space for your treats.
For a touch of something old and something new, check out the Vintage White Rose round box. It comes decorated with a white rose on top of a bed of lace and crystal drops. The box itself makes a nice memento, but feel free to add a treat!
Supplies
A nice way to decorate is by using the colors of the bridal party at the shower. Use the color of the bridesmaid's dresses on the tablecloths, napkins, plates or even a table runner. Or, go with the cute shower paper products that are available in a host of styles. "Wedding Wishes" luncheon napkins feature the bride, groom and bridal party. They are perfect for the shower, but could also be used for a couples shower or even a casual wedding reception. Another nice choice is the "Love, Honor, Cherish" beverage napkin. What a nice sentiment to share! There is even a matching plastic table cover that would be perfect for the punch bowl.
For a bridal shower, the "Blushing Bride" napkin is a nice, traditional choice. On the front of the blush pink napkin is a wedding cake decorated in hearts. On the back of the napkin, you'll find wedding bells. If you want to host a more traditional affair, consider purchasing a white or ivory damask table cloth and matching cloth napkins. They are pricier than paper products, of course, but then you will always have them for special occasions.
Food
There are ways to make the food you serve part of the decorations. Start with edible decals for the cake. This lets you make your cake at home, but decorate it as well as the bakery would! Serving cupcakes instead of a cake? Pick up a Wilton Cupcakes 'N More stand. Show off your individually decorated cupcakes on this silver-finished wire spiral stand. It holds 23 cupcakes and doubles as a table centerpiece.
Placecard Holders
There are plenty of options when it comes to placecard holders, starting with the basic, elegant gold or silver frame. The frame measures 3½ inches by 2½ inches - small enough to show off the name of the guest, but big enough to hold a small photograph afterward. If you want something more romantic, you will like the pewter "Double Heart" placecard holder. A clip coming out of the top heart holds the name card. Afterward, your guests can use it to hold a photograph or other treasure. Like the Cinderella theme? Placecard holders in the form of glass slippers or a pewter Cinderella coach are fun options.
If you're lucky enough to be hosting a bridal shower, there are plenty of decorations that can make your job easier. Start by setting your theme, picking your colors and sending off your invitations. You will be well on your way to a great event!