Your bestie has found her One True Love and she’s ready to settle down, starting with a colossal party. That’s awesome. And I can say from experience – eleven years into a happy marriage that is only growing stronger each year – that, while a good man is key, one’s girlfriends are a huge part of long-term happiness. So celebrate each other as you approach this major milestone. Your closeness might ebb and flow over time, but you all – the bride’s girlfriends – will see her through for better or worse, too. So gather her best girlfriends to celebrate the soon-to-be bride. Make her bridal shower special in way that truly reflects who you are collectively – in other words, think about the group spirit that brings you all together in support of your dear friend. It’s not necessarily about creating a magazine-worthy party scene, it’s about generating excitement before the occasion, bringing both meaning and levity to the actual event, and ushering a bride through this rite of passage so that she’s that much more mentally prepared for the exciting transition.
A great invitation sets the tone of anticipation. A sweet, stylish printed card tells the guests that this is a real occasion – something special, something important. Mixbook’s latest bridal shower invitation designs are spot on. Here are our latest favorites, and celebration ideas to go with them.
Afternoon Tea Bridal Shower, Downton Abbey–Style Send out Mixbook’s Modern Flowers or Classic Bridal Shower invitation for the most classic of English ladies’ gatherings. Whether you host the event at a venue that specializes in a traditional British Afternoon Tea or you’re welcoming the girls in your parlour or garden, take advantage of the opportunity to make like Lady Mary and embody the life of leisure. Serve finger sandwiches, scones with butter and jam, an assortment of cakes and, of course, lovely tea. For decoration: flowers, of course. And there’s nothing like the flutter of tissue-paper garland to set the mood to lighthearted and fun. Follow our six simple steps for creating this ultra-simple tassel garland – or, better yet, ask the help to take care of it.
Yoga Bridal Shower Send out Mixbook’s Watercolor Bridal Shower invitation, and make sure you add details of what to wear both pre- and après-yoga session. Have a friend or hired yogi run an all-level-accessible yoga class in honor of the bride. Plan ahead so that the session is punctuated with hints for how to relax in the stressful weeks leading up to the big day. If you’re inclined, you can also ask the yoga instructor to lead a group blessing, where each participant offers up an intention dedicated to the bride-to-be. Follow the session with a healthy lunch, tea and something sweet and light.
Spa Bridal Shower Send out Mixbook’s Bridal Shower Typography invitation, making it clear to guests what to expect in terms of spa treatments so they can be sure to bring flip-flops or a small makeup bag if need be. Host the shower at a spa, or hire aestheticians to come to you. A little collective indulgence is a great way for a group of girls to relax and bond together. Serve up artisanal tea or flutes of sparkling wine, and have healthy snacks on hand.
Photo-Book Making Bridal Shower Send out Mixbook’s Chalkboard Bridal Shower invitation, including details about what guests need to provide before the shower – and what they need to bring on the day of the celebration. Have friends send digital photos, poems, wishes and reflections to you prior to the party. Begin a Mixbook photo book – the Everyday Chalkboard photo book theme ties beautifully to the invitation design – by uploading all the content you receive prior to the event. Then ask the bride’s friends and family members to customize their pages in person by choosing the page layout, fonts, stickers and design elements right there at the party. You can even use photos taken at the shower itself, uploaded into the book in real time! After the shower, simply click “print” and with bride-to-be will have a memento from your wonderful celebration.
