I was extremely fortunate to have three bridal showers* thrown for me (and Ryan) in the fall of 2018. Today’s post is meant to inspire future hostesses by sharing fun ideas from my loved ones that hosted these beautiful showers and what made me feel special as the guest of honor. And let me just say, it was super weird to attend parties being thrown for me instead of by me. 😂
The first was thrown by two of my best friends–Maggie and Alison–and was a brunch at Maggie’s new home! I invited my girlfriends from all walks of life and loved that a handful of my out-of-town gals were able to attend the ISU homecoming game on Saturday, then celebrate with me on Sunday.
The Highlights:
- Each person sharing how they know me and how long they’ve known me while I opened up the gift they’d gotten me. We had a group that didn’t all know each other, so this was such a great idea and so special for me.
- Everyone at the party came ready to share a dessert or cocktail recipe! Ryan and I’s favorites. 🙂 I came home with a new recipe box full of tried-and-true recipes to try.
- The breakfast food spread. My friends know me so well! They had a waffle bar with all the most amazing toppings (!!!), donut holes, and a parfait station.
The second bridal shower was a Saturday morning brunch hosted by one of my mom’s best friends, her daughter who I have aspired to be my entire life (I nanny for her two sweet girls!), and my godmother/aunt, Amy. My mom’s friend, Gwen, hosted in her beautiful custom home! It was a rainy day, but such a warm and inviting shower. All three of the hostesses have such incredible taste and the shower perfectly showcased their decorating and party planning talents. Many of our family friends attended and had a blast!
The Highlights:
- Fresh florals! They were stunning and perfect for fall/our wedding colors. Plus, the second I got there I was immediately presented with my very own flower crown! I felt so cool.
- Yummy coffee in cute cups, custom sugar cookies, local baked goods, and a mimosa bar.
- Playing a few games with all of the women there! We played a game where we tried to guess what love song was playing and a memory game that required me walking around in an apron with a bunch of items attached to it! I’m not always a fan of games, but these were fun and didn’t require anyone (but me) to stand up and be silly.
My third and final bridal shower was hosted by my sweet cousin’s wife, Dixie, and was for the women on my dad’s side of the family. She is a talented, trained cook and made the most amazing lunch for us all. She hosted us in her home and it was so surreal to be celebrating with all of the women on the McConnell side of the family that I have looked up to my entire life as wives, mothers, and hostesses. So special for me!
The Highlights:
- The incredible menu! Dixie crafted a whole menu for the event that included everything from amazing choices of tarts and sandwiches to Brazilian chocolate tarts and individually layered desserts with spicy granola on top! It was unreal.
- Having everyone sitting around one table chatting and eating together was such a gift.
- Dixie’s runner, cloth napkins, and matching fresh flowers that all looked perfectly fall.
One of my best friends warned me that I would feel like I could never thank the people hosting showers and attending them enough…and she was right. It’s hard to put into words the intense gratitude Ryan and I feel for everyone who attended these showers (and everyone who traveled to our bachelor/bachelorette parties and wedding). It was and is amazing to feel the love and support for our new marriage and us as individuals. We are truly so blessed!
That was a lot, but I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite ways to make a bride- or mama-to-be feel special and guests feel comfortable at a shower? Will you be hosting a bridal or baby shower for a loved one in the coming year?
*Disclaimer: The concept of bridal showers is so tricky! Once you have a ring, especially if you’re not having an extensive engagement, there’s an awkward time that can feel so sad when you’re unsure if anyone will offer to throw you a shower. I think this is a normal feeling to have that’s escalated by the stress of wedding planning—don’t let it get to you. 🙂