Bridal shower: This is An unusual way to surprise the bride

Bridal shower is a ritual observed in many cultures. The ritual of the shower is to socialize the bride- to-be for the future role of bride as a family cook, homemaker, and sexual partner and the rest is up to you. Chocolaty enough, bridal shower originated in Brussels, Belgium and this ritual was also observed in 16th and 17th century in Netherlands. Bride Ale is a similar custom practiced in medieval England. Yet, another interesting story is that bride’s handmade beer is many times sold to guests at a high price; don’t be surprised, that was to meet the wedding expenses. What is the purpose of wedding shower? The shower includes aspects of nesting, socializing as previously mentioned, spending some time together and applauding her decision. It is also believed that bridal shower started in 1890 in USA, in upper middle class and by 1930s bridal showers spread to rural America.

You should be aware of the etiquettes of bridal shower for the occasion. Bridal shower is a centuries old ritual and you can surely find an etiquette guide. Showers are informal, and guests arrive unannounced to shower the bride-to-be. She has to go through pampering and feeling of inclusion among her friends and that she is taken care off. And you may notice that in the 1950s, themes and games also started in order to enjoy the fun. So your showers are now elaborate and memorable. If you are the bride’s maid, send invitations and arrange the whole function from beginning to the end of the shower. You can call upon her (bride-to-be) friends and work together, to arrange a grand shower. You and the shower group can make wonders, but don’t forget the budgeting. You should also know that family members who wish to host the party can go ahead. It’s likely that, brides receive more than one shower, one from your family and another from your friends, Oh no! Is that a reason for you to get married? Don’t worry it’s much more fun than you would ever expect. You have to arrange a bridal shower 4-6 weeks prior to wedding. You should invite guests to the party and that includes bride’s personal friends, family, and other well wishers. You may not expect a luncheon or dinner; it’s a cheering for the bride. But there is an option; your main focus should be to be gracious to your bride-to-be. Your bride-to-be is entering into family life. So you should treat her like a star. You know it’s the women’s party and all those who are invited to the shower are invited to the wedding also. You are expected to walk in with a gift as a guest if you are invited. Many people have a custom where the couple gets the honor to make the list of the items required. The gifts are delivered at the wedding or at the doorstep. You are sure to see the gifts displayed at the wedding. If you are the bridesmaid, you are supposed to be near the bride-to-be, to help her in a transition until her wedding. Your mission is accomplished once she reaches the Alter.

Conclusion:
Buy gifts according to the taste of the bride-to-be. Or you may buy gifts that you feel are essential for the future. You can buy gift items cherished by women; cuddly items like towels, lingerie, kitchen essentials, linen, bed sheets, candles, chocolates, etc. You as a planner should roll out the red carpet to make the bridal shower a happy, joyous, and merry occasion for the bride, guests and the bride’s maids. So now get together and arrange a bridal shower for your friend or for someone in your family.

Pack a Lunch For After Your Wedding Ceremony Photos

Pack a Lunch for After Your Ceremony Photos

The traditional after ceremony wedding photos with champagne usually ends up in some great photos. However if the bridal party has not eaten enough that day, they may end up a little tipsy, which isn’t a good look, and is not a great idea  as there is still the reception and speeches to get through.

Delegate someone to pack a light lunch for after the ceremony for the members of the bridal party.   A piece of fruit, or a tub of fruit salad for each person works well or a light sandwich.  This will avoid anyone becoming light headed before the reception.  It’s also a good idea to have some water handy too.

Choosing Your Bridal Party

The most important thing to remember when it comes to choosing your bridal party is to give it some thinking time. As soon as you announce your engagement, you will find that many of your girlfriends will put you on the spot with that dreaded question, ‘Who are your bridesmaids going to be?’ Some friends may even be ‘extra nice’ or may even drop hints on how they love being a bridesmaid.

You need to come up with an answer when asked if you have chosen your bridesmaids yet. You could tell your friends that you are waiting for your finance to come up with the numbers of his groomsmen so then you can finalise your bridal party numbers.

The reason why you will need thinking time when choosing your bridal party, is to allow you enough time to consider all your friends. Don’t automatically just choose your latest friends right away, the friends you may have just met at your new job and party with on the weekends. In doing so, you may forget about your old college friend who you used to share a flat with for 5 years and became like family to you. The point is no matter who you choose, feelings will be hurt; that’s an unavoidable part of life. All you can do is be true to yourself that you have considered all possibilities from your group of friends, that way you won’t be doubting your decision months later!

So You’ve Been Chosen To be Maid Of Honour – What’s Expected Of you?

Being the maid of honour, is a special honour. It’s a testament to the bond you share with the bride and with this honor comes responsibility such as helping the bride plan the wedding and being supportive of her. If for any reason you don’t think that you can be her maid of honor, be upfront and tell her early on in the preparations.

My bridesmaids aren’t pulling their weight!

’ My bridesmaid’s aren’t pulling their weight,’ Working in the wedding industry I often hear this from disgruntled brides. It’s a common issue that comes up in wedding planning, one that can be easily avoided with some open communication early on. The truth is, every bride has different perceptions of how involved they want their bridesmaid to be.
The level of bridesmaid participation basically falls into three categories

The Active Bridesmaid : A bridesmaid that is with the bride for most planning stages.
The Semi-Active Bridesmaid A bridesmaid that may only help out with certain aspects of the wedding such as decorations or invitations.
Relaxed Bridesmaid: A bridesmaid that only attends things that involve her, such as bridesmaid gown fittings.
It’s up to the bride to determine what level of bridesmaid participation she wants. How are bridesmaids expected to pull their weight if they do not know what is expected on them. Early on in the wedding planning hold a ‘bridesmaid meeting’ to have an open discussion of what needs to be done. Prepare for the meeting before the day; determine on your own (or with the help of your maid of honour) what you would like help with.
Holding regular bridesmaid meetings are ideal. It could be at a local coffee shop or at your own home for lunch. Have meeting agendas, for example, one meeting could have the agenda of finalising the decorations.
Planning your wedding is made extra special when you are sharing the special moments with your bridesmaid. Keep the lines of communication open and it sure to be happy memories long after you are married.