Source: The Knot

Unlike the work of your other wedding vendors (music, flower arrangements, cake), photographs aren’t things you can hear, smell, taste or even see at first—you don’t really know what you’re getting until after the fact. That means careful research and selectiveness regarding professional skills, artistic style and personal demeanor are extra important when choosing your photographer.

Step 1: Settle on a Style

Before you begin researching photographers, you’ll need to first decide what type of photography style you prefer, as that will help determine which kind of photographer you’ll want shooting your wedding. Get inspired! Spend time pouring over any kind of imagery you love, from décor shots to a fashion blogger’s Instagram feed. Once you have a good collection of inspiring photographs, try to narrow in on what draws you to them specifically and dissect what feels most authentic to you and your partner. Maybe that’s formal-posed portraits, a classic photography style or a lifestyle, photojournalistic feel. If you love sharp and contrast-y shots, perhaps a photographer with a flair for the dramatic is the right choice for you. Remember that you don’t necessarily need to narrow in on one style in particular, since many wedding photographers can do a blend of portraiture and documentary-style shots, a mix of black-and-white and color images and so on. But if there’s a special style you love, make sure to focus on photographers who specialize in it.

Step 2: Do Your Homework

Start your search by reading reviews from recent newlyweds and browsing local listings, like the ones on The Knot Marketplace. Carefully review potential photographers’ websites and blogs to check out photos of other weddings they’ve shot, which will give you an idea of their style. How do they capture the moments important to you, like a mother bustling her daughter’s gown or an emotional first look? The design of the website may also have clues about the photographer’s personality and sensibility. Check out their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages too, if possible. Is the feedback from clients positive? How does the photographer respond? How do they interact with their Instagram followers, do they seem friendly and personable? You get the idea.

Step 3: Set Up Interviews

This is not a decision that can be made on looks alone—you must meet your potential photographers in person. If you like what you see on their site—and their fees are in your ballpark range—call to see if they’re available for your wedding date. If available, go ahead and send an introductory email with a bit about you and your soon-to-be spouse, you event and the vision for your day, and feel free to attach five or so of your very favorite photos from your research so they know what you love. If the photographer is already booked on your date, you may want to see if they have an associate or can recommend another shooter with a similar style. Set up in-person meetings with three to five potential photographers who are available on your wedding date to look at more of their work and assess whether your personalities mesh. Be prepared to talk about your venue, wedding style and what you envision for your photos.

Step 4: See a Few Full Wedding Albums

Don’t base your decision solely on what you see in a photographer’s highlights gallery or album. For good reason, photographers show prospective clients a portfolio of their best pictures, all from different weddings, so you’re seeing the best of the best. The problem with that is you won’t get a well-rounded idea of their work. Ask to see two or three full galleries from real weddings they’ve shot (not someone else at their company) so you can get a better idea of what your complete collection of photos might look like after the wedding. If you see that the full gallery photos are just about as good as the ones chosen in the highlight gallery (that is, they’re all so good it’s impossible to choose!), you’re on the right track. And ask to see at least one or two complete albums of weddings that are in similar settings to yours. For example, if you’re planning an indoor affair with dark lighting, don’t just look at weddings shot outdoors in natural sunlight. And if you’re planning to say “I do” on a beach at sunset, you’ll want to see examples of that.

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By Sarah Schreiber

Source: Martha Stewart Weddings

Consider these brand-new ideas as you start planning your ceremony and reception.

Here’s the thing about wedding trends: They evolve year after year, which means that one year’s celebrations are distinctly different from the ones that come after (and before, for that matter!). Though all of these ideas—which encapsulate wedding décor, floral, and fashion components—change constantly, it’s rare that a new trend replaces an old one. In fact, we like to think that each year only adds to the already-incredible roster of big-day ideas that exist, meaning the options available to engaged newly-engaged couples just continues to grow larger and larger. That means you can pick and choose the wedding trends of the past that speak to you while still infusing your event with of-the-moment touches.

That’s why we’re particularly excited about the wedding trends coming up in 2019. They’re proof that these major life events are becoming more and more about the couple of the moment—if these touches are any indication, weddings are becoming more personalized than ever before. At least, that’s what the majority of the industry’s most lauded wedding planners are telling us. And we trust their instincts, and we think you should, too. If their predictions are spot-on, 2019 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting weddings seasons to date.

As for the trends that’ll blow your mind in the new year? Brand-new ceremony set-ups (ceremonies in the round are on the rise!), nontraditional floral components (like pampas grass and wheat!), balloon installations, vellum invitation suites, and velvet accents are just a few of the stand-out ideas on this list. Click through to familiarize yourself with all of the brand-new wedding trends top planners expect to see everywhere in 2019.

Dark and Edgy Color Palettes

Event designer Jessica Sloaneexplains that weddings “are getting edgier,” something we’ll see come to fruition in many ways next year. This is particularly interesting, since moodier accents are in direct contrast with the romantic blush décor, soft textures, and bright photography that’s dominated the wedding scene in recent years. Wendy Kay of Birds of a Feather Events noticed this, as well—she notes that more and more couples will become more “adventurous with palettes” by “mixing colors that traditionally would not go together” in the new year.

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By James Maher

Source: Digital Photo Mentor

Photographing events can be fun, but they are certainly not easy! Things move fast, there’s usually a ton of energy in the air, and the best moments often don’t occur twice.

As someone who has photographed events in New York City for the past 12 years, here are my most important event photography tips and strategies for nailing a shoot, whether it is a small family gathering, an evening cocktail event, or a wedding with a very intense mother-in-law!

9 Event Photography Tips and Strategies

1. Set up the shot and wait for the expressions

Good event photography is all about expressions.

While you often will need to capture some environmental shots, the photographs of people are the stars of the show, and to take a good photograph of people you need good expressions. Event photography is much more than just aiming the camera and shooting. It’s about seeking out poignant moments, powerful expressions, and often just waiting for them to appear.

Pay attention to the looks in people’s eyes.

Set up a shot and wait for someone to smile or react.

Inexperienced event photographers will put their camera down and by the time the moment happens they will have missed it.

Experienced event photographers will feel that a great moment could occur and they will wait with their camera at attention as it happens. Sometimes, even often, that moment doesn’t ever come. But the handful of times it does occur during the event will likely result in the most spectacular photographs of the day.

2. Fill the frame

Fill the frame with your subjects, make that expression prominent, and get rid of the fluff that doesn’t add to the moment.

When we talk about creating images with emotion, capturing strong facial expressions is usually how you do that. But in addition to nailing the timing of the shot, framing is just as important.

It is wonderful to create complex images capturing the people, the background, or multiple things happening at once. You should certainly try to get those images, but when a powerful moment happens, get in there and frame what’s most important.

3. Be aware of your surroundings and look for that special moment

There is a reason why experience is so important for event photography. That is because event photographers learn to have a good feel for what is going on so they can anticipate what is going to happen.

Your awareness is so important at events.

When the camera is down you should be looking around trying to figure out where and when the next picture-perfect moment is going to appear.

4. Don’t settle for stiff shots!

Uncomfortable people are the bain of every event photographer’s existence.

If everyone were outgoing and extroverted, the job would be so much easier, but that’s just not the reality, and your job is to help make people comfortable.

As an introvert myself, this was a tough skill to learn but trust me, it’s possible for even the quietest event photographer to master this. If you see someone who looks uncomfortable, whether it’s a candid shot or a posed portrait, talk to them! Smile, ask them how their day is going, and show genuine interest. Crack a joke, find something in common, and just engage them in any way you can.

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Source: Perfect Wedding Guide

Fall has arrived! It’s time to break out the pumpkin spice lattes, scarves, and curl up with a blanket to watch Hocus Pocus. But before you can do all of that, you have to attend a fall wedding.

Finding the right dress to wear to a fall wedding can be a daunting task. From the color to the cut, it’s hard to know what will look good and be acceptable to wear, but don’t fret!

As the weather changes, we’ve got the best dress ideas to wear to a fall wedding, wherever you happen to be in the country.

The Floor-Length Fitted

The floor-length slim is a name we’ve assigned to any dress that is one, floor-length, and two fitted to your person. A good rule of thumb when going with a floor-length fitted dress is to choose one in a jewel or dark color (i.e., black, purple, emerald, mauve, navy, or dark brown). That way, the focus is on the fit of the dress, and the color is not screaming over it, saying, “Look at me, look at me.” As beautiful as you are, you are not the focus today.

Style note: This type of dress is best for indoor/outdoor fall weddings that are business casual.

The Cocktail Dress

The cocktail dress is a crowd favorite. When we hear the phrase, “cocktail dress,” we might think in our minds, “little black dress,” which is fine, because they’re very similar. Though the cocktail dress has changed over the years, in today’s world, a cocktail dress is simply any dress that hits you above the knees and is a semi-formal fashion. This means you’d be comfortable wearing it to a business meeting and or a semi-formal event, like a wedding! The floor is wide open when it comes to the best colors for a cocktail dress in the fall. Our only note is to stay away from pastel colors, like pale pink, green, or powder blue.

Style note: This type of dress is best for indoor fall weddings that are business casual or semi-formal.

The Floor-Length Flare

Any dress that is floor-length and poofs out at the waist and or has a full skirt is considered a full-length flare. This dress is NOT a full Princess gown, like in Cinderella, but merely a modest poof that fills the skirt and pulls it away from your body. The floor-length flare is a fall favorite of ours because it provides texture, volume, and sometimes warmth, in the right situation. Patterns also look great with a floor-length flare. Choosing a simple floral, polka dot, or abstract design can give the dress some character without overpowering the wearer.

Style note: This type of dress is best for indoor/outdoor fall weddings that are formal or black-tie.

The Jumpsuit

For those who are not a fan of dresses, we hear you, we see you, and we part our legs on the dance floor with you; behold, the jumpsuit, which is one of our fall favorites to wear to a wedding. The semi-formal jumpsuit is a classic twist on an old favorite. Right now, the jumpsuit is also very in-style, which is good news for our fashionista wedding guests looking to make an entrance without upstaging the wedding party. As for our fall jumpsuit color recommendations, we recommend dark colors like black, brown, navy, and maybe even a dark orange. Please, please, stay away from any patterned jumpsuit. Those belong in the spring!

Style note: This type of dress is best for indoor/outdoor fall weddings that are business casual and semi-formal.

Well, there you have it, our best dress ideas to wear to a fall wedding, wherever you happen to be in the country. We hope this list helps and you enjoy every second of fall.

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Source: Elegent Event Entertainment

Thanks to the availability of easy-to-use devices and apps for building playlists and mixing songs, nearly anyone can call themselves a DJ. But do you really want just anyone at your event? If you’ve been wondering if you should hire a wedding DJ or just use Spotify, think twice before you make your move.

Do I need a DJ? Here’s 7 arguments for hiring a pro.

A backyard BBQ with a small number of friends may not warrant hiring an experienced DJ and a ton of sound equipment. But for larger gatherings where you want to create a memorable experience, a professional DJ can make a world of difference.

1. A great DJ will also emcee, keeping the party flowing

An experienced DJ also acts as emcee—which is a huge help when you’re having a big event. They’ll make announcements, get people on the dance floor at the right time, keep tabs on your crowd, and make sure everyone is having a good time. Any lulls will be addressed quickly, and your DJ will keep the party smooth and flowing for the duration.

2. They have an arsenal of great tunes perfect for your crowd

Keeping a large group of people with diverse tastes happy and on the dance floor is a challenge—and it’s one professional DJs are experienced in meeting. They’ll read your crowd and adjust as needed to make sure everyone is having a great time. Don’t risk getting stuck listening to an amateur’s personal music favorites or a lackluster lineup.

3. DJs come with solid, working equipment that will sound great

When you book a great DJ, he or she will have a professional sound system with backup equipment to ensure your event goes off without a hitch. With an amateur, you may end up with terrible sound quality or not have sound at all, thanks to cheap, dysfunctional equipment.

4. Hiring a DJ has a comparatively low cost but makes a big impact

Hiring a DJ often amounts to only a small percent of what you’ll be spending on your wedding, but the impact is huge, so be sure to make room for this in your wedding budget. The truth is that most guests will never know or care exactly how much you spent on your dress or flowers, but they will definitely remember a great party.

5. They maintain a professional image

It’s your DJ’s job to professionally represent themselves and the company they work for. You can be assured they’ll be dressed appropriately and interact with you and your guests in a kind, professional manner. On the other hand, a Craigslist DJ is likely to be full of surprises—such as totally inappropriate attire, weird tunes, or drinking on the job.

6. They’ll set up and break down

You don’t want to have to worry about clearing a space for your DJ. Before your event, they will set up all of their equipment in the designated space and make sure all is working. When things wind down, they’ll clean up and leave no trace behind.

7. They’re dependable and know how to communicate

An amateur may say yes, only to be out of business by the time your event rolls around. A professional DJ has a reputation to uphold and, barring a catastrophic emergency, won’t let you down when the big day comes around (and even then, they’d probably find a great colleague to cover your event). A professional DJ will also respond promptly to your emails and calls, working with you before, during, and after the event to ensure your needs are met.

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By Tre Pryor

Source: Louisville Homes Blog

Summer is fading fast, offering the promise of the very last of sunny days, warm nights, and plenty of outdoor events. Whether you’re getting ready to hop in the pool or fire up the barbecue, you have endless options for festive gatherings. Light your backyard parties with a special type of glow by using creative outdoor lighting ideas for your party.

Light It With Lanterns

One of the great outdoor lighting ideas is lanterns! (Image via Flickr by rkelland)

Paper lanterns are a simple option for outdoor lighting that can add a lot of color to your space. These are ideal for special events when you want to feature a themed color palette but aren’t sure where it fits in an outdoor setting. String up paper lanterns in bold colors for a fiesta party to complement your piñata and taco bar, or use the bride’s wedding colors for a backyard bridal shower brunch. Paper lanterns are versatile enough for any occasion — all you need are a few pillars, trees, or other supports from which to hang them.

Add Festive Flair With Strung Lights

There’s not a single person that doesn’t like these fun string lights. (Image via Flickr by RisforRndm)

Strung lights aren’t only for the Christmas holiday. You can use strings of miniature lights to illuminate any event. White lights are a versatile choice that will work with any setting: String them around a gazebo to create romantic lighting, or wrap them around your balcony to set a seating area aglow.

Choose the right hue for single-color lights, and you can give your event a distinct ambiance all its own. With options like red and blue mini-lights from Christmas Lights Etc, you can host a festive Fourth of July event that will keep the neighbors talking for days. Multicolored lights are versatile enough for everything from a birthday party to a casual evening with friends.

Get Tropical With Tiki Torches

Incredible outdoor lighting ideas are all around us. Make your backyard the image of the South Pacific. (Image via Flickr by nan palmero)

Tiki torches are a favorite for pool parties and luau-themed events. If you’re looking to add some tropical flair to your yard, you can’t go wrong with this lighting option. The best feature of tiki torches is their ability to stand alone. Unlike other lighting options, these don’t need supports for artful stringing or table space for careful arrangements. Simply plant your tiki torches in the ground where they’re out of the way of traffic to give your space a fun, beachy ambiance.

Light the Path for Nighttime Revelries

Anytime you light a path, a fun adventure must be right around the corner. (Image via Flickr by chris runoff)

Pathway lights are as functional as they are decorative. Are you tired of guests trampling flowerbeds or marring certain parts of your landscaping? Offer a clear walkway to the party area by using path lights to illuminate the way. Choose a neutral hue like warm white, and you can leave these lights up all summer, switching them on for every evening event. Stargazing parties, sleepovers, and other after-dark events are easier to find and safer to navigate with this lighting solution.

The right lights can transform your party from a lackluster event to a truly unforgettable gathering. From a wild flickering flame to a soothing romantic glow, you have options for every type of ambiance. Make sure the fun can last long into the night with smart summer lighting solutions for every type of party.

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By Chip Kouri

Source: Times Record News

The Summer of 2019 is flying by. It seems like it was just yesterday we were celebrating Memorial Day and now, in just a few short weeks, we will be celebrating Labor Day!

Once August rolls around, I, like many others, start to look forward to autumn. Changing of the leaves, somewhat cooler days and pumpkin spice flavored items everywhere! It is at this time of year I also start thinking about how I am going to arrange my home and what kind of decor I will use for fall decorating.

Of course, pumpkins play a huge role in fall decorating. They are wonderful to put on a porch, accent a flowerbed or gather on a mantel.  Problem is, real pumpkins tend to rot and fall apart or get eaten by local wildlife, while the fake pumpkins available at the craft store can cost upwards of $60 or more.

While it is still a bit early to put out these decorations, now is the time to craft them so they will be done when you are ready to decorate for the upcoming season.  I have a couple of easy, inexpensive pumpkin DIYs that you can make in an afternoon and even get the kiddos involved, so let’s get started!

Dryer Vent Duct Pumpkins

Materials needed: 

Dryer vent duct (The flexible kind. NOT the semi-flexible kind) Mine was 4″x 8′)

Scissors

Wire cutters or pliers

Small zip ties

Spray paint in your choice of colors

Step 1: Stretch the duct out straight and using your scissors and wire cutters, cut your duct work into 1 1/2 to 2 foot sections, leaving the wire supports in tact at each end.

Step 3: Spray paint in your choice of color. Let dry completely.

Step 4: Once dry,use a hot glue gun or regular glue and embellish however you like. I used twigs from my yard, silk leaves and flowers and even some green Easter grass. Use your imagination to make yours unique. Once the glue is dry, use them in your Fall home decorating scheme how you see fit. These are weatherproof, so they may also be used outdoors.

Bath Tissue Pumpkins

Materials needed:  

Rolls of bathroom tissue

Roll of quilting batting (available at local craft or fabric stores)

Large fabric scraps of your choice

Scissors

Embellishments

Step 1: This project is so quick and easy, you just might make many, many of these! Unroll your quilting batting and using your scissors, cut a square about 18″x18″. This may need to be a little larger or a little smaller, depending on the size of your roll of tissue.

You may use multiple layers of the batting to give the pumpkin a fatter look. I stacked two layers together for each of the pumpkins I made. Cut your fabric into a square slightly larger than your batting. These items may also be cut into circles, just make sure there is enough to cover your finished product.

Step 2: Place a roll of tissue in the center of your batting, hole side up. Begin folding the batting up and over the roll of tissue, pleating the sides as you go, and stuffing the ends into the roll. Once covered in batting, follow the same steps with your fabric, making sure to cover all the batting. Sometimes it is helpful to use the handle of a wooden spoon to pack the layers of batting and fabric inside the tissue roll.

Step 3: Decorate! I kept mine very simple and just used a stick from the yard as a stem and added seasonal ribbon as “leaves”. And that’s it! Once the season is over, you can store these as they are or unwrap them, store the batting and fabric and use the tissue!  Of course, these are for indoor use, only.

So, you see, with just a few materials and some imagination, you can create some very unique, festive and inexpensive pumpkins to add to you Fall decorations this year.  I hope you all give these a try!

Happy crafting!

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Source: Ruffled

If you’re anything like us, you love to be entertained. And through the years we’ve seen some pretty epic wedding entertainment ideas beyond the DJ or bandstand! If you want to level up on your wedding with some unexpected delights, you may want to consider the ideas below for a surefire way to enhance your guest experience.

Photo by Peaches and Mint with planning by Lavender and Rose

Photo by Michelle Beller with charcoal sketches from Karina Puentes Arts from this contemporary seaside wedding

Photo by Cinzia Bruschini with planning by The Wedding Care
1 | Live Painter
It’s always a thrill to see a live painter at a wedding! Not only do guests love watching the artist at work, it’s amazing to receive that tangible commemoration of your wedding day with the exact scene + emotions captured on-site. But you can get creative with this too – this couple in particular hired an artist to create charcoal sketches of their guests as wedding favors, and my is it a cool result!

Photo by Mirelle Carmichael with cocktails from Sidecar Cocktail Co.
2 | Mixologist
It’s all about customization here. Not only can mixologists incorporate your personal wedding story + relationship into their craft cocktails, they can wow your guests with completely original concoctions, determined by their unique taste buds. Plus, the result is pretty photogenic too!

Photo by Meg Smith Photography with planning from Alison Events

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Source: Glamorous Event Planners

With all of the excitement that comes with planning your wedding, it’s easy to forget about the little details. But don’t stress, we’ve created a list of things that you may overlook when planning your wedding. Whatever boxes you have to check off on your wedding checklist, get inspired by these tips below for some of the most looked-over details that will surely be noticed by your guests!

1. Directions And Signage

For a majority of your guests, this will be the first time visiting your venue. You don’t want your guests getting lost between the highway exit and your venue parking lot. If you provide directions, your loved ones are more likely to arrive on time and your special day has a better chance of running smoothly.

Tip: Include directions in the mail when you send out your invitations. If you have a wedding website, you can add a link to Google Maps so your guests know exactly where they’re going. If your ceremony is taking place at a separate location, be sure to include directions to the reception venue as well. For the day of, create signage for each wedding spot at your venue directing guests where to go. For example, the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, photo booth, etc.

2. Escort Cards

Having a designated seating chart saves guests the pressure and time of searching for a seat at the reception. It also guarantees that your guests of honor, such as grandparents and close relatives, get a quiet spot while your more rowdy friends have a seat closer to the dance floor. Seating charts are also great if you’re having plated dinner service at your reception. This makes it easier for the catering staff and many venues actually require assigned reception seating.

Tip: Escort cards are extremely easy to customize and are a great way to bring in your wedding colors. Whether you’re doing classic calligraphed seating cards or something more intricate such as incorporating them into your cocktail hour with personalized stirrers, there are so many different ways you can personalize your escort cards. Regardless of which style escort cards you choose, be sure to organize them by last name. Your guests will be searching for their name, not table name or number so it will make it easier for them to find their seats.

3. Clean Your Rings

You put so much effort and money into finding the perfect rings, you want them to sparkle the way they deserve to on your big day. Be sure to clean your rings a few days prior to your ceremony so they look their best. Your rings will be highlighted in so many of your wedding photos, so you want them to be ready for their close up.

Tip: If you’re in a time crunch and are not able to make it into the jeweler to get your ring cleaned, don’t fret! Many jewelers, including online jewelers, like Blue Nile, offer jewelry cleaner so you can clean your beloved wedding bands right at home!

4. Guest Book

While some couples choose to skip out on the guest book, they are actually a great way for you and your spouse to relive your special day over and over again. However, it takes more than setting out a couple of pens to make a guest book enticing enough for everyone to sign it. The trick is to make it a fun, interactive activity that your guests won’t want to pass up on.

Tip: Don’t just settle for the traditional guest book. Ask guests to write out a date night idea, marriage tip, or even a note of support on a game piece such as a Jenga block that you can use over and over again. Another idea is to have guests contribute to a scrapbook by allowing them to take selfies using a Polaroid camera and then placing the photo into the book and signing next to it.

5. Bar Decor

While the bar might seem like it’s taken care of by the venue, it’s a spot that most of your guests will frequent throughout the night. The bar is a great place to add your personal touch and make it flow with the rest of your wedding theme. Add personalized decor or a burst of color to liven up the area. Bar signs go a long way when paired with greenery and floral arrangements.

Tip: Try spicing up your cocktail menu with a few signature cocktails that have unique garnishes such as fresh herbs or berry-infused ice cubes. You can even print your signature cocktail recipe right on your beverage napkins or customized coasters!

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Source: GirlTalkHQ

If travel is a passion or favorite hobby of the bride-to-be, or if she’s planning a destination wedding to tie the knot, then a geographically themed bridal shower is a perfect way to reflect the air of wanderlust that’s captured her soul.

Whether she likes camping or the downtown metropolis scene, plan her bridal shower around a destination that is close to her heart and will be remembered for years to come. Here are five steps to help you plan an enchanting, location-based bridal shower.

1. Choose a Destination

If there’s a specific place you know the bride loves, whether it’s Paris, London or New Orleans, you can center the perfect bridal shower for her around the theme of that destination city. You can also make her shower feel like a getaway, even though it’s right in town.

2. Find the Best Location

A great venue for a geographically themed bridal shower is a restaurant in the destination city you have chosen. It could be a Parisian-style cafe, an Irish pub or an Italian fine dining restaurant. Another option is a hotel that can cater to your theme; after all, visiting a hotel feels like a getaway in and of itself. To that end, you can really step up your game by selecting a hotel with spa services to treat the bride.

Or, if you’re going for an island or cantina theme during the summer, plan the bridal shower at a hotel that lets you reserve the pool. In the meantime, if your destination theme is London or Paris, host an afternoon tea or coffee at a hotel with a private room or lounge. Or, to reflect a more party-oriented destination, you might choose a bar as your venue.

3. Create Invitations

The next step is to create the bridal shower invitations, which you’ll want to send out at least four to six weeks in advance. Make them in keeping with your geographic theme by getting creative invitation cards made for you. It’s a good idea to get cards that are similar to the wedding invitations so that the bridal shower and wedding invitees mentally put the two events together.

4. Decide on Decorations and Centerpieces

Next, it’s time to check out Pinterest and get some Martha Stewart-worthy decoration ideas. This aspect gives guests (and the bride) their first impression of the event, and it should make the travel theme jump out at them. To reflect the theme, you might choose decor like airplanes or vintage suitcases. But to really “bring” guests to a specific location, choose items that best represent it, such as Mardi Gras beads or an Eiffel Tower centerpiece.

5. Plan a Menu

If your bridal shower will be at a restaurant, speak with the manager about creating a budget-friendly menu. Brunch and lunch will work best for you to get good per-person reservation prices at restaurants, as these are typically off-peak times of the day. No matter what meal you’re planning, make sure it keeps with the theme, i.e. bring out the tacos to your pool-side cantina party.

Best Bridal Shower Ideas

When you’re planning a bridal shower around a theme that speaks straight to the bride’s heart, you want every aspect of her shower to reflect it. From the invitations to the hors d’oeuvres and decor, she’ll have the time of her life being transported to her favorite place before her big day!

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