My favorite showers are absolutely always the ones that step outside of the traditional and really embrace the bride’s personality and unique interests. This Dia de los Muertos bridal shower is the perfect example, drawing on bride Seabron’s love of this Mexican festival as well as her vibrant tattoos done in the same style. A traditional decorated skull motif in citron and neon red ties the whole colorful celebration together, from the invitations to the margarita bar (one for me, please!). Christie and Nicole of Hey! Party Collective mixed authentic touches, like the Virgin of Guadalupe votive candles, with moments of pure fun, like the tiny Tabasco sauce favors at each place setting. The result perfectly captures the mix of dark and light, and the celebration of family (in this case, a new one beginning!) that is at the heart of Dia de los Muertos.
Author Archives: Caitlin Kenney
Bridesmaid Gifts Under $30: Our Favorite Bags and Jewelry from Etsy
Many brides like to choose bridesmaid gifts that their maids can wear to their wedding, but I also love the idea of just choosing something fun that you know your girls will love and that they can mix into their daily ensemble. Bags and jewelry are always welcome—what girl doesn’t love a handy new tote or a little extra sparkle? Plus, one size fits all and lots of Etsy vendors allow you to purchase assortments of different colors and prints. We rounded up our favorite bridesmaid gifts under $30 from Etsy.
You got a diamond, so why shouldn’t they? I’m quite taken with this stunning little bamboo ring (and it will be way more affordable than your rock, at $19.92).
Brighten up their day with this soft vegan leather foldover clutch accented with a punch of neon yellow (and it’s a steal at only $26).
I’m loving the bold graphic statement of these leather cuffs ($18), laser cut with tribal patterns (and perfect with jeans and a chambray shirt, don’t you think?). 
You can never, ever have too many totes, especially delicate arrow-printed ones, made from recycled organic cotton ($24.50). 
Mix and match these enamel-dipped brass feather hairpins with their favorite colors. Can’t you just see them tucked into a loose braid? ($10 each, plus buy 3 get one free!) (similar here)
Looking for a cute bag to stuff with bridesmaid survival gear? Look no further. Dotted with stars and trees, this linen pouch will double as a stylish makeup bag after your big day ($29.94). 
Bridesmaid Looks Inspired by Fresh Seasonal Food
I’m loving the trend of farm-to-table weddings, when couples highlight local produce not only in their meals but in their overall theme. So why not let the bridesmaid look be inspired by some of your favorite dishes as well? Charleston Chef Maya teamed up with Reese Moore Weddings and Fabulous Fete to envision four bridesmaid looks based on fresh, seasonal dishes. First up, roasted butternut squash on a smooth ricotta and goat cheese mousse inspired a soft neutral gown with pops of sunset orange and pink in the flowers.
On the Sunny Side
Next, the perfect yolks of these huevos rancheros on petite black bean cakes were the inspiration for the sunshine yellow dress and matching gerber daisies.
Melon Perfection
These gorgeous melon cocktails with serrano ham roses provide the perfect palette for a coral dress and bouquet of ombre roses. 
From the Sea
Charleston is renowned for its oysters, so a classic Oysters Rockefeller couldn’t be missed. The delicate shellfish piled high with sautéed spinach that almost mimics seaweed beautifully complements a sea foam green dress. 
Photographer: Reese Moore Weddings | Caterer: Chef Maya | Event Planner: Fabulous Fete | Invitations: Charleston Open House | Dresses: Gown Boutique of Charleston | Florals: Whole Foods | Hair: Strawberry Blonde Salon | Equipment Rentals: Snyder Event Rental and Polished | Venue: Tidewater Chapel
A Chic Chevron and Stripe Handmade Bridal Shower
Chalkboard signs and paper rosettes, patterned burlap garlands and chevron table runners…this shower is just bursting with handmade touches, all done up in soft greys and pale pinks—with a few pops of color, of course. Photographer Megan Small couldn’t wait to plan a handcrafted shower for her best friend (since second grade!) Hillary. Guest book idea I’m stealing: Have the guests sign a cookbook next to their favorite recipe—now you know what to make when they come over for dinner! Check out Megan’s list of the stellar Etsy vendors who helped her pull off the event below.
Photography: Megan Small Photography | Patterned paper rosette garlands: Jennifer of The Papier Studio | Faux chalkboard signs: Katie of Lane Love Designs | Burlap pennant signs: Jessica of Cuter Than Words | Chevron printables: Heather of YouMakeDo | Rosette centerpieces: Lili of Beautiful Paper Crafts | Hillary + Adam bicycle print: Michael of DexMex | Catering: Susan Jodon of Swanky Catering and Events
BHLDN Pop-Up in NYC, Oct. 14-20
Yesterday I had the treat (chai tea included) of shopping BHLDN’s Pop-Up Bridal Shop on the Upper East Side, in New York until Oct. 20. If you’re not familiar with BHLDN (pronounced “Beholden,” by the way), you’re in for a feast of delight. Anthropologie’s sister store brings the Anthro style to wedding attire, with unique gowns and dresses that feature tons of lace, shimmer, ruffles and beading. The styles are feminine and soft, but definitely stand out from the crowd. Many of the gowns on offer strayed from traditional wedding white, moving toward sandy tans, soft greys and even pale pinks. The shop features a selection of wedding gowns, reception dresses, fine jewelry, and bridal headpieces. (Sorry, no shoes ladies.)
Though they didn’t stock their full bridesmaid collection (curses!), there are a few dresses for the maids and a lot of short reception dresses that would work for bridesmaids in need of neutral and white dresses, which continues to be a huge bridesmaid trend. Of course, I had to try on a few things! Here are my two favorites (please excuse horrid selfies).
I almoooooost bought this one, even though I have no occasion on which to wear it. Should an occasion present itself, I will be on the website in a heartbeat. The cut is incredibly flattering and the lace is just beautiful. 
This one was super fun and would make a great party dress as well. The best part was that even though it’s covered in beads, it’s incredibly comfortable and not too heavy. Would be a great dancing dress!
BHLDN Pop-Up Shop | Oct 14–20 | @ Anthropologie 1230 Third Ave, between 71st and 72nd Streets
A Mad Hatter Bridal Shower
As a longtime lover of all things Disney, Kentucky bride Nickie requested an Alice in Wonderland theme for her bridal shower, and her bridesmaids were happy to oblique with this whimsical Mad Hatter tea party. Photographer and matron of honor Whitney Knutson used vintage books, floral tea sets (borrowed from many of the ladies who attended the shower) and prettily potted succulents to bring the infamous tea party to life. A patterned floral sheet served as a simple photobooth to capture a few sweet moments with the bride (in a royal blue dress, à la Alice!). I love all the little nods to the story that are scattered throughout the party. 
Photography: Whitney Knutson Photography
Featured on Weddings Illustrated: Keeping Your Bridesmaids Trendy But Timeless
Check out our special feature on Weddings Illustrated today, where I’m sharing my tips for keeping your bridesmaid look trendy but timeless. We’ve all had this experience: You’re flipping through an old wedding album—even one from just a few years back—and your eyes land on the bridesmaid dresses. The inevitable question pops into your mind: What exactly was the bride thinking? Avoid this situation with my four easy tips—or maybe just embrace it!
Check out the full article here!