I truly feel like I’ve fallen down a rabbit hole into this magical Wonderland bridal shower with a lot of 70s swing. Can I move in to this fabulous Scottsdale, Arizona, estate? I will settle for a chair by the pool with my name on it! Bride Elizabeth has her own clothing line, Revolution Rags, which donates ten percent of its profits to animal rescue (stylish and compassionate!). Elizabeth’s friends added touches of whimsy to the already out-of-this-world back garden by dotting the lush hedge with oversized playing cards and creating a photo backdrop with neon carnations. Guests enjoyed a gourmet lunch along with a stocked poolside bubbly bar and photographer Paul Yerrick was there to capture all the magic (both digitally and on film!). 
Category Archives: Bridal Shower
A Los Angeles Cappuccino and Poetry Bridal Shower
What’s the one thing a bridal shower absolutely must have? Personality. This casual backyard shower has just that, as the bride’s BFF Holland made sure to personalize the party with tons of bride Mahaley’s favorite things, like fresh green juices, her dogs and great cappuccino. Holland found a spectacular yoga retreat in Topanga Canyon, California, on Airbnb to avoid the crazy-high price tag of many event venues in LA. The setting couldn’t have been better for this relaxed and intimate shower. The spacious garden with its gorgeous fountain was the perfect spot for classic party games like pictionary and charades. As a special surprise, Holland found a traveling poet to write personal, beautiful stories for each guest on his vintage typewriter.
Photography: Sherri J. Photography | Venue: Airbnb | Flowers: Clementine Floral Works | Catering: Lyfe Kitchen | Fresh juices: Juice Served Here | Poet: Rent Poet | Coffee Bar: Cappuccino Man
A Midcentury Modern Garden Party Shower
The lush garden setting of Houston’s 5226 Elm was the perfect location for this garden party shower, with the industrial green walls serving as a bold backdrop to the stunning garden. The guests channeled a midcentury modern vibe with sun hats and headscarves as they sipped hibiscus margaritas and enjoyed a few sweet treats. With a bar cart stocked with fresh flowers, the ladies went to work to create bouquets that reflected their own personal style. This relaxed, sunshine-filled fete captured by Ashley Eubanks Photography has us longing for warmer days on the way.
Photography: Ashley Eubanks Photography with Kayla Justine Photography | Styling + Coordination: Fine-Tooth Comb Weddings | Venue: 5226 Elm | Dessert Plates and Candy Dishes: Crate and Barrel | Printed Candy Tray: Ikea | Flowers: Central Market + Whole Foods | Gift Wrap: Paper Source | Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes | Marshmallows: Petite Sweets | Dessert Cart: DIY Ikea
50 Food & Drink Ideas For Your Bridal Shower & Bachelorette Party
Planning a party menu can be a little bit daunting, so we’ve put together 50 of our favorite food and drink ideas for a bridal shower or bachelorette bash. Looking for a signature drink for a bachelorette party? A perfect tea party bridal shower menu? A show-stopping cake (that you actually bought at the grocery store and then just prettied up with a few quick tricks)? We’ve got it. Plus, a few no-fuss serve-yourself food and drink bars that will limit your time in the kitchen and some cute DIYs (hi, gem ice cubes!) to add a little wow to your cocktails. Cheers!
1. Kissed Cake: We love this kissed cake for a red-hot bachelorette party. The best part? You can just customize a store-bought cake. All you need is edible pearl dust in shades of red, a new paintbrush and a stencil.
2. Very Berry Layer Cake: Celebrate the natural sweetness of summer berries by pairing them with a smooth buttercream and beautiful layers of yellow cake. The result is simplicity at its sweetest.
3. Coney Island Cheesecake: Warning: This cake contains the following ingredients: animal crackers, sugar cones, peanuts, vanilla ice cream, confetti sprinkles, and cotton candy flavoring. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.
4. The Moistest Chocolate Cake: OK, I know some people have a thing about the word “moist.” But LOOK at this cake. Do you see it? I rest my case.
5. Candy-Filled Cake: Can all cakes be filled with candy? She’ll love this sweet surprise when she cuts into the cake.
6. Honey Earl Grey Cake: The absolute perfect tea party cake. We love that this cake is totally on theme and is simple to make.
7. Rosemary Lemon Cake: You’d never guess that this cake started its life in a grocery store case. The bridesmaids dipped a knife in hot water and ran it over the too-perfect icing to create a more handmade look, then topped the cake with fresh rosemary and lemon slices. Instant perfection.
8. Simple Flower Cake: Another way to spruce up a store-bought cake. Add one large statement flower to the top and a matching ribbon around the bottom. Done!
9. Candy-Covered Cake: We love tricks that turn simple store-bought cakes into design masterpieces. Choose her favorite candies in colors that match your shower theme for this stunning look.
10. Sugar Rush Cart: Stock your bar cart with donuts, candy, cake, ice cream and plenty of cute cups and spoons for sweetness overload.
11. Yogurt Parfait Bar: Perfect for a bridal shower brunch. Include Greek and plain yogurt, tons of fruit and granola, plus honey for drizzling.
12. Bloody Mary Bar: A classic for a reason. Create a bloody Mary bar with carafes of tomato juice and pickle-infused vodka, then lay out all the toppings from this extensive list.
13. Biscuit Bar: Yep, you read that right. The part of me that spent four years in North Carolina is like “get out my way, folks!” Have scrambled eggs and bacon for a breakfast version, or roast turkey, ham and cheeses for a lunch spread.
14. Taco Bar: Cooking for a big group can be daunting, so the casual setup of a build-your-own-taco bar takes some of the stress off the host as many of the ingredients can be bought ahead of time and don’t require cooking!
15. Churro Bar: Wondering how you can make pieces of sugared fried dough even MORE decadent? Dip them in chocolate and other treats, of course!
16. Gin and Tonic Bar: Think there’s only one way to make a gin and tonic? You would be wrong! We love this build you own gin and tonic bar, complete with the fixings for grapefruit, cucumber or rosemary versions.
17. Bruschetta Bar: Cheese, meats, breads and an assortment of vegetables and drizzly things…ta-da! A bruschetta bar is the perfect answer for easy entertaining.
18. Blushing Bride Sangria: Toooooo cute. Probably one of my favorite drink ideas ever. Mix up a simple rosé sangria with apples, pears or other seasonal fruits, then slap a cute little tag on and you’re done.
19. Margaritas: Blood orange, coconut, smoky jalepeno, classic… 10 fresh and tangy margarita recipes. You’re welcome.
20. Garden Party Cocktail: We love the vibrant flower-petal-filled ice cubes in this refreshing cocktail, which incorporates Pimms and gin.
21. Whiskey Lemonade: Sometimes I like a cocktail with lots of fancy ingredients. And sometimes I like a cocktail that I can make with just two. This simple drink goes in the latter category, but tastes like perfection.
22. Sunny Winter Cocktail: The Sweetest Occasion is one of our favorite destinations for creative, colorful cocktails. This citrusy take on a margarita made with clementines, tequila and a pinch of cayenne pepper is no exception.
23. Blood Orange and Sage Mocktail: Looking for a tasty mocktail to serve? We love this refreshing vibrant drink that combines tangy blood orange, fizzy soda and a slightly herbal note with touch of fresh sage.
24. Rosé Champagne Mojitos: This twist on a mojito with a splash of rosé champagne feels perfect for a bachelorette.
25. Raspberry Lime Iced Tea: Iced tea gets fancy with an infusion of raspberry and lime, making this the perfect drink to serve at an afternoon picnic shower. A little swizzle of lime peel provides a finishing touch.
26. Agua Frescas: Fresh juices that incorporate seasonal fruits like strawberries, cucumber of cantaloupe make amazing mixers for summertime cocktails or are refreshing all on their own (perfect for a spa party).
27. Cucumber Mint Gin Cooler: I love a cocktail that also sorta makes you feel healthy at the same time. I’m totally drinking a smoothie, guys! (With gin!)
28. Salads in Tea Cups: Perfect for your tea party bridal shower menu. Try a light spring green mix with your favorite toppings. Everything looks dainty and pretty in a tea cup.
29. Veggie Bar: One cannot live on sweets and cocktails alone (though one can try)! Add a crudite bar of raw veggies and dips, like guacamole, hummus, classic ranch or warm spinach and artichoke. We love how this bride classed hers up by displaying the veggies in silver urns—so chic!
30. No-Cook Cracker Toppings: Does “no cooking” sound like music to your ears? These six creative cracker topping ideas are perfect for no-fuss entertaining. My favorite? The rosemary cracker with brie, blackberry and a drizzle of honey.
31. Carrot Hummus Pots: This adorable idea for a garden bridal shower menu is just the best. Line clay pots with coffee filters, add hummus and top with baby carrots.
32. Grilled Potato, Lemon and Zucchini Salad: This hearty and healthy salad features grilled potatoes, zucchini, green beans and olives drizzled with a creamy red pepper sauce.
33. Fig and Prosciutto Crostini: The simplest way to look fancy: crostini. Take quality ingredients—like creamy goat cheese, fresh figs and prosciutto—and pile it atop a slice of crunchy bread. Done.
34. Gruyere and Kale Strata: For a brunch shower, a quiche or strata is a great option. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, serves a crowd and it’s delicious.
35. Green Goddess Tea Sandwiches: These light tea sandwiches combine fresh crisp vegetables with a creamy homemade green goddess dressing that comes together in a snap.
36. DIY Metallic Glassware: Get the midcentury cocktail vibe without the expensive price tag with this DIY that turns plain glasses glam.
37. Bling Ice Cubes: We love these colorful diamond ring ice cubes. Use pink food coloring for a flavorless variety to float in a glass of champagne, or freeze fruit smoothies for a thick and colorful ring.
38. Glitter Ice Cubes: There’s something in my drink…oh wait, it’s these amazing glitter ice cubes (that will totally not kill you!). Just track down edible food glitter and follow the simple instructions.
39. Flower Drink Stirrers: Add a touch of whimsy to your cocktails with a decorative flower stick. Use a different flower for each guest and these double as drink name tags.
40. Gold Lip Kissed Mimosas: Add a touch of sparkle to a classic mimosa with this DIY for temporary metallic-kissed glasses.
41. Floral Coffee Cup Wraps: These printable floral cup wraps are perfect for coffee at a brunch shower or hot chocolate at a winter gathering. Did we mention they are free?
42. Gummy Gems: Can we all agree you’ll be making these gummy gems? They are just too darling to pass up!
43. Tie-Dye Smores: If Lisa Frank went camping, she would totally serve these.
44. Raw Gem Cupcakes: Take any old classic cupcake and turn it into a gem. It’s simple—just smash up rock candy and top each cupcake. The result looks like raw gemstones that are almost too pretty to eat.
45. Key Lime Ice Pops: I have to admit that key lime pie is one of my favorites, so of course I’m in love with this recipe. Best of all? They’re made with almond milk and almond yogurt, so even dairy-free friends can enjoy them!
46. Party Popcorn: Add color and fun to simple popcorn with a drizzle of white chocolate and your favorite sprinkles.
47. Funfetti Dessert Nachos: Do I even need to explain why these are a good idea? No, I do not. I challenge you to find a girl who’s not into funfetti. Go ahead. TRY!
48. Hey Girl Brownies: Sprinkles? Check. Chocolate? Check. Really easy to make? Check. So fetch? You know it.
49. Tea Bag Cookies: Dip them in your tea or serve them separately, but these cute cookies will be the star of your shower.
50. Donut and milk shots: “Donut you know we are in love?” Fill little shot glasses with milk and top with mini donuts and a straw. #thatsdarling
A Pastel Garden Boudoir Bridal Shower
A little bit boudoir, a little bit garden party, this bridal shower is all-the-way stunning. The bride and her maids took an afternoon to relax on the beautiful grounds of The Condor’s Nest in Southern California. Though brides choose to do boudoir sessions for a lot of different reasons, the idea behind this party was very much about being comfortable and relaxed with your best friends. All the girls wore soft pastel tulle skirts, comfy cotton corsets and delicate flower crowns. The ladies gathered in the greenhouse for macaroons and champagne, which they then took out to the pool’s tiki bar for some time in the sun.
Photography: Betsy Blue Photography | Venue: The Condor’s Nest Ranch | Macaroons: Sweetsalt Bakery | Makeup: Classy on a Budget | Corsets: American Eagle, Forever 21 | Skirts: Etsy (similar here)
A Galentine’s Will You Be My Bridesmaid Bash
When Leslie Knope first introduced the world to Galentine’s Day, it seemed like such an obviously wonderful idea that it’s kind of hard to believe it was dreamed up by a network comedy. I mean, we should have been celebrating this all along, right? (See also: Treat Yo Self.) And a Galentine’s Day party is the perfect way to ask your favorite ladies to stand by your side on your big day. We love the bold pink and gold color palette of this shoot, which also incorporates one of our favorite tricks for a statement wall: flowers + tape = fabulous. The Love Potion cocktail is the perfect accompaniment to a host of sweet treats, including delicate painted macarons, and each guest was greeted with a personalized “Will You Be My Bridesmaid” box. 
Photography: Jessica Fairchild | Event Planning: Fairy Godmother: A Wedding & Event Company | Venue: 20th Street Cottage | Baked Goods: De Coeur Bake Shop | Paper Flowers: Lolita’s Blooms | Stationery: Matinae Design Studio | Bridesmaid jewelry gift: 2 Tiny Hearts | Balloons: Paradise Balloon Designs | Hair: Revive Salon | Makeup: Savvy Skin | Rentals: Walker Lewis Rents
50 Simple and Stylish DIY Bridal Shower & Bachelorette Decoration Ideas
So you’re planning a bridal shower or bachelorette party and need some ideas for simple yet stylish party decor? You know, something that’s going to look awesome but doesn’t require power tools and an MFA. Maybe you’re wondering how to arrange flowers in a creative way. Or you need a simple photo booth idea you can put together in a snap. Looking for inexpensive and easy but gorgeous party decorations? We’ve got ideas—50 of em, to be exact.
1. Love It Table Display: Some glittery paper, a bit of baker’s twine, metallic wrapping paper, a few fairy lights and ta-da! A gorgeous table display that she’ll absolutely love.
2. Hey Girl Law Sign: You had me at “hey.” This simple DIY yard sign will make a huge impact at an outdoor bridal shower (plus, there’s a bonus matching printable placemat!).
3. Confetti-Dipped Balloons: Balloons are probably the simplest and most inexpensive decor you can find—and there are plenty of ways to make them extra-special. Try adding metallic gold confetti (once you start dipping things in glitter, you probably won’t be able to stop).
4. Simple Conversation Balloons: It could not be easier to jazz up regular old balloons. Suddenly they look thoughtful and totally pop (well, not literally).
5. Kissed Balloons: I’m kind of obsessed with these balloons. Like, how could you not be? Carry the kiss theme through your party with a Dress Code: Red Lip theme.
6. Confetti-Filled Balloons: Add a pop of color to a simple clear balloon by filling it with confetti. Simple yet stunning, this DIY will be done in a snap.
7. Confetti Sticks: When in doubt, add more confetti. These cute confetti sticks make an adorable display on your table and a great favor as well.
8. Glitter Champagne Bottles: You’ve seen it, you’ve loved it, now do it yourself.
9. Lace Curtain & Bedsheet Photo Booth: You’d never guess that this background is a combination of lace curtains, bedsheets and tablecloths. Sometimes the simplest things are the most beautiful.
10. Flower statement wall: Any flowers + colored washi tape of your choice = amazing statement wall.
11. Popsicle Photo Booth Backdrop: This DIY photo booth backdrop just screams summer.
12. Balloon Photo Booth: Balloon truth: The more you have, the better.
13. Fringed Photo Booth: Need a bold background for a photo booth (that won’t take forever to assemble)? Look no further than this simple fringed backdrop project.
14. Tropical Photo Booth Props: We love these printable photo booth props for a summer bridal shower or destination bachelorette weekend at the beach.
15. Honeycomb Heart: Have honeycomb diamonds, can create honeycomb heart. Perfect for a photo booth backdrop or a statement wall to draw the eye.
16. Kaleidoscope of Colors Paper Garland: Sometimes the right combination of simplicity and excess is the key—like in this simple yet stunning paper garland. It’s not perfect and regimented—it’s wild and fun!
17. Streamer Background: Feel overwhelmed by DIYs? Can you hang lots and lots of streamers? You can do this then.
18-23. Piñata-palooza: There’s something pretty spectacular about a piñata. Fill yours with candy, mini liquor bottles, light-up rings, temporary tattoos, confetti—whatever. Here are a few of our favorites: Diamond, Gilded Piñata Makeover, Pineapple, Lipstick, Watermelon and Taco.
24. Hanging Flower Chandelier: You don’t have to be a florist to made a strong statement with flowers. Choose full, long-stemmed blooms to create this stunning floral chandelier.
25. Flower Cans: We love finding innovative objects to use as vases. Tomato cans give a vintage vibe to these bright gerber daisies.
26. Gold Painted Vases: Add instant specialness to a vase by dipping it in liquid gold leaf.
27. Pineapple Vase: Hosting a luau? This easy trick will bring the island vibe to your shower in no time.
28. Popcorn Flowers: Who knew that popcorn containers filled with hydrangeas or ranunculus could look so much like the real thing! These arrangements were the perfect detail for a carnival-themed shower.
29. Tea Pot Planter: The perfect decor for your tea party shower. A pure white pot has a more modern look, or go for a vintage vibe with patterned mismatched china.
30. Scrapbook Paper Vases: Collect plain glass bottles and decorate with scrapbook paper and a bit of twine. This DIY is so fast, but the result is contemporary and oh so cute.
31. Bunting Banner: A great way to incorporate her wedding colors at a low cost. This simple DIY project uses fabric scraps, double-sided tape and a little fishing wire for major impact.
32. Rug and Pillow Seating: Mix things up by nixing the chairs. Mix and match an assortment of rugs and pillows for a relaxed outdoor dining experience.
33. Messages for the Bride: These clever bridesmaids covered a message board in wrapping paper to match the shower’s color scheme, then taped up envelopes for the months and days leading up to the wedding. Guests left both silly and serious messages of encouragement and love for the bride to read as her big day approaches.
34. Gold Confetti Table Linens: Fab alert! This killer gold table runner is actually made from metallic sheeting from Party City, sold in 15-foot rolls and perfect for making affordable look chic!
35. Black and White Letter Board: Simple yet bold, a sweet saying on a black and white letter board adds a perfect accent to your table.
36. Closet Bar: Short on space? Turn your closet into a bar. These bridesmaids draped gold tinsel in the back of the closet and added a gold-framed sign to create this whimsical moment.
37. Poolside Decor: These creative bridesmaids incorporated spring greenery, tons of tassel garlands and a cute and simple banner to create a whimsical poolside oasis.
38. Vintage Wash Tub Drink Cooler: Not everyone has a vintage wash tub lying around, but take a cue from this example and reimagine things you (or your grandma) already have in your home.
39. Flower Wall Sconces: I would have these in my house all the time if possible.
40. Travel Shower Suitcase Cake Display: A vintage suitcase made the perfect cake display for this travel-themed bridal shower. The bride also had a fruit and yogurt bar, so empty fruit containers serve as a great accent.
41. Flowers in Limes: Use this quirky styling trick for a fiesta bridal shower. We love the freshness of the lime green (not to mention the scent of citrus in the air).
42. Lemon Place Card: So cute, so easy and so fresh. Half a lemon and a few scraps of patterned paper or fabric are all you need to create this sunny little place card.
43. Glitter Craft Letters: The crafty ladies of Linen, Lace and Love created an Ice Cream Bar sign using craft letters from Paper Source and some spray paint, but you can use their method to create any message. Simple and stunning.
44. Confetti Poppers: While this DIY looks complicated, it’s actually incredibly simple. Which is our very favorite type of DIY.
45. Rustic Vintage Tree Photo Display: An antique glass water jug and a branch from the host’s yard made for a rustic natural photo display.
46. Picture balloon: Displaying pictures of the bride- and groom-to-be is always a nice idea. You can also celebrate the bride’s friendships by using pictures of her with the important women in her life, or use pictures of the bride throughout her life for the old “guess what age the bride is” game. I love this creative method of displaying the photos.
47. Gem Statement Wall: We’re a little bit in love with a “You’re a Gem” party. There are just so many cute decor options…like this statement gem-covered wall.
48. Rossette Tablecloth: Pretty patterned linens can be expensive. You know what’s not expensive? Lettuce. That’s right, this tablecloth’s bold pattern is made with lettuce.
49. Pinwheel Wall: Go crazy with pinwheels to create this statement wall. The paper decorations make a huge impact at an affordable price.
50. Floating Presents: Just wrap styrofoam blocks to pull off this trick. (Pro tips: Don’t wrap the bottom—these won’t last forever and leaving the bottom unwrapped will extend their life a bit. Also, only put them in the pool right as the party begins.)