Category Archives: Bridal Shower

Camping Bachelorette Inspiration Board

Inspired by this Hiking Hen Party in Andalusian Spain, I decided it was long past time to put together an inspiration board for one of my favorite bachelorette themes: camping (strangely almost always referred to as “glamping” in connection to a bachelorette party, no matter how glamorous or otherwise the accommodations). Whether you set out in a cool vintage trailer, pitch a tent or rent a rustic mountain cabin (like this renovated barn in upstate New York that I am seriously dying to stay in, hint hint friends and relatives), getting back to nature with your girlfriends is a relaxing escape from wedding planning and a time to recharge and reconnect. I’m slightly obsessed with this “coffee, mountains & cabins” sweatshirt (a perfect gift for the bride-to-be) and P.F. Candle Co.’s campfire-scented candle (send one home with each of your guests to remind them of your woodland retreat). Dress up the campfire area with these DIY floral camp chairs and a flower campfire mandala, and spend time cooking, sharing stories and secrets and stargazing around the fire. Find more ideas on our Camping Bachelorette Party Pinterest board.
From top to bottom, left to right: Cabin sweatshirt, vintage trailer, candle, breakfast, camp cooking, the barn, campfire drinks, mugs

A Sweet Strawberries and Champagne Garden Bridal Brunch

This garden bridal brunch inspiration shoot perfectly demonstrates something I firmly believe: Beautiful does not have to equal expensive. Simple touches like a vase of tulips and sweet strawberries to top the champagne glasses add pops of red to tie the rustic decor together and accent the natural beauty of this inviting Georgia garden. Plus, you’ll never believe where that gorgeous cake is from…the Publix bakery! Well, the inside is at least. “We scraped off the original icing decorations and used a spatula (and a little warm water) to rough up the way-too-perfect grocery store look,” says photographer Lydia of Mintwood Photo Co. “Add a few sprigs of rosemary and sliced lemons to the top and ta-da!”

Photography: Mintwood Photo Co. | Party game: Beau Coup

A Modern Whimsy Poolside Bridal Shower

Bride Hanna’s closest friends all lent their considerable talents to create a beautiful poolside bridal shower at this modern home in Palm Springs (an AirB&B find with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe). The DIY bridesmaids created two tablescapes that day: First, they took the opportunity to mock up the design for the wedding—a rustic, natural spread incorporating simple eucalyptus leaves and the stunning hand-drawn programs by Kathy Choi of A Young April—before transforming the patio into a playful, whimsical retreat for the bridal shower, introducing cabbages as greenery, quirky little owls and soft, feathery florals and tassels. Photographer and friend of the bride Jessica Park says her favorite moment of the day was, in fact, one of the simplest: “We were all just sipping on our homemade sangrias around the table. Shoes off, feet up, completely relaxed, and chatting away on a beautiful sunny day.” Which is exactly what a bridal shower should be all about.

Photography: Jessica Park Photography | Stationery & Printed Paper Goods: Kathy Choi of A Young April | Floral Arrangements and Crown: Stacy Seow | Frills + Tassels: Jihan of Geronimo Balloons

A Glittering Pink High Tea Shower in Sydney, Australia

If you’re gonna go pink and glitter, you should really just go all the way—as evidenced by this gorgeous glittering pink high tea shower shot by Ducky Jessica Photography. DIY bride Helena created a girly glam wonderland of pink balloons and flowing fuchsia streamers in her Australia home. But this tea party theme is far from the traditional—it’s Marie Antoinette a la Sofia Coppola, the Mad Hatter on a sequin spree. Soft flower crowns were the perfect unexpected accessory, adding softness and a natural touch. Guests sat down to high tea before popping the glitter-dipped champagne bottles and retiring to the patio to enjoy the Sydney sunshine.

Photography: Ducky Jessica Photography | High Tea: The High Tea Company | Flowers, Flower Crown & Flower Frame: Blooms & Scents Floral Studio | Bride’s Hair: Lizzie Liros Hair

Where to Shop for a Lingerie Shower (Other Than Victoria’s Secret)

So, the title of this post might make you think I have something against Victoria’s Secret, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I buy their underwear and love it! I’m wearing a pair now (TMI?). But that’s just the point—Victoria’s Secret is so ubiquitous and is the go-to for so many women that when it comes time to buy something for a lingerie shower, it just doesn’t feel that special. The bride could easily buy these pieces for herself. She might already have one or two! She’s certainly seen it in the store before. And, especially if you are purchasing from VS’s bridal line, there’s a good chance you’ll end up buying something that another guest has purchased too.

In that spirit, I wanted to introduce you to a few brands outside the norm, beyond the pink stripes. This will give you a chance to shop around and to gift her with something completely unique and unexpected. Who knows, you might even decide to mix up your own lingerie routine!

Journelle

Want a one-stop shop to rival Victoria’s Secret? Journelle is it. This retailer carries many of the brands mentioned here—like Eberjey, Princesse Tam Tam, Myla and more—as well as their own line of intimates and sleepwear. Founder Claire Chambers found lingerie options to be lacking in the United States after living a few years abroad and founded the company to make designer brands accessible to all. You can visit one of their four locations in NYC or cyber shop to your heart’s content on the website. Not sure of the bride’s intimate style and want to send her a gift card instead? This is a great option.

Available at journelle.com

Eberjey

Eberjey has a relaxed, sexy vibe that makes these the perfect romantic yet comfy undies to lounge in all day—hopefully in some exotic locale. The color palette is soft and feminine and the styles incorporate intricate yet modern cuts. Their bridal collection includes fluttery chemises for only $49 or gorgeous statement bras for up to $65. Want something with a little more edge? The black scalloped Carmen underwire bra ($65) does sexy-chic right.

Available at eberjey.com, Anthropologie, Journelle, and other retailers

CLO Intimo

Inspired by her South American roots, CLO Intimo founder and Colombia native Claudia Ochoa creates striking modern lingerie in earthy colors that accentuate the natural curves of the female body. Choose from the lacy Fortuna collection (bras $52, thong $24) or the more sporty colorblocked Kali collection (bra $49, thong $22).

Available at clostudio.com, shopbop.com, and Journelle

Myla

This high-end British brand makes statement lingerie incorporating Leaver’s lace and hand-done details. The quality and construction of the pieces make them practically keepsakes—and they do have a price tag to match. The Eustacia bridal line is crafted from Swiss tulle and French eyelash lace and the bra alone is $280. But one of my personal favorite collections, the more modern Arietta line, has a slightly lower price point at $150 for the lacy black and royal blue contoured bra and $100 for the matching thong. This is a gorgeous and timelessly sexy option, perhaps to go in together with another guest at the shower for a joint gift.

Available at myla.com, in select stores, and at shopbop.com

Hanky Panky

This made-in-the-USA brand specializes in underwear that is a little bit cheeky and totally colorful, all at a modest price point. Their signature look is lacy and bright, using a custom stretch fabric that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. They also have a good selection of plus size and maternity styles, celebrating that every body is beautiful. (And for the Lily Pulitzer-obsessed, check out their collaboration that incorporates some of the brand’s bold prints!)

Available at hankypanky.com, shopbop.com, Nordstrom’s and these other national retailers

Princesse Tamtam

This French label does peekaboo pretty with sophisticated flair. Their lacy underpinnings incorporate sheer patterned panels that can show just a little (like the Maryline lace bra, $72) or a lot (the Amber underwire bra, $83, perhaps).

Available at ASOS.com, Madewell, Journelle, and shopbop.com

Naja

Naja’s bold patterns and saturated colors make this perfect honeymoon lingerie. I’m like a little bit obsessed with their Talavera Blue collection because it just screams “honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast” to me. If you’re looking for more of a Mexican holiday vibe, try the Andalusia collection’s lacy neon yellow pieces. The price point is great as well, with a high-waisted brief for $32 or a lacy bralette for $42. Special and affordable.

Available at naja.com

A Kate Spade Bridal Shower Brunch

You know what je l’adore? Tulle skirts. And bold statement stripes. And cute graphic tees. And this Kate Spade bridal shower. I am seriously already shopping for my own version of bride Lauren’s stylish ensemble and her contagious smile absolutely conveys the happy-time vibes at this brunch, captured by Stacy of Set Free Photography. The navy and gold color palette creates a bit of a nautical feeling, but the pop of pink gives it a modern twist. Guests enjoyed stuffed French toast (Lauren’s favorite) and mimosas before cutting into the cake shaped like a Kate Spade jewelry box (plus, Lauren got to open the real thing later that day).

You’re a Gem Party Inspiration

You got a diamond—why not share the love? Celebrate your engagement with a You’re A Gem party theme. This could also be a great theme for a bridesmaid appreciation brunch—after all, they’ve been total gems throughout this crazy process, right? Instead of focusing on the sparkly side of diamonds, we took inspiration from the gem’s geometric shape and incorporated pastel colors with just the tiniest hints of metallic and shimmer. Set up a photobooth station with these engagement ring props and send your guests home with gem-shaped soaps. Get more gem inspiration on our You’re a Gem Pinterest board.