Category Archives: DIY

“Sprinkle on the Love” Bridal Shower Favors

I recently spent the weekend in Greensboro, North Carolina, for my wonderful friend Jae’s wedding. We had a packed schedule of activities, including a bachelorette spa day and slumber party, a bridal shower tea party and, of course, the wedding! It was wonderful to spend so much quality time with some of my favorite ladies. I even got to spend the night before the wedding with Jae, which was super special. One unexpected consequence of getting married: it can bring you closer to the women in your life!

I wanted to share one quick DIY with you: the favor tags I made for the bridal shower. My fellow bridesmaids and I had talked about the idea of giving sprinkles as bridal shower favors for awhile, since Jae is maybe kinda a little obsessed with them. So when I saw these adorable sprinkles were 50% off at Paper Source, I jumped on that shizz!

Once we had the sprinkles, fellow bridesmaid Lexy came up with the cute tagline “Sprinkle on the Love for Jae’s Shower” and I set to work making tags to personalize the favors.

The best part? I made a version that you can use! Simply click on the PDF link below for the best resolution. You can download a printable PDF of the tags here.

You can download a printable PDF of these tags for your bridal shower favors here.

Want to get super-crazy sprinkle ridiculous? Paper Source actually has even more sprinkle goodies—including this wrapping paper I’m obsessed with.

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

My Will You Be My Bridesmaid Gift Boxes

Sending a “Will You Be My Bridesmaid?” card or present is a newer tradition, but one I love. I actually asked all my bridesmaids over the phone or in person because I felt like it was important to have that personal connection. But I still wanted to send them a “Will You Be My Bridesmaid” gift, more as a “thank you” for saying yes! First, I looked at some of the Will You Be My Bridesmaid cards I’ve loved over the years, but ultimately I decided to create one myself, partially because I just couldn’t decide between all the cute ones out there and partially just to challenge myself to imagine something new.

Andrew and I are getting married in Northeast Harbor, Maine, and it will be the first time that most of my friends are visiting this part of the country. I wanted to give them a taste of what to expect in Maine with my bridesmaid gift box. For the card, I went back through all my photos from our past vacations on Mt. Desert Island to look for a perfect background image. When choosing a photo, I needed to find one that had some negative space where I could easily place text. I chose a picture of the rocky coastline of Acadia National Park that has a bit of fog rolling in off the coast, the perfect neutral backdrop for the text.

I used Photoshop to create the card. I added the photograph as my first layer, then added my text as my second layer and played with a couple fonts until I found one I liked. To make the text pop, I decided to use a metallic gold foil effect. Here’s how to achieve that effect yourself (it’s actually incredibly easy). First, I found an image of gold foil online and saved it to my computer. I added the foil image as my third Photoshop layer. I resized the foil until it completely covered my text, making sure that the foil layer is right on top of the text layer in my Layers palette. Then, simply hover your cursor between the text and foil layers and hold down ALT. A little icon will appear. Once you click, it will create a clipping mask that fills the text with the metallic foil. Magic! Here’s a video that explains the whole process really well.

For the other items in my box, I wanted to include one or two pretty gifts I thought my bridesmaids would enjoy and use in their everyday lives, as well as a few things with a Maine connection. I approached picking gifts with two things in mind. 1. Quality over quantity. When you’re trying to fill gift boxes for five people, the costs can add up quickly. So in order to keep my boxes on a budget, I decided I’d rather pick a few nice items than stuff the box with little trinkets. 2. Pick things my bridesmaids will like and use, not just wedding “themed” items. Some of the items have a Maine theme, it’s true, but I also just thought they were nice and something my bridesmaid would love.

I found the jewelry trays on sale at J.Crew Factory and ordered a different pattern for each bridesmaid. The necklaces nestled in each jewelry tray were picked up during one of my visits to Maine. To go along with the coastal Maine theme, I included a bottle of my favorite Bumble and Bumble Surf products (they smell soooo good and leave my hair incredibly soft) and added a jar of yummy Maine blueberry honey. The finishing touch was a personal note that I wrote to each bridesmaid, thanking them for agreeing to be my bridesmaid and sharing why I was so excited to have them stand by my side at my wedding.

I took a trip to Paper Source for my packing supplies. I needed gift boxes large enough to fit the jewelry trays, but not so large that everything would shift around too much during shipping. I found these white gift boxes that fit the bill and filled them with white and gold shredded paper. I also picked up some gold chevron washi tape to decorate the exterior of the plain white boxes, and a ball of blue and white striped twine which I tied around the honey jars.

So those are my gift boxes! I really hope my bridesmaids will like them and I can’t wait to see them and all of my friends at my bachelorette party this May in Charleston, SC!

Photographs by my amazing bridesmaid, photographer Marisa Jarae (check out her jaw-dropping Instagram for your daily dose of mountain magic).

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.)

9 Money Saving Tips for the Bachelorette Party

We’re all familiar with the concept of “get the look for less.” Well, let’s call this “get the bachelorette for less.” Bachelorette expenses can add up quickly, so here are a few ways to keep costs down for everyone while still creating a memorable, kickass bachelorette party.

Instead of hopping on a flight…
Pick a central location that’s drivable for most of your guests. The highest cost associated with a bachelorette party is usually the flight ticket. Choosing a location that is close to most of your guests will greatly help reduce costs for all. This may require you to do a little research and to think creatively to find alternatives to far-off locales that still offer the activities and vibe your bride is looking for. Instead of a getaway to Napa, look into nearby wineries—almost every state has them! Rather than booking a trip to Vegas, consider the nearest big city instead. From Charlotte to Nashville to Seattle, there’s plenty of fun bachelorette action to be had, without the Vegas price tag. Rather than a beachfront hotel in Miami, rent a lake house or choose a beach that’s closer to home (and more affordable). Keep an open mind and be creative. You may be glad you picked a less flashy destination when you find out how much the areas closest to you have to offer—and how much you’ll save.

Instead of booking hotel rooms…
Host the guests at your house. The second highest expense for a bachelorette party is lodging. Hosting can be stressful but, if your group is cool with blow-up mattresses and crashing on the couch, it will ultimately save them a lot of money. If hosting isn’t an option as none of your guests live in the chosen destination, look at Airbnb and vrbo.com for vacation rental options. You’ll have more space in a home and will enjoy common areas like a living room and backyard. Plus, access to a kitchen will allow you to save money by eating in at least a few times. Just be sure to be mindful of hefty cleaning charges and refundable deposits and leave the place the way you found it.

Instead of going out for a fancy dinner…
Cook a gourmet meal at home. Dining in can save you a ton of money. You can make a meal at home for a fraction of what it would cost in a restaurant. Just the savings on wine alone ($10 bottles at home rather than $25 bottles at a restaurant) will go a long way. Tasting Table has a few tips for planning a stress-free dinner party. The host can take care of the main dish while guests provide appetizers, dessert and drinks. Keep appetizers simple with a cheese board (who does not love cheese?), asking a few guests to bring cheese, crackers, bread, grapes, olives and/or cured meats. Assign other guests a bottle of wine or liquor (ask for a mid-priced option) and necessary mixers. For dessert, a store-bought cake or pie from a local bakery with a scoop of ice cream is all you need (or see our tips below to snaz up a grocery store cake).

Instead of splurging on a limo…
Plot a course for the night that is walkable and then take a taxi home. Renting transportation for the whole night can end up being a big waste of money if very little of your time will be spent in that expensive party bus or limo. If you’re planning to go to multiple bars or clubs, try to pick destinations that are close together so your group can just mosey from one place to the next. Then just have a local taxi company’s number in your phone or your Uber app ready when it comes time to call it a night.

Instead of mailing printed invitations…
Send stylish (and free) evites from Paperless Post. These digital cards are as pretty as printed stationery, even arriving in your inbox with a custom envelope that unfolds to reveal the invitation. Paperless Post collaborates with lots of stylish designers as well, like Kate Spade, Jonathan Adler, Kelly Wearstler and J.Crew.

Instead of going overboard on decor…
Harness the talents of your guests and utilize what you have. Make flower arrangements by gathering blooms from a guest’s garden. A lacy tablecloth can become a photo booth backdrop. Wheel a bar cart outside and—boom!—you’ve got a sense of whimsy. Set the table with mismatched vintage dishes borrowed from friends and relatives. Make the cute bunting banner you see above in minutes.

Instead of starting the night at a fancy cocktail bar…
Host a cocktail hour in your hotel or home. At $8–$12 a pop (depending on where you live), cocktails can add up quickly. Having a few drinks in your home or hotel room before you go out will greatly decrease the cost of liquor throughout the night. Create a specialty cocktail for the bride and ask around to see if anyone collects pretty glassware. Or, break out the paint pens to dress up inexpensive plastic cocktail glasses (time to channel your inner sorority sister, girls). You can also use this time to play a few bachelorette party games, like the Fiancé Quiz or a game of Most Likely To. You probably don’t want to be asking the bride what her favorite sex position is in a crowded bar or loudly declaring who is most likely to hook up with someone tonight as that potential hookup looks on.

Instead of ordering a fancy custom cake…
Dress up a store-bought cake with a few easy tweaks. Dip a knife in warm water and then run it over the frosting to replace the grocery store look with a more rustic, hand-done finish. Then decorate with whatever you have on hand: herbs like rosemary, fruit like lemons or grapefruit slices, flowers, edible glitter, or a big pile of candy.

Instead of buying an expensive shower gift…
Team up with a friend or two to create a wine basket for her first year of marriage. If you don’t buy a lot of wine, here’s a little secret: Good wine does not have to be expensive. My favorite section at my local wine store is entitled “Cheap and Delicious” and the wines are just that. Trader Joe’s wine shop is a discount wine dream or take a look at wine.com for highly rated but low-priced wines.

Photo credits, top to bottom: Sorella Muse Photography, Dyanna Joy Photography, Cameron Leung Photography, Tiltawhirl Photography, Paperless Post, Maru Photography, Sweet Root Village, Mintwood Photo Co., Ultimate Bridesmaid

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

Ultimate Bridesmaid

The bridesmaid blog for bridal shower and bachelorette party inspiration, bridesmaid duties, party games, fashion, favors and more

Category Archives: DIY

“Sprinkle on the Love” Bridal Shower Favors

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My Will You Be My Bridesmaid Gift Boxes

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50 Simple and Stylish DIY Bridal Shower & Bachelorette Decoration Ideas

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9 Money Saving Tips for the Bachelorette Party

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A Sweet Strawberries and Champagne Garden Bridal Brunch

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A Modern Whimsy Poolside Bridal Shower

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