Category Archives: Real Parties

A Walt Disney World Bachelorette Weekend

My high school friend Ally is the queen of all things Disney World. Not only has she planned several girls getaways to the Orlando theme parks, including most recently her friend Shelly’s bachelorette bash (Shelly Cinderelly! How cute, right?), she even spent her honeymoon on an all-access Disney adventure. So she was the absolute perfect person to share her tips for planning the perfect Walt Disney World bachelorette weekend in Orlando, Florida.

Ally’s Tips for the Perfect Disney Experience

1. Stay on property. Logistics can be a nightmare with a big group, but Disney makes it effortless. There are plenty of hotels for all budgets, so take advantage of the free parking and public transportation (buses/trams) offered by on-park resorts. You also have access to other resorts and their amenities.

2. Purchase park passes early. Disney offers a complimentary FastPass service once you purchase your tickets or book a room at a Disney resort. FastPasses allow you to reserve an entrance time for top attractions or character greetings and can be a real time saver. Your attraction choices can be selected 90 days out from your trip. By pre-booking rides/attractions that are of interest to your party, you can plan the rest of the day around the “must-do’s.”

3. Customize your Magic Bands. These bracelets act as your ticket and room key, and allow for in-park charging to a room account if you stay on property. Plus, they can be customized! There are a few Etsy shops with cute monogramming options (like these glitter ones or these Minnie Mouse ones) or you can find bridal party decals or patterned decals like these Lily Pulitzer-inspired ones. The Disney store also has buttons you can add to make these accessories your own.

4. Make reservations for great dining experiences! The Disney restaurants both in the park and at their on-property hotels are amazing and cannot be passed up for stand-in-line, quick-service fare. Take a breather from the crowds and schedule some down time for your meals. Be quick, though! High-demand restaurants such as Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table often book up 4 to 6 months in advance.

5. Meet Characters: These meet ‘n’ greets aren’t just for kids! Take time to look up when your favorite characters will be out and get in line early or FastPass to meet them. It’s worth it and makes the Disney magic come alive! You can also look up rare character appearances, such as Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella, Gaston and many others. You may even spot a villain or two….or a fairy godmother!

6. Download the Disney app. You will be glad you did. The app allows you to see the wait times of attractions, the location of bathrooms, and much, much more! It’s a lifesaver!

7. Let your Disney side show: Embrace everything Disney. Bring out your inner princesses with tu-tus or a matching color scheme. Get ears for your party! Matching shirts? Yes! Do not be afraid to go all out. It’s Disney, after all.

Ally’s Picks for Lodging and Dining

Lodging:

Budget: Rent a camp site and go glamping at Fort Wilderness, or savor the flavor of NOLA at Port Orleans-Riverside/French Quarter.

Spend: The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a treat (hello, animals outside your room!) or try The Beach/Yacht Clubs (they have sand in the pool and water slides for that oceanside feel).

Splurge: The Polynesian will make you feel like you’ve escaped to the Maldives with its waterside villas, or try The Grand Floridian for a Victorian-style trip back in time or The Contemporary for modern upscale luxury.

Dining:

Budget: The Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom), Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios), La Hacienda de San Angel (Epcot), The Plaza (Magic Kingdom), Trader Sam’s (Polynesian) and Yak & Yeti (Animal Kingdom).

Spend: Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Kidani Villas), Rainforest Cafe (Disney Springs), Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom), Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge).

Splurge: California Grill (The Contemporary), Le Cellier (Epcot), Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom), Victoria & Albert’s (Grand Floridian).

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.

A Los Angeles Cappuccino and Poetry Bridal Shower | Ultimate Bridesmaid | Sherri J Photography

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.

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.

A Winter Girls Getaway to Lake Louise

I love the idea of a snowy winter escape. It’s perfect for a laid-back bachelorette, or just a much-needed getaway with your girlfriends. Erin from Fuller Edge Photography had just such an adventure when she and a few friends took a girls getaway to Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada. The ladies started the day off with a brisk sleigh ride with Brewsters Adventures, which took them all around the lake, affording gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and forest. After a quick thank you to the horses and a turn on the ice, the ladies made a lunch stop at Baker Creek Mountain Resort. Sherrie of Oak & Meadow had packed an amazing picnic lunch (including spiked hot chocolate and whipped cream, of course), which they enjoyed around one of the resort’s roaring fire pits. Winter perfection.

A Love is Sweet Bridal Shower

The centerpiece for this gorgeous Love is Sweet bridal shower was a statement ombre pink wall featuring gold-rimmed vintage china and the custom tagline for the day: “Moodie in Love,” based on bride-to-be Diba’s new last name. The candy-pink wall was the perfect backdrop for a decadent sweets bar, including an ice cream cone station and plenty of soothing herbal teas to go along with. Photographer, event designer and friend of the bride Tiffany Lue-Yen recruited the help of the bridesmaids to collect and paint bottles and hang a wall of streamers for even more of a visual pop. These simple touches were inexpensive, but made a huge impact on the space. The resulting vibe is warm and invitingly homemade with a stylish vintage flair.

Photography and event design: Tiffany Lue-Yen | Signs, labels & cupcake toppers: Toppin Designz | Candy jars: Melanie Miller | Catering and desserts: Siri Brown-Saunders

A Modern Geometric Gold Bridal Shower

Led by bride Rachel’s sister and MOH, Ashley, this creative group of bridesmaids took DIY to the extreme with this modern geometric gold bridal shower. Rachel’s other sister Taylor, a wedding photographer herself, was happy to capture the gorgeous details that all the bridesmaids worked so hard to create. “We went spray paint happy for two days straight. It was so much work but well worth the effort,” says Taylor. Clear balloons mixed with tons of gold accents and geometric shapes kept the look modern but classic, while vibrant wildflowers added a pop of color. The hanging geometic shapes were constructed from simple drinking straws spray painted gold. The room was also dotted with air plants and succulents, some of Rachel’s favorite things. An empty coat closet was transformed into a bar, where mimosas and mojitos were served in vintage glasses that belonged to the bride’s grandmother. Even the food was DIY: Bridesmaid Scarlett prepared an amazing menu of fresh, seasonal dishes like peppercorn-crusted ahi tuna, grilled watermelon and feta skewers and prosciutto and melon bites. Thanks to Taylor Cotilla Photography for sharing!