Tag Archives: bridal luncheon

Pink and Gold Parisian Bridal Shower Inspiration

As the wise Donna Meagle once said, “Treat yo self.” And what better way than with a gorgeous spread of desserts at your bridal shower or bridesmaid luncheon? Nuha of 17Berkshire Bakery in Tennessee created a Parisian-inspired dessert table perfect for just such an occasion, utilizing soft pinks and creams set off by plenty of sparkling gold leaf. Fine French pastries are on display, like her raspberry macaroons, petite eclairs and gorgeous croquembouche, accented by roses and baby’s breath. A caramel drip cake and strawberry cheesecake chocolate pyramids add a whimsical yet modern touch. Bethany Veach Photography beautifully captured this dreamy dessert spread.

Photography: Bethany Veach Photography | Desserts and Table Styling: 17Berkshire Bakery

A Bridal Crafting Party + A DIY Bunting Banner + A Raspberry Iced Tea Recipe

Bride Gemma enticed her bridesmaids into helping her with some of her DIY projects by throwing a pretty little bridal crafting party on the rolling hills surrounding her grandmother’s home. The ladies gathered for a meal of love-inspired bites all shaped like hearts, including chocolate-filled cronuts (a croissant + a donut) and tomato soup paired with mini heart-shaped grilled cheeses. A hair and makeup artist herself, this DIY bride used the occasion to trial the wedding-day hair and makeup for all of her bridesmaids, resulting in gorgeous fishtail braids and casually tousled up-dos. Scroll through the sweet shots from this sunny afternoon from Maru Photography and find two bonus DIYs below: the recipe for the refreshing raspberry and citrus-infused iced tea the ladies enjoyed and instructions for the delicate bunting banner they created.

Citrus-Infused Raspberry Iced Tea

A light, fruity tea forms the base of this recipe. For the best result, you’ll need to brew your own using loose tea leaves. Bride Gemma used a blend called Cosmopolitan that incorporates raspberry and strawberry notes. If you can’t find that exact blend, simply substitute another herbal fruit tea. David’s Tea Mighty Aphrodite would be a perfect fit.

Ingredients:
6 cups raspberry tea, brewed strong
1/2 cup simple syrup
Juice of 1 lime
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 lime, sliced (+ lime peel twists for garnish)
A handful of raspberries to garnish
Ice

Directions:
Brew a strong batch of raspberry tea, then allow it to cool completely. Mix tea, simple syrup, lemon and lime juice together in a pitcher. Add raspberries and lime slices, then fill pitcher with ice. Take a sip and then dilute with more ice or water if necessary. Add a swizzle stick with raspberries or a lime twist to each glass for a pop of color. Enjoy!

Bunting Banner

Gemma and her bridesmaids crafted these chic bunting banners to add a vintage, handmade vibe to her country hall wedding. On the wedding day, the banners crisscrossed the rafters along with strings of twinkling cafe lights.

Supplies:
3-5 different fabrics in varying patterns or colors
Sharp scissors
Double-sided tape
Fishing wire or a pretty string or ribbon cut to the desired length of the complete banner

Instructions:
1. Cut strips of fabric that are about 2 inches wide and vary in length from about 10 to 14 inches. Be sure to test your fabric out—avoid those that frays easily.
2. Fold each strip of fabric in half. Place double-sided tape between the two sides, leaving enough room to string the fishing wire or a ribbon through.
3. String on your fabric strips in a repeating pattern or go for a random look—either can work!

A Victorian Romance Bridal Luncheon Beneath the Oaks

Channeling Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, this romantic bridesmaid luncheon almost seems ripped from the pages of a gothic novel set beneath the moss-draped oaks. Photographer
Emily Gilbert and Très Chic Southern Weddings dreamed up this styled shoot for the 2nd Orlando NotWedding, choosing deep colors and vintage props—like the old-fashioned clock and globe—that created a Victorian vibe. The warm color palette—perfect for a fall bridal shower—of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows is highlighted in almost every aspect of the event, from the mimosa bar to the bicolor roses. A decadent candy bar adds a modern touch with neon orange rock candy and jewel-tone macarons. It’s Southern gothic gone glam!

A Lowcountry Creekside Bridesmaid Luncheon in Charleston

There’s something incredibly relaxing and also kind of magical about sitting on a dock with friends, enjoying a cocktail and watching the water flow by. That tranquil lowcountry vibe is perfectly captured by Clay Austin Photography in this styled bridesmaid luncheon created for the 2nd Charleston NotWedding. The stunning florals set a secret garden vibe with wild greenery and sunset-colored blooms. The simple geometric chandelier draped in ivy is a modern counterpoint to the rustic charm of the dock. Turquoise accents abound, from the wooden monogram signs on the back of each chair (what a perfect bridesmaid favor!) to the electric blue specialty cocktail topped with a matching striped straw. The 2nd Charleston NotWedding is this Wednesday, July 9th, at the Boone Hall Plantation. (Wondering exactly what a NotWedding might be? More here.) Unfortunately, tickets are sold out, but check The NotWedding blog soon for all the gorgeous details.