For bride Alyssa’s bohemian bridal shower, her friends transformed a shady backyard into an idyllic retreat, complete with a teepee hideaway. Guests picnicked on the lawn, enjoying fresh summer salads and a naked cake bursting with berries and cream. The simple photo booth DIY came together by draping neutral ribbons from a clothesline—add a handy Fujifilm Instax camera and you’re set! As an extra-special touch, all of the guests dressed in neutral shades ranging from white and taupe to soft pinks and greens, which resulted in some stunning group pictures that make this look like the most sophisticated garden party ever. While Alyssa is usually the photographer in the group (see her work here at Alyssa Wilcox Photography), her sister stepped in to capture the special moments of the day.
Tag Archives: DIY bridal shower
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 Flower Crown Crafting Bridal Shower
It’s no secret that I’m not a huge fan of bridal shower games. Now, bridal shower activities, that’s a whole other story. Engaging and fun activities like cooking classes, wine tastings or DIY projects create an interactive experience for your guests and a built-in theme for the event. So you know I’m in love with this flower crown bridal shower held at San Francisco florist Studio Choo. An instructor led the guests through a demo and then helped the ladies create their own gorgeous floral crowns. Guests enjoyed a meal of paella and sangria and toasted creative bride Robin, who brainstormed the whole event. The floral studio bursting with blooms made for a naturally gorgeous setting and Natalie N Photography was there to capture all the gorgeous details of the day.
Photography: Natalie N Photography | Venue + Flower Class Instruction: Studio Choo
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!
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
An Orange and Aqua Backyard Bridal Shower
Two creative bridesmaids turned the DIY factor up to 10 to put together this handcrafted backyard shower in sunny California, beautifully captured by Alex Rapada Photography. Almost every element was handmade, from the Chinese buffet to custom “He” and “She” signs at each table. Fluffy white china mums and sunset-orange roses pop in the hand-painted aqua Mason jars and set off the delicate lace tablecloths. And I’d take a scrapbook and a shower gift over a blender any day—it’s such a thoughtful keepsake that will last a lifetime. Each guest left with fortune cookies dipped in chocolate and coated in sprinkles—such a cute modern twist!