Bridal Shower Party Tips From Experts

1 What are some creative ideas for table settings and dessert bars?

Image Source: A Girl and a Camera Photography

Think outside the box! You don't just need cake stands or plates to display food. Use jars, racks, furniture, and anything that will allow you to stack up or out to create a dessert bar. Books also make a great centerpiece and dessert bar tool. . . . You can stack horizontally and vertically, display items on top of them, and they add a discussion point for guests if you collect interesting titles or books themed to your wedding or interests.

Vintage toolboxes, picnic baskets, and sewing containers/drawers can also make for very interesting display cases or settings if styled with flowers, name cards, or even desserts. We've used a real or fake topiary plant to pin jeweled hair pins for female guests to take as a favor but placed them as centerpieces on the table — visually beautiful with the jewels sparkling around a green plant and another discussion point for guests who loved selecting their pin at the end of the night.

— Erin from SwagPie Design

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2 What are your best tips for planning an engagement party?

Image Source: A Girl and a Camera Photography

Find out what the bride and groom's favorite appetizers and drinks are.
Invite people who are special to them but who they may not be expecting.
Create a memory album or video to show during the party.

— Monina from SwagPie Design

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3 What are some of your favorite bachelorette and bridal shower themes?

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Macy Williams

A few themes I love are nautical, sexy suit and tie, and shine bright like a diamond.

— Denise from The Linen Bar

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4 What are the modern etiquette rules for invitations to these prewedding parties?

Image Source: A Girl and a Camera Photography

Invitation is a must as it sets the tone for your event. Some of the key elements in the invitation suite you should include aside from the main invitation is a direction and/or information card. This card allows you to list out what activities might be scheduled and directions to the destination. When it comes to making a guest list and who to invite to these celebrations, just keep in mind . . . would you prefer Grandma to be at your crazy bachelorette party or a lovely tea party bridal shower? It’s really up to you, but typically bachelorette parties are geared for evening entertainment and a bridal shower and/or engagement party is an afternoon family affair.

— Karla from Bella Carta Studio

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5 What are some nontraditional ideas for a bachelorette party?

Image Source: A Girl and a Camera Photography

I love the idea of a bridal party getting glammed up; crack open a bottle of Champagne and do a photo shoot. It's so fun and you'll have the memories forever!

— Jen from A Girl and a Camera Photography

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