ne of the few events where a bride can truly let loose and be herself is at her bridal shower. New to the list of wedding events, at least in this part of the world, bridal showers are light-hearted, fun-filled events with only the closest of the bride’s friends. It’s no wonder, therefore, that no one wishes to skip this charming, close-knit gathering. If the wedding is all things flashy, a simply DIY bridal shower can make a beautiful opening to the festivities. Here are a few ideas to get started!
DIY DOES NOT HAVE TO MEAN TIME-CONSUMING. PICK A THEME AND TRY TO ASSEMBLE AS MANY DÉCOR PIECES IN THE CHOSEN COLOURS AT HOME AS POSSIBLE.
YOU’RE INVITED!
Invitations set the tone for the party and also give the guests some idea about the theme, dress code and hush-hush surprises for the beloved bride-to-be. Print out your invitation on glossy or matte paper or even get some glitter paper and hand write the invitations yourself. Adding a baked treat to the card can act as an advanced party favour and is a warm and delicious way to get your gang in on the details.
UP-DO AND DECOR
DIY does not have to mean time-consuming. Pick a theme and try to assemble as many décor pieces in the chosen colours at home as possible. Close friends can also bring some baubles from their homes to help set the area. Colourful dupattas make lovely table covers and a tasteful combination of one-coloured dupattas can really spruce up the look of your dinner or dessert table. Fairy lights and lanterns can be wrapped in soft-coloured tissue paper to lend a soft glow to the area. Potted plants can add additional charm to the spot and be a great place to hang smaller fairy lights. Terracotta pots and floor lamps artfully placed around the plants can make the space look warm, well-lit and very, very festive.
HERE COMES THE BRIDE
Instead of splurging on a printed welcome easel, draw one out! Not only is it easy and fun, but also adds a personal touch to the entire set-up. One can also go for chalk art on a blackboard for a unique look. The board can be placed right in the centre of the potted foliage to attract the most attention.
PROPS AND SELFIE CORNER
Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! The internet is your absolute best friend for all kinds of selfie props. Go on Pinterest or Google Images to pick out hand-held props that go best with your theme in mind, grab some card paper, have them printed out and cut them out into the right shapes. You can find wooden skewers at any departmental store to tape to the back of the cards and voila! DIY props are ready for you to get the party started.
Get some artistic friends together, grab a few cardboard cartons, sharp scissors and paints and get to work on making some personalised selfie frames. You can also get a few wrapping papers to wrap the frames with, if you are pressed for time, with an elaborate corner piece or two.
BON APPETIT!
Potluck is a great way to arrange food for a small and intimate gathering. As a host, you may have your hands full with so many other details, so it’s best if you stick to one, or maximum two, easy finger foods. Let your guests bring one main course or dessert item each so you can have plenty of options. People tend to share foods that they make best so this can ensure not just a fun and diversified menu but also some great culinary delights.
WHAT’S FOR FUN?
Truth or Dare games with a classily decorated bottle, sugar cube jars with racy messages for the bride, make-your-own face mask station and doing henna tattoos on each other can be great DIY activities that everyone can participate in. You can also set up a projector to play a video, recapping the choicest memories of the guests with the bride and end the evening on a sweet, nostalgic high.