A Perfectly Preppy Bridal Shower Inspiration

The wedding plans are running along smoothly and your date is swiftly approaching. In the midst of all that excitement you get to take a little break and enjoy your bridal shower! This lovely event is a special way to celebrate the bride and not to mention a time for the bride to relax and enjoy friends and family. The bridal shower is a great opportunity to showcase a fun, light hearted party theme that didn't quite make the cut for your actual wedding. For all you girly-girls out there, a perfectly preppy bridal shower theme is right up your alley! When we say preppy, we're not talking about the girls from Clueless or the Plastics from Mean Girls. Okay, well maybe we're taking a cue from their style a little! When we think of preppy; classic, cute and casual come to mind! Combine that with all things pretty, pink and plaid and you have the perfect recipe for a memorable bridal shower.

Tell your shower guests that the dress code is cool and casual. Pretty plaid shirts, polos and gleaming pearls are fitting choices. Decorate the shower venue in shades of pink and green (the perfect preppy combo). Incorporate plaid and argyle patterns wherever you can. Serve girly pink drinks and classy little appetizers. We hope that you and your guests will love this fun, flirty bridal shower theme as much as we do!

Image credits: Plaid bow shoes, Plaid shirt and pearls, Pink and green outfit, Initial frame, Argyle floral arrangement by Michelle from Lemiga Events, Heart cake (Dylan Lauren's bridal shower cake), Pink drink with garnish, Pink and green fabric collection, Candles, Candy table decorations

Here's the Scoop on a Fabulous Bridal Shower Idea...

As the winter months drag on, shift your mind to warmer thoughts. Are you searching for a unique idea for that spring or summer bridal shower? How about an Ice Cream Social theme? For all you girls out there who can recall spending more than one evening of their lives curled up with a pint of Ben and Jerry's, this bridal shower is right up your ally. Follow this recipe for a sweet shower that you and your guests will surely enjoy.

Kick off your ice cream themed bridal shower with do-it-yourself invitations shown at right. Use card stock and bakers twine to create adorable ice cream cone invites. If you can, throw your party outside and decorate your venue with whimsical ice cream cone garlands, balloons and centerpieces made from balls of yarn and sugar cones, as seen below.

Start your shower off with a light and tasty lunch with a 50's diner feel. Mini slider burgers and mini grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect paired with an ice cream treat to follow. Include appetizers like French fries and onion rings served in cone-shaped holders.

Your Ice Cream Social shower would not be complete without a self-service ice cream sundae bar. Your bar should include ice cream, of course, stick to the basic flavors like vanilla and chocolate and let your guests go crazy with the toppings. Place containers of ice cream in galvanized steel tubs filled with ice.

Ask each of your guests to bring in their favorite sundae topping, be sure to provide the essentials like chocolate syrup, caramel, chopped nuts, sprinkles and whipped cream. Other great toppings like Oreos, crushed candy bars, marshmallows, brownies and fruit will surely be appreciated. Don't forget the cherries! Place toppings in old fashioned glass jars or waffle cone bowls for a nice presentation. Have your guests create their sundaes in old fashioned, tulip sundae glasses for a retro touch, or waffle cone bowls for a less expensive option. Because nothing goes better with ice cream than cake, include in your menu cupcakes made in sugar cones, frosted like ice cream.

 

What would a bridal shower be without games? Keep your theme going with an ice cream sundae building contest, blindfold optional! Pair guests up and blindfold one, the blindfold-free partner will direct the other in building their sundae. Pair this game with other traditional bridal shower games. Give out ice cream themed party favors and prizes like neat ice cream scoops or collectible ice cream dishes or bowls.

You don't have to wait until spring or summer to celebrate with an Ice Cream Social Bridal Shower, ice cream is appreciated year round. Throw your party indoors and you will have your guests looking forward to warmer weather. This Ice Cream Social theme would also work well for engagement parties, couples showers, afternoon wedding receptions, and weekend wedding festivities.

So grab a spoon, you might need to start practicing for that sundae building contest!

Mandy

Credits: 1st image-ice cream cone dishes, 2nd collage-balloons, invitations, garland, 3rd collage- mini slider burgers, french fry cones, 4th collage- yarn centerpiece, bowls of ice cream, cupcake cones, waffle cone bowls