Tyler's Bridal Shower

There is always a first time for everything right? A bridal shower was always something I have wanted to plan for someone. I love the thought of putting together all of the decorations, cooking and baking, creating the guest list, and to see the smile on the Bride-to-Be's face when she walks in and sees her shower! So when it was my responsibility to throw Tyler the greatest shower ever, I was thrilled and started to plan away!

Ty's wedding theme was Alice in Wonderland, so I knew I wanted to play off of that and have an elegant tea party! First thing's first though! Budget!! Since this was all coming out of my pocket, I knew I needed to d.i.y. anything I could, borrow items from family or friends, or buy items that would be an investment for later. My budget was no more than $150. I thought of how I wanted to decorate the tables with pretty quilts, antique doilies, little vintage knick-knacks I would get from my aunt and grandmother, and live plants to really give it that Alice vibe! My aunt let me borrow her tea sets to use for the food and tea. All I had to buy was ingredients for food, flowers and plants, and tulle to decorate the chairs with. I ended up only having to spend $120 all together!

The day of the shower had finally arrived, and my aunt Sharon volunteered to help me decorate all morning while my aunt Jo helped prepare the petite sandwiches and tea. This party was originally planned to be outside, but it ended up raining on and off all day, so we had to move the party inside. Sharon and I strategically planned how the tables would be set up in the house so that all twenty guests, in a teeny tiny home could move around easily. Once that was settled, we set up the tables with the quilts, doillies, food, plants, and drinks. It was beautiful! It was 5:30p.m. and everyone came and raved about the set up and the food that my aunt Jo and I prepared. There was great conversation, laughs, and tears of joy shared throughout the evening. A night to remember!

This experience taught me how to be a leader and manage a party myself. It taught me that preparation is key to throwing an event. Preparation includes creating an affordable budget, buying things needed and asking to borrow things from people ahead of time, having a schedule on when to send out invitations, start food preparation, and set up decorations. Even with the complications of having to move the party inside, it still ended up being a great time had by all!