The tradition of bridal showers is ever changing as the desires of budding brides-to-be are often coming away from the renowned drunken hen-do weekend. As we strive as a society to become more health-orientated and enjoy the process of it, many brides are opting for weekends of wellness as a bridal shower or more relaxed retreats in general. Not only does this feel more like a sophisticated space for guests, but also can make a relaxing treat for brides-to-be amid the chaos of wedding planning.
If you're a budding bride or chief planning bridesmaid, here are all the essentials to help achieve the most sophisticated pre-wedding bridal shower.
Plan your Invites in Advance
Sophistication doesn't just mean small guest numbers, though if you want a more intimate time then just inviting nearest and dearest will create that. In order to get the classiest time out of your event, ensure to have head-counts confirmed early on, for the benefit of vendors and your venue. If people start getting added on last minute, it would ultimately mean spreading a budget further so potentially ruining how luxurious of an experience you can provide. That being said, sophistication doesn't always have to be an expense and there are more affordable ways to create the do of dreams.
If you're having a larger group embark on the bridal shower, consider ways to save money so that the bigger details can be where most of the budget is put. For instance, if going abroad for a luxury retreat, there is a wide range of budget-friendly airlines to save costs. Consider closer trips even if it's overseas too as sometimes the most beautiful location is a lot closer than you think! If this is a bride-planned hen, ensure to keep that as the main priority: that you're happy with your choices. Ultimately, your nearest and dearest are sure to accommodate whatever it is you desire before the big day, and should anyone choose to deter away from the sophisticated aims, then they're not worth the invite.
Create a Bridal Shower Checklist
Whether it's a weekend retreat or a daytime extravaganza, organisation is key for a successful event. It's vital to get everything that's needed in one place, whether that be digital means or classic pen and paper. Logistics of getting people from one area to another, giving the party accommodation a decorative flare and ultimately making sure the bride is beaming from ear to ear throughout.
To make it simple, here are the key elements to get on a bridal shower checklist:
- Return transport
- Culinary catering
- Venue
- Headcount
- Decorations
- Bridal decor wear
- Itinerary
- Date, time, and place
Catering the Event
One of the main ways to take a bridal party from trashy to classy is with the catering available at the event. If it's a weekend retreat, a good plan would be to host somewhere with private chef amenities available, like many private countryside lodgings. For a more personal touch, ensure to know the bride's taste well and have her favourite foods within the dining experience. It could be a classic three-course Italian dining experience or a tasting menu based on the experiences of the newlyweds-to-be.
Sophistication starts from the moment guests wake up, so ensure to have a breakfast spread worth of elegance and Insta' stories. If it's a luxury spa break, ensure to have tried and the food on offer, or if it's a self-catering stay ensure to put a spread on fit for all. If the bride is keen on making it a wellness stay, enjoy colourful continental eating to start the day in fruit forms, right after morning yoga in vast outdoor spaces.
Just because the plan is for this to be classy doesn't mean the cuisine can't be creative. Maybe base it off the happy couple's travels or favourite local restaurants and culinary cultures. Go elegant with classy delicacies and finger foods for the perfect array of social dining.
Find the Perfect Place to Stay
Ambient countryside barn? Classic stately home? Beach house haven? Manor retreat? The list of accommodation options for a sophisticated bridal shower is endless. For a stay for just the party in luxury privacy, consider large hen party homes. No matter the time of year or areas of stay, there is a private residency to suit any party and budget. Maybe the bride's a winter lover so would love nothing more than a cosy Autumn escape. For a sun worshipper, the beach house break is sure to impress. To make the shower truly unforgettable, the venue will be the most memory-maker or (or breaker)! If the bride has all the women she loves by her side, you can't go wrong with a private stay, right?
Have a Theme
As we've established, sophistication does not mean there is no room for creativity and authentic decor. Just because we're not going down the route of Benidorm here doesn't mean we can't have some fun with the theme of the itinerary. If the bride is obsessed with a specific decade, movie, food, culture scene, or music act, there is something you can do with anything and everything! From fitness fanatics to cookery connoisseurs, the sophistication is to be deemed by authenticity and a celebration to remember. Research, facilitate, and enjoy.
Summary
Bridal shower planning can be a challenge worthwhile when all comes together. A simple bit of scrolling the web is sure to get creative juices flowing and make a final night out for the ‘Miss' in tow, unforgettable!
