A bridal shower is a party held by close friends and family members to give the bride-to-be gifts and help her prepare for married life. The tradition dates back to 16th century Holland and grew as a substitute for the more formal dowry system. Today, bridal parties can be a fun way to honor the bride-to-be for her commitment to her new life with her fiancé.
The most important thing to keep in mind when planning a bridal shower is to consult with the bride first. Ideally, the bride will provide her must-invite list and approve it for the final list. This is also the time to discuss any other events like a bachelorette party or engagement party, and make sure all guest lists are in sync.
Whether it’s a simple brunch or a full-on soiree, the bridal shower is an opportunity to get creative and add personalized touches for the bride. Depending on the venue, decorations can include anything from floral walls to edible treats and photographs to create a bridal-inspired atmosphere. The menu can be a fusion of classic favorites and more modern choices as well. Mini quiches, stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta, sliders, skewers, cured meats and cheeses, hummus, orzo salads, quinoa salads, Caprese salads, and fruit tarts are just a few of the many options available.
While the term bridal is often associated with a traditional white dress, there are plenty of fashion-forward and trendy brides who choose to embrace color. In fact, a black bridal gown is a bold choice, but it’s one that works for the right bride.
For her glamorous black-and-white wedding in Cincinnati, Amber went for a lace and Italian mikado Leah Da Gloria mermaid gown that exuded “sexy, elegant, and timeless” vibes. She chose a custom-made necklace and earrings from Untamed Petals to complete the look.
Serena Williams embraced her inner bridal goddess at her New Orleans nuptials with Russell Wilson in 2017. She opted for the quintessential frothy ball gown silhouette from Alexander McQueen, elevated by a corseted front and a regal cape. Her stunning accessories included the matching bangles from her line, Untamed Petals.
Founded in 2011 by Kyha Scott, the designer behind both KYHA and Chosen ready-to-wear labels, the brand is known for its modern approach to bridal fashion. Her collections and runway shows showcase sleek minimalism, innovative detailing, and flawless execution.
As the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, Bao-Tram (BT) wanted her bridal ensemble to pay tribute to her family’s culture. For her big day, she wore an ivory Vietnamese ao dai by designer Thai Nguyen, with floral beaded lace and sequins. She completed her bridal look with royal blue Manolo Blahnik Hangisi pumps and a sleek ponytail.
When it comes to bridal accessories, nothing quite compares to the timeless beauty of pearls. The classic gem has been worn by brides and women of all ages for generations, making it the perfect symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. Pearls have been paired with everything from romantic silhouettes to bohemian lace bell sleeves for the ultimate bridal look.