Wedding Shower Inspiration: Daniela's Vintage Tea Party

Every girl dreams of her beautiful wedding day with formal invitations, lush flowers, elegant  details, white dresses, and ever so helpful bridesmaids.  But, would you dream that your bridal shower could be the scene stealer?  Today we are pleased to share Daniela's "vintage tea party" themed bridal shower, exquisitely put together by her thoughtful and creative bridesmaids.  From homemade Vanilla extract favors to handmade doily garland and paper pom poms, this is a shower is full of charming personal touches that helped to create an elegant and sophisticated day for the bride to remember.

We asked one of the bridesmaids to give us her take on how
they went about planning this event and here are some of the thoughts and
insite she shared with us:

Was
there an overarching theme for the shower?

Our initial thought for a theme was an elegant, soft, vintage
inspired tea party, but we didn't want to take it too literally and serve just
tea and put pictures of tea kettles and cups on everything. We wanted to keep
it as elegant and sophisticated as possible. Towards the end it had felt like
we broke pretty far away from our initial "tea party" idea but then
seeing it all come together and looking at the pictures now, I think it
translates as just that.

How
did you come up with the ideas for the theme/decor?

Most of the ideas stemmed from things we knew
Daniela loved and then we used our own ideas and inspirations found online to
embellish on that. 

It
seemed there were a lot of little details. How long did it take you to plan?

It's hard to say how long it took to plan since
I'm sure we both had been thinking of ideas since before Daniela was even
engaged. But I believe our actual planning probably began about 6 months ahead
of time. For example, our favors (Homemade Vanilla Extract) had to sit for
4-5 months before being bottled and ready to use.

How did you choose the venue?

We knew we wanted to host it at a place where we had complete control and constant access so we could be planning and setting up in the months, days, and hours beforehand, so that is why we decided to host it in Sheryl's backyard. We felt having it at a hall or restaurant, although less work for us in the long run, would limit us.

How long did it take you to set up?

As for the set up, we did a lot of prepping in
the months and weeks before the shower and stored everything in Sheryl's
basement. We began setting things up in the yard the evening before (once the
tent was set up and tables & chairs delivered) and spent the day of the
shower doing the final touches. After the shower and the following day was the
clean up...which with a lot of helping hands was a breeze!

What
types of games did you play?

For games there was bridal bingo, a word
search, and a Pat & Daniela quiz. We also placed LRC (Left Right Center)
games along the table for people to play at their own will, but I think people
were too busy chatting, eating, and drinking to be bothered to play .

Did you do it all yourselves?

We (Sara and Sheryl) did all of the planning and coordinating ourselves and tackled the majority of the decor and details. Thankfully both Daniela and Pat's mothers were very eager to help and were very generous in their contributions (tent, tables, chair & linen rentals, catering, and tons of additional desserts).

Was it a surprise?

The date, time and location of the shower were not a surprise to the bride to be -- we actually even placed an invitation to her own bridal shower on her front steps spruced up with some flowers. But we didn't let any of the details slip. 

Want to throw a shower like this?  Check the links these ladies have posted on Ruffled and Craig's List if you are interested in purchasing the china, glassware, server ware, and other items for your very own tea-party themed event!  Not all of the items are for sale, but it will certainly get you off to a great start!

Thanks to Sara and Sheryl for sharing these photos and detail with us and warmest congratulations to Daniela, the lovely bride to be!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

All The News That's Fit To Print

You don't need to have a wedding / bridal shower "theme" in order to incorporate unique and interesting ideas to your decor. We already talked about incorporating your love of literature into your wedding, but here are some ideas involving newsprint. What we love about this decor style is that it's so simple (and green). Just take some old newspapers and make it into something beautiful... or hire one of the many talented Etsy artists that we scoped out for you to do the job. These simple newsprint crafts are perfect for more rustic DIY style weddings, adding subtle character to your decor.

 1. Mommy Holly| 2. Paper Polaroid | 3. Yellow Curls | 4. Ko Two Designs | 5. Pickled Parlor | 6. arawlins

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Tips for the Bridesmaid: 50s Style Bridal Shower

The best thing about Facebook's creepiness is that you can get a glimpse into other people's fabulous ideas. A few months ago I lurked photos of my friend at a 50s themed bridal shower, and I absolutely loved it! The planning is fairly simple -- the invite establishes the theme, throw in a few decorative items to keep the theme going, and serve basic finger foods that use a ton of butter! The real fun comes with having all  the guests dressed from head to toe in 50s finery. Think full dresses, pearl necklaces, printed aprons, perfectly curled hair, just adorable! This is a very manageable bridal shower theme that is sure to be a hit with your gal pals.

1. Flour Box Bakery | 2. Cupcake 555 | 3. Grandpa's Pocket | 5. Kala Supplies | 6. Past Versus Presents | 7. Mod Cloth

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Bridal Shower Theme: A Day in Paris

We recently saw Midnight in Paris (which is excellent, by the way) and Bridesmaids, and are feeling very inspired by le mode de vie français. A Parisian bridal shower theme can be quirky and fun or classy and elegant, depending on your mood (and more importantly, your bride's style). We're thinking Paris in the 20s, although you can go with any era your heart desires -- Marie Antoinette is a crowd favorite. You can impose a dress code (berets and stripes or pearls and lace), serve champagne and macarons (or cheese and wine),  blast some Edith Piaf, and create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere. 

1. Invitations: Your invitations will vary depending on your theme. You can go for vintage, sophisticated, fun, or feminine. Choose wisely, as your guests will look to the invitation to guide their fashion choices.

1. Zazzle | 2. Paper Candee | 3.  Curiouser and Curiouser | 4. Minted | 5. Words and Eggs 

2. Decorations: French style decor is usually in four color themes: (1) French flirty poodle (think pink, black and white; (2) très chic (think cream and black); (3) vive la France (red, white and blue); or (4) vintage Paris (warm, varying hues). So take your pick!

1. Wedding Bee | 2. Elizabeth Anne | 3. The Slightly Obsessive Bride | 4. Laissez Fair | 5. Anthropologie | 

6. Project Wedding | 7. Hostess Blog | 8. Curious Prints |

3. Food: The best thing about a French themed wedding is the food! Practically all the best stuff is French, and you can make it as high or low brow as you see fit (i.e. caviar v. french fries).

1. Om Sweet Om | 2. Maison Ladurée | 3.  Vive le Cheese  | 4. La Maison du Chocolat | 5.  i like granola

4. Favors: We love vintage French anything, so finding favors should be a breeze! You can always give edible items, such as French chocolates and macarons, or go for smaller trinkets. Whatever you choose, we guarantee your guests will love it.

1. | The Ticket Kitchen 2. Cafe Press  | 3. Okio B Designs | 4. Not on the High Street  | 5. my dog and i 

5. Attire: Needless to say, French attire is basically anything flirty and sexy. Of course, you may want to pay up the stripes and the accessories, and opt for more or less color depending on the specific theme. Just remember to wear it with attitude!

1. Bhldn | 2. Mod Cloth | 3.  Anthropologie  | 4. Adele Marie | 5. Top Shop

Gros bisous!

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Bridal Shower Theme: Breakfast at Tiffany's

Breakfast at Tiffany's is glamorous, stylish, and magical. From the music to the fashion and the New York City sites, it's no wonder that the film has had such an iconic impact on American pop culture It's a perfect theme for a chic and fun bridal shower.

1. Invitations: Of course, the color theme for a Breakfast at Tiffany's shower is Tiffany blue, black and white. As long as your invitations follow these colorings, your theme will come across loud and clear. You can always add images and patterns to make it more vibrant and playful.

1. Sweet Berry Lane | 2. mon cher designs | 3. peprmetpat | 4. Party Smart Designs

2. Decorations: White flowers and candles will keep your decor clean and classic. Remember, Holly Golightly is a bit scatterbrained, so no need to go over the top with decor. Just make sure you have plenty of martini glasses!

1. La Dolce Vita | 2. The Knot | 3. Paper Polaroid 4. | Royal Heinous | 5. Occasions

3. Food: Obviously, the theme begs serving "breakfast" i.e. espresso, danishes, brioche, mimosas, etc. You're not bound by your theme's namesake, however, and can pretty much serve whatever you want, so long as it has style. Think champagne, cupcakes, bon bons, and delicate finger foods. 

 1. e's joie | 2. One Sweet Party | 3. Dinner Toast | 4. Unknown | 5. Unknown

4. Favors: The perfect favor would of course be a trinket from Tiffany's, but unless you're a celebrity, that seems unlikely. You can, however, give small favors that could be incorporated to the theme, such as cigarette holders for your guests to utilize, fake tiaras, etc. Here are some ideas for more tangible gifts.

1. imali | 2. Dress Design Decor | 3. The Pendant Emporium | 4. okio b designs | 5. Tiffany's

5. Attire: Audrey Hepburn's look in Blake Edward's classic film is mimicked endlessly. Generally speaking, the attire is very simple, as all it requires it a LBD. Nonetheless, your guests will enjoy having a chance to dress up and have fun, throwing on pearls, gloves, and oversized hates and sunglasses. Maybe some will even dare to wear a tiara!

1. Mod Cloth | 2. Asos | 3. Heather Watson modes | 4. The Limited | 5. Forever 21

We're just crazy about Tiffany's!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Showers of Stationary

Today's post is brought to you by our good friend and self proclaimed stationary snob, Hillary.  Hillary, a PR professional from Cranford, NJ,  is the first of the fabulous guest bloggers we have lined up for you this summer and we can't thank her enough for being kind enough to write for us and help us out.  So, without further ado, here's Hillary's first post, "Showers of Stationary".



With summer comes weekends of sunshine, shorts and swimsuits but don’t forget what other season it is – the season of bridal and baby showers! As you look up gift registries and head to Babies ‘R’ Us, don’t overlook one important aspect of your shower gift – the card of course! Here is a handful of classy cards, and notes of where to find them, you might consider accompanying your gifts this season:

These bridal and baby greeting cards by Snow and Graham can be picked up from NJ and NY gift shops including one of my favorites – Perch Home in Maplewood, NJ. If you don’t live near Essex County, NJ take a look at where other Snow and Graham cards are sold in your area here.

This Welcome Baby card by Eggpress is not over the top with ducks and diapers as most baby stationary is! The modern colors and bold print are great!  You can find Eggpress stationary at various shops in your area.

This Wiley Valentine card will shower any bride-to-be with the happy thoughts you send her way. Find this card and others in your area by checking out their website!  

Looking for something a little more magnifique?  This French-inspired new baby card from Smock, the first US Letterpress shop to print on Bamboo paper, is tres bien!

And, finally,this sweet pea letterpress card by Papyrus is both simple and subtle.  Find this card and many of the company’s other glittery, colorful cards at their stores throughout the tri-state area as well as at Target or Borders near you.

Thanks to Hillary for contributing to Paper Doll Romance with this great stationary post!  Leave comments to make her feel loved and be sure to check back for more posts from Hillary in July and August!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira 

Tips for the Maid of Honor: Luau Bridal Shower

Happy Friday, dolls! Today we say "Aloha" to you as we revisit our "Tips for the Maid of Honor" segment and provide you with some helpful inspiration.  If you're hosting a bridal shower over the summer, a fun and easy option is to throw a luau! Theme based showers are a great way to get some color and energy at your soiree, and it's easy to find luau decorations at any party store this time of year. You can make it as over-the-top as you want, and your guests are sure to have fun and really hang loose.

1. Location: Once you have a theme, the next big decision is where to host your shower. We love the idea of throwing a luau because you have so many options in terms of location. You can throw it at a house, in a backyard, at the beach, or at a restaurant. Where you have it is really based on your budget, and you can easily transform any space into a Hawaiian getaway with some skillful decorating.

2. Invitations: Your invitations can be as formal or informal as you want. This really depends on your bride's style, your personal tastes, your guest list, and the overall tone you are looking to set. It's easy to find informal stationary at party stores, but for a more sophisticated look we suggest taking it to the web to find simple,  invitations with maybe one or two bright tropical colors, modern graphics, and crisp, clean lines.

3. Decorations: You have so many options for decorating for a luau. Just walk into any party store, and you'll be bombarded with giant inflatable palm trees, grass skirts and table cloths, coconut center pieces, tiki torches, and everything in between.  And, even if you don't have a huge budget to work with, you can make the biggest impact with colors. Luaus are all about bold and bright colors, so have fun with it!

4. Flowers: Flowers are important for any shower and are the perfect, natural decoration. While we don't expect you to get hibiscus flowers ($$$), try to opt for some "tropical" flowers. Our suggestion is to try to find beautiful and brightly colored lilies.  Now, these aren't always readily available, so talk to your florist to see what you can arrange. Or take a trip to Ikea and get their fun and inexpensive little bamboo plants! Flowers and plants not only  make a great table decorations, they can also pull double duty and serve as a party favor!

5. Food: You have a lot of great options when it comes to luau food as well. Not all of us are into roasting pigs over a fire (gross!), but you can definitely barbecue your meat of choice, have fruit salads, pasta salads, and of course some cute drinks with tiny umbrellas! Basically anything with pineapple, coconut, or mango is a safe bet, but here are some recipe suggestions to get your started:

6. Party favors: Party favors at bridal showers tend to be pretty standard: candles, flowers, candies, scented soaps, basically anything small and cute. To incorporate it with your luau theme, just get things in consistent flavors, scents, and colors: coconut candles, hot pink candy boxes, etc.

7. Attire: If your guests are party people, then you can really get them involved by having a strict dress code: Hawaiian shirts, coconut bras, and grass skirts only! Of course this isn't ideal for most of your guests (just imagine your boss or great grandmother in a coconut bra! yikes!), but most guests will come dressed for the occasion in pretty summery dresses and skirts. Plus, you can make a big impact on a little budget by channeling the island vibes and greeting your guests with colorful leis and flowers for their hair. 

Mahalo!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira