Celebrate with Kate Landers: Pink & Gray Bridal Shower

Pink & Gray Themed Bridal Shower from Layla Grayce
Styling and Photography: Kate Landers

Working in the high-end stationery industry together, the bride Jessica and I often helped brides and their families design extraordinary invitations for their weddings and the surrounding festivities. Jess and I would dream of what we envisioned for our events when the time came for us to say our “I Do’s”. I always told Jess that I wanted to throw her one darling bridal shower. Fast-forward a decade, and I finally had my chance to make good on my promise! I could not have been more delighted to do so.

She was going for an overall “rustic” feel, so I incorporated a whitewashed wood backdrop and large wooden crate with rope handles as the centerpiece of the dining table. A simple pink heart served as the symbol of love, keeping a romantic feel at the event.

It thrills me to share a few shower details with you. Please use these notes as inspiration for your bridal shower, engagement party or day-after-wedding brunch!

Color Scheme: Using the color scheme of the wedding is a great way to tie in pre and post-wedding events to the Big Day. This is certainly not a requirement, but in my case, I loved Jess’ pink and gray color-scheme, and decided to use it for the bridal shower as well. Feel free to throw in an additional color, like a pop of gold or mint green, to make the colors of your event unique and current, all while honoring the bride and groom’s chosen colors.
Theme: Bridal shower themes do not need to be highly detailed and elaborate. Knowing Jess wanted a rustic yet romantic look for her wedding, I chose a simple pink heart for the romantic element and whitewashed wood (for backdrop and centerpiece) for something rustic. Thematic elements can be incorporated through the invitation and printed designs, as well as in the desserts and hanging decor.
Menu: A bridal tea was my initial plan, but Jess doesn’t like tea or traditional cake, so I decided I needed to come up with something unique that Jess would love. I opted for an afternoon of “Sips and Sweets”, which turned out to be just perfect. A mid-afternoon shower does not call for a large meal, and so I served fresh fruit kabobs, lots of iced summer beverages and several desserts (including the bride’s favorite, cupcakes!) for guests to nibble on while doting on the bride.
Activities: We had a very small, intimate lingerie shower, which kept the gift-opening portion of the shower short and sweet. I had all of the guests hold up their lingerie gifts and pose in a group photo at the end. It was just hysterical, and I highly recommend it. My grandmother threw me a lingerie shower (yes, it’s true!), and when we had her and her “golden girls” hold up their lacy and racy gifts, it was a photo to always remember. We also played a “How Well Do You Know Jess?” game, which is lots of fun for the bride and guests alike, and Bridal Shower Bingo. Having a couple simple, optional activities can be surprisingly fun and create an afternoon full of laughs.
Party Favors: Guests enjoyed fresh cotton candy (made and shipped just 24 hours before the shower!) as their take-home treat and little gable boxes to fill with sweet treats from the dessert table. I always recommend edible favors because they are often greatly appreciated by the guests. And if your guests are headed to a night on the town for a bachelorette party after the shower (as mine were), these sweets are much-appreciated treats throughout the night!

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