The Knot Chicago Weddings Spring Summer 2020_downmagaz.com

STYLE + PLANNING
hether you’re a boholoving
artist or an amateur
sommelier, your bridal
shower should be a day-of celebration
that reflects you. We’ve rounded up a
ton of fresh themes to help spark some
serious shower inspiration. Pass them
onto your crew, your MIL or your planner
and get ready to enjoy the best day ever.
A MIDSUMMER’S DAY DREAM
Floral-loving brides will swoon over
a garden party-themed shower,
complete with whimsical, feminine
details. Decorate tables with a variety
of pastel-hued flowers and tiered trays
of sandwiches and sweets. Then, set
up a DIY tea bar where guests can
create their own mix to steep. (Tea not
your jam? Give it a boozy brunch twist
with a bellini bar instead!) Wrap up the
day with a botanical-inspired activity,
like flower crown making or plant-yourown
herb pots, to echo the dreamy,
pastoral setting.
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HONEYMOON ESCAPE
Can’t wait for your romantic retreat
after swapping vows? Your honeymoon
doesn’t have to feel so far away if you
let your getaway inspire your bridal
shower. Theme the day’s décor and
events based off of your chosen trip
location, like a tiki party to echo your
upcoming Hawaiian escape. Set up
tropical touches like palm leaves, tiki
torches and pineapples at home (or on
a local beach) to create a mini oasis.
Greet friends and family with fresh
leis, and encourage an island-like
atmosphere by serving up tropical
drinks from a tiki bar and beachy bites
like fresh mango salsa and grilled fish
kebabs. When it comes to your
registry, add wish list goodies that will
seriously upgrade your honeymoon,
like matching suitcases for your travels
or cash for unique activities like surf
lessons with The Knot Cash Fund.
Thank your crew for “making the trip”
with a honeymoon-inspired favor, like
custom beach bags.
DESTINATION AFFAIR
If you’re planning a destination wedding,
ask the important women in your life
to join you a day or two early and host
your bridal shower nearby to bottle
the essence of your chosen spot and
give guests a more in-depth cultural
experience. Allow your location to
inspire your group activity, like a boat
tour along the Amalfi Coast, a scenic
hike in the Rocky Mountains or a
museum tour and a canal cruise in
Amsterdam. Whatever your far-flung
locale, this is the perfect opportunity for
you and your guests to enjoy each other’s
company and learn a little more about
your city of love. Finish off your dreamy
day with a unique favor inspired by your
experience, like a sleeve of macarons
from your Parisian soiree or handmade
leather sandals from the island of Capri. ››
SASSY MOUTH/SASSYMOUTH.NET; STYLED BY THE CONNECTICUT BRIDE & NIGHTINGALE EVENTS