The Knot Chicago Weddings Spring Summer 2020_downmagaz.com

STYLE + PLANNING
SPA-AHHHH DAY
If you’re a dedicated Pilates-goer,
health food nut or a bride-to-be that
just needs a little extra pampering
time with her girls, then this is the
shower theme for you. Inquire about
renting a private room at a local spa
or hire a company that will bring the
R&R to your home, where you can
offer up indulgences like manicures
and pedicures, facials and even
massages. Encourage the gals in
attendance to rock their comfiest
clothes (you can even give out
slippers as a gift), then Zen out
together while enjoying pampering,
spa music and healthy bites like
açai bowls or superfood smoothies.
Finish the day with custom bath
bomb and sheet mask favors.
DESIGN AND DINE
We’re looking at you, DIY queen!
Channel your creative passions into
a bridal shower fit for a Pinterest
obsessive and her crew. Book a class
at a private art studio, pour some
cocktails and get creating. Feel like
spicing things up? Look for a joint that
offers up a cute model as artistic
inspiration (sorry, Gram!). If brush
strokes aren’t exactly your specialty,
opt for a ceramics or woodworking
class instead—after all, what better
time to try out something new than
with your friends and family? Once
you’ve created your masterpieces,
head to a nice restaurant to share a
few bites and sneak a peek at the
group’s creations. Who knows—there
may be a Picasso among you!
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CULTURAL EXCURSION
Enlighten loved ones to the important
cultural elements that make you
you with a shower celebration that
incorporates you or your partner’s
heritage. Pinpoint a few traditions,
ceremonies or religious practices you
can work into your day—think:
flamenco dancing class in traditional
dress, or a Japanese tea ceremony
with matcha and sweets. You can also
let your culture inspire the day’s favors
by gifting guests something unique
to your history, like custom bottles of
sake or traditional bindi.
#CHEFGOALS
Fit for a foodie that wants to celebrate
the big day by sharing her all-time
fave eats with her squad, a cooking
class shower is our idea of a good
time. Enjoy being a chef for a day with
a personalized class held at a nearby
restaurant or culinary store (both Sur
La Table and Williams Sonoma offer
a slew of courses). Pull together a
custom menu made up of all your and
your partner’s favorite dishes, and
outfit guests with personalized aprons
they can cook in and bring home after
(so cute, right?). Before they head
home, encourage friends and family to
sign a recipe card “guest book,”
complete with instructions for their
favorite date night dishes.
FROM TOP: BRETT & JESSICA PHOTOGRAPHY; IRINABORT/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES