I love the fresh inspirations that naturally come with every season change–especially for decor and party themes. Are you throwing a wedding shower this fall? Great–because not only do I have 5 terrific wedding shower invitations to spark your interest, I also have 5 fantastic and easy diy coordinating centerpiece ideas too! Be inspired by the loveliness of autumn to bring color and personality to your bridal shower theme.

Beauty of Fall. If a person could have a card crush, “Circle Splendor” would be mine! Spread the bounty with this cute & quirky shower invitation featuring fall’s finest shades. And how darling is this centerpiece gourd that is doubling as a flower vase?! Seriously delightful.

 Circle Splendor Wedding Shower Invitation Card

Whimsical & Elegant. Love the graceful look to the free-flowing vines of “Sweet Vine” wedding shower invite. Custom wording and colors will automatically reflect your party’s tone and theme.

So easy–I will definitely be recreating this centerpiece idea: trim a few branches when the colors are at their peak and put them into a hurricane vase. Love the mini pumpkins at the bottom.

Sweet VineWedding Shower Invitation

Cornucopia of Color. Between the centerpiece and the invitation, there is such a vibrant abundance of color here. The look is fun and overflowing with festivity. I altered the color on some of the leaves to “pumpkin”so that the card would have a specific fall feel.

 Spring Delight Wedding Shower Invitation

Fanciful Without Fuss. With warm colors and a white background, “Flower Punch” feels cheery and welcoming! And, the way the flowers are randomly arranged in a variety of sizes, adds just the right measure of energy. The centerpiece for such a fun and appealing invite–a simple tree-trunk slice with a wine bottle gives off a rustic vibe that’s relaxed and easy-going. Perfect.

Flower Punch Wedding Shower Invitation

Rustic Simplicity. With its simple and organic look, “Carved in Love” is one of our most popular wedding shower invitations. No trees are harmed when you carve the bride and groom’s names into this tree! *Love* this centerpiece idea–easy as 1-2-3–fall blooms within overturned cocktail glasses.  Simply creative.

 Carved in Love Wedding Shower Invitation

Which is your favorite invitation and/or centerpiece idea?

creative fall centerpieces via Better Homes & Gardens

fun. food. company.  That’s what makes a great party! You can control the food and you can control the company.  But we’ve all been to those parties that well, just weren’t that fun.  Wedding showers can be a little challenging because you’re joining families that often times don’t know each other.

It’s really not that complicated though.  Firstly, the host should have a gift for entertaining~ they know how to make people feel comfortable. Secondly, know your audience! Who’s coming? Are there generations to consider? What type of personality does the bride have? Is she shy but a good sport? Sassy and adventuresome… Knowing your audience will dictate the direction of your party and the “games” you play.

One of the games we played at a recent bridal shower was the Memory Game.  The hostess laid out about 10 things for us to try and memorize.  After about 2 minutes or so, she whisked it away and with reckless humility, we saw just how good or not so good our memories were… BUT, the funny part…

We then had to create a story based on the items that were in the tray.  There were lots of different stories… from sweet to let’s say…sassy! This game definitely got some laughs. The audience could handle it!

Bride Bakes Cake Set out a bunch of ingredients and have the bride make a cake to actually bake and eat! Chances are, it won’t taste that good but everyone will get lots of laughs watching her try to muster something up! The gradmas in the group will love it!

Recipe Cards Ask each guest to write out their favorite recipe on a card. the hostess can then put them into a scrap/recipe book. I LOVE this! A little note alongside the recipe is sentimental and a lifelong gift.

A must-do Have each guest write their name and address on a Thank You envelope.  This will help out the bride immensely…

Do you have a favorite shower game? Please share!

Looking for bridal shower invitations … check out MagnetStreet Weddings!

image: www.erinbellphoto.com

At the bridal shower I attended this past weekend, the illustrious aunt of the bride-to-be carried on the tradition of assembling the ribbon bouquet.   She took the ribbons, tulle and bows from all the gifts and attached them to a paper plate, arranging the largest bows in the middle and fanning outward from there.

Christine, our beautiful bride-to-be can now carry her pretty ribbon bouquet down the aisle at the wedding rehearsal.

Brides are typically thrown at least 2-3 wedding showers, right?  That said, with all of those ribbons, bows and tulle, all of your bridesmaids could carry bouquets at the wedding rehearsal.

Ribbon bouquets are fun keepsakes that will remind you of all the love you received at your wedding showers!  Plus, they’re functional, making great centerpieces at the rehearsal dinner too.

Tips and Hints for creating a ribbon bouquet: Make sure to have on hand: paper plate, scissors, glue tabs, napkins and optional: floral tape, wire and bouquet holder (napkins are often used for the holder).  Your handy crafter will appreciate it!
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Men, here’s your chance to claim a right of passage that should have been yours all along.  Take advantage of the growing trend in “guys only” wedding showers.  We girls get 2-3 showers thrown for us and yes, co-ed wedding showers are fun, but… it’s your turn!

Good for the goose.  Good for the gander.

C’mon dads, brothers, cousins…throw that groom of yours a party that’s testosterone room only, from he-man to sophisticated, whatever seems appropriate for the group.  Inviting all the men from both sides, gives them a chance to get to know each other in a relaxed setting.

And, there’s gifts…

Wedding registries are being offered at lots of places that men would be interested in, including home improvement stores.  You can also spread your wish list via word of mouth for speciality stores and items.  Here are some ideas:

1. Home Improvement stores
2. Hardware stores
3. Specialty stores: lighting, flooring, windows, etc.
4. Magazine subscription
5. Specialty retailers for the man who loves to: cook, bedeck and organize his home, etc.
6. Bigger retailers i.e. Walmart, Target, etc.
7. Sporting goods stores
8. Gas cards

You know you want a pressure washer… that would be a great gift for a group to go in on.

Have a great weekend!