There are several types of gatherings that commonly precede and follow a wedding. Here's a list to get you started. Start jotting down your to-dos, then click around to get some fabulous ideas.
Engagement Party
Many couples officially announce their engagement at a social gathering specifically for that purpose. This may involve a full-blown party (perhaps arranged under another pretense), a restaurant dinner with family and friends, or a simple announcement at any other gathering (for example, asking the MC to announce an engagement at a mutual friend's anniversary party. It's a nice romantic mix, but get permission from the anniversary couple first). Of course, a formal announcement is not necessary. Another affordable option is mailing announcement cards.
Bridal Shower
This shower is typically ladies-only. Many brides enjoy the refinement of tea and finger foods. Most bridal showers today are "private" or "personal" showers--with gifts of lingerie--but in the past, other themes were possible, such as kitchen implements, candles, teas, etc.
Wedding Shower
While some brides want to keep this shower to themselves as well, co-ed showers are very popular. Guests typically bring gifts from the couple's registries. Games and food are a must.
Bachelor or Bachelorette Party
I'm not really going to touch this one. This type of party often becomes wild and unruly, and often involves activities that can cause martial problems later if your spouse finds out. My suggestion: get together with a few good friends, rent a movie, order a pizza, and pig out on cookies and ice cream.
Rehearsal Dinner
Usually held after the wedding rehearsal the evening before the wedding, the rehearsal dinner is a time to thank family members and those in the wedding party. Gifts for the wedding party are often given at this time.
Reception
The grand finale! A time to celebrate the new couple as well as the guests who support them.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Give Her a Dozen Roses
This do-it-yourself edible goody is both decorative and easy to make.
You'll need:
Display option 1: Arrange your roses in a heavy vase or in a vase weighted with marbles, glass beads, etc. A word of caution: These roses are top-heavy. If the vase you place them in is not sufficiently weighted, the vase will tip as some roses are removed by guests.
Display option 2: Place a square of floral block foam in a desired vase. Press the stems into the foam--it will keep them in place. Cover the foam with something pretty, such as tinsel or beads.
Display option 3: Place one or two roses in a bud vase. Put a vase at each seat or at each guest table.
Display option 4: Depending on the personality of the bride, she may enjoy carrying a bouquet of candy roses down the aisle, or candy roses intermingled in a cut flower bouquet. Be creative!
You'll need:
 |
| Candy roses for a friend's wedding shower |
- Thin wooden dowels or kabob skewers
- Jumbo Marshmallows (I recomend the colored ones)
- Green gummy candies (spearmint leaves are best)
- Colored icing
- Floral or beading wire
- Floral tape
- Clear tape
- Heavy vase (see options below)
- Plastic wrap
- Ribbon and/or twist ties
Edible roses can be made in these simple steps:
- Cut gummy candies to desired size. If using gummy spearmint leaves, use a paring knife to cut down the middle, resulting in two thinner leaves. Green citrus slice candy can be used in the same way.
- Cut wire into 2 inch pieces. Insert one wire into each leaf. It will resemble the central vein that occurs in real leaves.
- Push marshmallow onto skewer until the skewer can be felt at the top of the marshmallow.
- Bend the wire slightly just under the candy. Place two leaves directly under the marshmallow with the wire parallel to and touching the skewer. While holding the leaves in place, begin wrapping the wires and skewer with green floral tape. The tape sticks to itself best when stretched slightly.
- Overlapping the edges of the tape, wrap in a spiral down the length of the skewer. For extra security, place a small strip of clear tape around the bottom of the wrapped area.
- Match an icing color to the color of the marshmallow. White, pale pink, and pale blue marshmallows are most commonly available. Squeeze icing in a swirling pattern on top of the marshmallow to resemble the folds of rose petals.
- Place "roses" in vase and allow icing to harden. Make sure they don't touch and smear the icing. Also, store in a cool place. Otherwise, the icing may melt and ooze.
- When dry, loosely cover the rose head with a square of clear plastic wrap and secure with a twist tie or ribbon.
Viola! You now have a stunning array of a dozen roses for the blushing bride.
Display option 2: Place a square of floral block foam in a desired vase. Press the stems into the foam--it will keep them in place. Cover the foam with something pretty, such as tinsel or beads.
Display option 3: Place one or two roses in a bud vase. Put a vase at each seat or at each guest table.
Display option 4: Depending on the personality of the bride, she may enjoy carrying a bouquet of candy roses down the aisle, or candy roses intermingled in a cut flower bouquet. Be creative!
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