This Wedding Calls for a Chance of Showers!

Now for a post for those who aren’t the happy couple!

Are you a family member, friend, co-worker, or part of the bridal party?  If so, you may find yourself rounded up to plan and execute a little pre-wedding celebratory event known as a bridal shower.  Need a little inspiration?  Read on!

Think of this as an artistic interpretation of “wedding shower”
Photo Credit: lintmachine via Compfight cc

Now, to be fair, many showers nowadays are co-ed.  What’s presented below could apply in such a situation, although some would be better suited for a girls-only fete.  Also, as a ‘Burgh-bonus, I’ve included examples of some around-town spots that may be great backdrops for the festivities.  So, without further ado…

Bed and Breakfast

 
Surround the bride with family and friends in a quaint, intimate setting

• Gifts for the bride: linens, towels, pillows
• Possible venues: Morning Glory Inn, Inn on Negley
• Food/beverage ideas: brunch with mimosas, Bloody Marys

Gardening

 
For the bride with a green thumb

• Gifts for the bride: bulbs/seeds, pots/planters, gardening tools, gardening books, subscriptions to Better Homes and Gardens and HGTV magazines
• Possible venues: Phipps Conservatory, Succop Conservancy
• Food/beverage ideas: fresh salads with locally grown vegetables, fresh fruits, vegetable wraps

Wine

 
Spend an afternoon sampling different wines and learning about pairings

• Gifts for the bride: wine glasses, wine glass charms, wine holders/rack, decanter/carafe, aerator, wine poem basket
• Possible venues: Wooden Door Winery, The Wine Loft Pittsburgh 
  
• Food/beverage ideas: cheese/crackers, antipasti, bruschetta, Marsala dishes

Outdoors

 
Enjoy time in the great outdoors with an adventurous or athletic bride

• Gifts for the bride: hiking/running gear, camping/boating equipment, golfing/fishing gear, biking equipment, sports memorabilia
• Possible venues: Moraine State Park, South Park
  
• Food/beverage ideas: picnic, BBQ

Cooking

 
For the bride who’s a foodie or aspiring chef

• Gifts for the bride: cookbooks, pots/pans, mixer/blender, cooking utensils, unique personal recipes
• Possible venues: The Melting Pot, Williams Sonoma (for a group cooking/kitchen techniques experience)
  
• Food/beverage ideas: 3-course fondue (appetizer, dinner, dessert)

Spa

 
Give the bride some much-needed R&R

• Gifts for the bride: bath salts, shower gels, facial set, loofah, manicure/pedicure set, robe/slippers, candles
• Possible venues: Woodlands Spa at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Sewickley Spa
  
• Food/beverage ideas: light sandwiches, grilled chicken/fish, fresh salads

If you’d rather host the shower at a personal residence, any of the above themes can still apply!  When planning, keep in mind the bride’s (or couple’s) interests and preferences.  This is one of the few instances where they can relax and take a break from wedding planning, and it’s even better that they can do this in the company of family and friends!
 

Are there other bridal shower themes that you recommend?  What other Pittsburgh-area establishments do you think are great bridal shower locations?