Hi SMP Brides! It’s Jess of Dressed by Jess again and today I am so excited to share my garden-inspired bridal shower with you. First, let me start out by saying that I was so completely overwhelmed with love and joy on the day of my shower. The feeling of having all of the special women in your life, in one room, gathered to celebrate your soon-to-be marriage, is indescribable.
I cried many happy tears! My bridal shower was not a surprise, I was aware of the date and location, but my girls kept a lot of secrets from me which made the day extra special. My mom, sister, bridesmaids, and future mother-in-law did such an incredible job planning the day for me. From the flower bar, to the custom flower crown station, to the floral photo booth, my eyes didn’t know where to settle first upon entering the room.
My shower took place at the Madison Hotel in the Conservatory room, which features floor to ceiling windows, opulent chandeliers, and rich greenery. It was truly stunning! The invitations were accentuated with pretty pastels, pops of fuchsia, and a whimsical garden-inspired design by Sugar and Grace Paper. The reverse side of the invitations included the saying “Please join us in the garden for love and laughter before the happily ever after.”
We spent the day sipping on mimosas, enjoying delicious food and all the fun festivities my bridesmaids put together. We laughed over the clever games and cried over the sentimental moments. I really enjoyed the He Said/She Said game. It was fun to listen to all the guests’ responses.
The flower bar represented my love for florals, and it also served as a favor station. Each guest was able to pick their favorite flowers and put them into jars to bring home. Another fun touch? We used the flowers to create flower crowns! This station was a hit. I couldn’t pull my friends away from it if I tried to. It kept them very busy when I opened gifts.
The photo booth was very non-traditional and my sister worked with Angela of Floriography Designs to hang flowers for the backdrop. At the end of the day I really enjoyed looking back at all the photos of my friends and family. It was such a sweet touch.
I opted to keep my ensemble fairly traditional for the shower. I wore a long-sleeved lace white dress from Allen Schwartz and completed the look with a Marchesa clutch from Rent the Runway. I worked with Michelle from Up and Out to create a bohemian-inspired fishtail braid. We styled it with a delicate Violette Garland hair accessory from Hermione Harbutt. I felt the dainty pearl flowers nestled along the gold branches truly fit in with the bridal shower theme.
It was a floral-filled afternoon and I was surrounded by so much love. I’m so thankful for those who helped me celebrate. I hope you enjoyed taking a peek into my bridal shower. Huge thank you to Jessa of Love & Light Photographs for capturing every moment. Stay tuned for more pre-wedding details. xx Jess.
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Find a floral expert that can provide the flowers, tools, and expertise. In the case of DIY, do research about flowers and find a good flower market provider.
Create a concept. Choose your color theme and floral style. You could go from French market, urban chic, to rustic and country style. Try to pick flowers according to your bridal shower theme.
Select the right flowers that will be easy to pick for your guests that can be arranged in small bud vases. Preferably no thorns and clean stems.
Don’t forget to prep! Order your flowers ahead of time. On the day before, unwrap and prepare buckets with clean water and flower food to condition and feed them. Clean the stems removing thorns or any unnecessary leaves. Arrange them by bunches.
Set the stage. Get creative by designing and decorating your flower bar with buckets for your guests to pick the flowers. Prepare the bud vases with water and floral food ahead. Set up some small working tables for your guests to work on with tools to cut and arrange the flowers.
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Meet the Bride | Margarita + ‘Maids | Planning Inspo | The Dress | Mistletoe Moments
Photography: Jessa Schifilliti, Photographer | Bride's Shoes: Kohl's | Hair + Makeup: Up & Out Beauty Bar | Venue: The Madison Hotel | Bride's Clutch: Rent The Runway | Bride's Dress: Allen B. Schwartz | Floral Design, Flower Bar + Floral Photo Booth: Floriography Designs | Hair Accessory: Hermione Harbutt | Invitation Suite + Sinage: Sugar & Grace Creative | Pre-Bridal Shower Glow: EC Beauty Studio