Creative Ideas to Wrap that Bridal Shower Gift

Wrapping gift is simple, right? Sure it is if you go ahead with the traditional paper wrap or gift bag approach. But what if you want to get creative? Move beyond the world of wrapping paper, bows, scotch tape and gift bags and try something new. You can use just about anything to package a gift, it all depends on the gift and how you want to approach the gift wrapping. In this article you will find some great creative ideas to wrap that bridal shower gift.

The first thing you should think about is the type of gift you are giving at the bridal shower. The main gifts would probably be kitchen items, decorating items, bath sets, and gift certificates. Once you know what part of the house the gift is geared towards start thinking of things that you find in that room that would be suitable to wrap or package the bridal shower gift in. If the gift you are giving is a bedroom item maybe some pretty pillow cases would work really well for an alternative wrapping idea. Wrapping creatively is simple and just takes a little imagination. Wrapping with alternative items also reduces waste and clean up for the hostess of the bridal shower.

Bath sets and other bathroom items like perfume or candles could be wrapped up in a nice bath robe or a nice plush bath towel. To wrap a bottle of perfume you could fold the robe up nicely and tuck the perfume bottle in the top and affix it all with a huge ribbon. Alternatively you could roll up the perfume in a large fluffy bath towel and again tie it with a ribbon. This idea will work for candles, bubble bath and any other small bathroom or even bedroom themed gifts like picture frames.

Maybe you are going with a gift of cleaning supplies to start the new couple off right. Wrapping this could be dine by placing all of the cleaning supplies in a wicker laundry basket and wrapping it all up with some cellophane and of course a nice big ribbon. Some people give a gift of gourmet food, wine, or coffees. These items can be creatively packaged in a nice soup pot. Wine could be given in a wine chiller or insulated wine sleeve made for transporting. Pots and pans can be a useful tool for a unique and creative way to give any bridal shower gift.

A nice flannel or pretty bed sheet set can also be used for a creative gift wrap. Sheet sets could be folded and stacked from largest, the sheets, to the smaller, pillow cases and a picture frame could be tucked inside. Tie it up with a ribbon and you have a creative gift. Sheet sets would work great for candles, lingerie and even kitchen utensil gifts.

If you are giving a quilt or blanket as a bridal shower gift there really is no need to wrap it. Just fold it up nicely and affix it with a bow. There are so many gifts that really do not need to be wrapped, if the item itself is beautiful then by all means take advantage of that. Just dress it up with some bows or ribbons and don’t forget the card.

Craft paper is very useful for many things. You can use this simple paper to transform a boring wrapping job into something creative and personalized by writing a personal message to the bride to be on it. Write the message in different styles and colors and use it to wrap the gift. Crinkle the paper to give it an antique or used look, it works! Newspaper articles geared towards weddings and engagements is another creative thing to use as wrapping paper for a bridal shower gift. To make it extra special try and find the bride and groom’s wedding announcement in the local newspaper.

Wrapping a bridal shower gift creatively just takes a little imagination. Follow the guidelines above or use the suggestions and you will have a beautiful and useful wrap for the gift you give. These ideas can be made as simple or as elaborate and you would like. It all depends on the time you want to spend on the gift itself. When deciding on a wrap always keep the couple or bride to be in mind and think of things they would find useful.

Seven Great Themes for a Thrilling Bridal Shower

Throwing a bridal shower for a friend or family member can be one of the most exciting parties you'll ever plan. Part of the excitement of a modern bridal shower is choosing a perfect theme. You can structure the entire shower around a theme from the invitations and the decorations to the food and the gifts. There are so many themes to choose from, though, that it can be hard to pick. Here are just a few suggestions.

One exciting theme idea that is both elegant and sophisticated is a tea party theme. This theme starts with the invitations. You want to go with something that makes you think of a tea party. Try a heavy weight paper and an embossed seal for the best touch. Have your guests bring gifts for the bride that reflect a tea party. Tea, packaged foods like scones, tea cups, and tea pots are just a few ideas. Be sure to do tea related favors as well. You can go as simple as some designer tea bags or you can have some tea strainers engraved for about four dollars each from various wedding favor websites. When you get ready to serve the food, try doing things like finger sandwiches, petite fours, and scones. You will also want to have several tea selections for your guests.

Another great theme idea is a calendar shower. The idea behind this theme is that each guest will be assigned a month. They will purchase a gift that fits with that month. For example, if a guest were assigned December, she might bring an “Our First Christmas” ornament with some other Christmas decorations. Your invitations could be tiny desktop calendars with pictures. You could send the right month to the right guest. You could also use calendars to decorate the room. Moreover, try creating tablecloths from calendar pages. Use seasonal decorations, cornucopias and such, as your centerpieces.

You could also have a gift basket theme. Each guest would bring some sort of gift basket for the bride. You could even assign a specific genre for their gift basket to fit. For example, you could have one guest bring a bathroom gift basket filled with towels, soaps, and other bathroom essentials. For your invitations, create an invitation in the shape of a basket or cut out pictures of baskets to work with the invitations. Use baskets to decorate everywhere. Place a large basket next to the bride to hold her gifts. Serve snacks in lined baskets. Buy small baskets and fill them with scented candles or candies to give a wedding shower favors.

Another classic theme is a lingerie shower. You need to carefully consider who will be attending the party before you plan this one, though. For example, this probably isn't the shower for you if the bride's great-grandmother will be attending. For your invitations, find a picture of lacy underwear or an attractive nightgown. Use this picture as a pattern to create some lacy invitations on heavy cotton based paper. Your decorations scheme should be flower based. Try to purchase flowers that fit with the bride's wedding colors. Tie bunches of them with lace. Send scented drawer sachets with your guests as wedding shower favors.

A memories shower is also a fun idea. You will want your guests, in addition to a related gift; bring pictures and other items that can be assembled into an album for the bride. In fact, a good invitation idea for this shower is to find a picture of the bride as a child, and use it as the invitation's background. Have it scanned into your computer, or place the invitation information on the back of the photo. Decorate your shower location with pictures of the bride and groom as well as memorabilia from their childhoods like school achievements awards and such.

The clock shower is becoming an increasingly popular idea. Each guest will be assigned a time of day. They will bring a gift that works with that time of day. For example, if a guest were assigned morning, perhaps they would bring towels or a coffee maker. You can use a picture of a clock as you invitation. Have it set to the time the guest is supposed to use for gift bringing. You could also decorate your shower location with clocks. Tiny clocks would make great wedding shower favors for this theme idea.

A sixth shower theme idea is a by the pound shower. The idea behind this theme is that each guest will bring a pound of something for a gift. For example, they might bring a pound of coffee for the kitchen. This great idea has many decoration possibilities. Scales of all types should be placed around the shower location. Your invitation could be a picture of scales, as well. As a take home gift, give the guests a pound of candy.

One final shower theme idea is a gift certificate shower. Each guest will either bring a real or a homemade gift certificate to give to the bride. For example, someone could bring a gift certificate for a local restaurant or a gift certificate to mow the bride and groom's lawn after the wedding. You can make your invitation out in gift certificate style, and you can decorate your shower location with silly homemade gift certificates.

Having a themed shower makes for a fun event the bride can look back on with pride.

Six Secrets to Throwing a Great Surprise Bridal Shower

If someone you care about is planning a wedding, you most certainly want to “shower” her with gifts at her bridal shower. But, if you want to have a little extra fun and make the bridal shower more exciting, why not throw a surprise bridal shower? To pull this off successfully, you will need to follow a few tricks of the trade.

Secretly Choose the Date

Choosing the date can be somewhat tricky. You have to be sure to choose a date on which the guest of honor will definitely be available. To do this, you will need to consult with someone who is close to the bride-to-be who can give you a clear idea of her schedule. Choosing the date, and making sure it stays open for the honored guest, might take some true trickery. For example, you might need to have her fiancé or someone else “plan” to do something with her that day. That way, there is no chance of her making plans at the last minute and spoiling your surprise party fun. There would be nothing worse than to have a full guest list and have your guest of honor decide to go out town on that day at the last minute!

Keep Her Occupied

Having someone make plans with the guest of honor for the day of the surprise bridal shower serves two purposes. As already discussed, it ensures her availability on the day of the party. Second, it keeps her away from the location of the party so she never suspects a thing! For example, if you are planning to have the surprise bridal shower at the bride-to-be’s home, you don’t want her to walk in on you while you are decorating!

Make Sure the Guests are in on the Surprise

When you send invitations, whether my mail, email or through verbal invite, make sure all guests are perfectly clear that the bridal shower is a surprise. You don’t want to have one of your guests calling the honoree and asking questions about the bridal shower or requesting directions. This will certainly tip her off! Make sure your guests know whom to contact if they do have questions about the surprise bridal party.

You also need to make sure the guests are aware of how you plan to trick the guest of honor. In other words, will you be hiding inside and in the dark, only to jump out and yell “Surprise?” Or, will you bring the unsuspecting bride-to-be to a special location, where your guests will sneak up on her and surprise her? No matter how you plan to surprise the honoree, make sure your guests gather well before (at least 30 minutes) the bride-to-be will arrive. This way, you have time to get the strategy straight and to hide.

Encourage Avoidance

If certain invited guests will have difficulty keeping the surprise a secret, it might be best for those individuals to avoid spending time with the honoree prior to the party. Of course, this can lead the bride-to-be to become suspicious, as well. Therefore, everyone who is a part of the surprise needs to be able to keep a straight face and be able to keep the plans secret. If there is someone you know will be absolutely unable to keep from spilling the beans, plan on making the shower a surprise for that person, too!

Make It Right

Perhaps the most difficult part of planning a surprise bridal shower is actually making sure the shower will be one the honoree will enjoy. Be sure to consult with family members and close friends to ensure everyone who should be on the guest list is invited. You don’t want the honoree to fee disappointed about having a certain friend miss out on her bridal shower. Also, you really have to know the bride-to-be well in order to make sure you choose the right activities and gifts for the bridal shower.

Set the Playing Field

To add to the fun of the day, you might want to have a few people who are in regular contact with the guest of honor casually mention that they will be gone on the day of the bridal shower. Of course, this has to be done carefully. If too many people mention being gone, it might arouse suspicion! Having a few people make mention of their absence, however, will only increase the bride-to-be’s surprise when she sees that very same person at her shower!

Bridal Shower Food - Ideas That Are Fun, Filling, and Festive

Choosing the food for the bridal shower can be one of the most difficult parts of planning it. You need to be sure of so many things. You have to make sure that you would have items on the menu that would suit the bride. You also need to be sure that you don't have any items on the menu that are highly allergenic, or, conversely, that you don't have any guests with food allergies that you need catered. Despite all of these concerns, though, the food is one of the most exciting parts of the bridal shower.

One great food idea is to hold a Sunday brunch type wedding shower. There are so many foods that you can serve to fit with this theme. Moreover, it will have an informal feel, yet the guests will be able to eat as if they are having a meal. Consider serving fresh bread products like bagels and muffins. You will also want to include a selection of fresh fruits and even a fruit salad. Quiche fit really well with a brunch menu. Increasingly, people have been serving tiny bite sized quiche, which works well at a wedding shower. For beverages, you will probably want to have the standard orange juice, coffee, and milk on hand. If you wish, though, you could also serve drinks like a Bloody Mary or champagne punch. Good deserts with this menu would be chocolate covered strawberries or lemon squares. Try to stick to something fruit based.

If you intend to serve an evening meal at a wedding shower, you will want to do something easy. As the food is cooking, you will probably want to be mingling with your guests. To aid you in this endeavor, consider something that you can make ahead of time and throw in the oven at the last minute. A casserole of some type works best for this. Lasagna is always a good choice. Your side dishes should be equally as uncomplicated. You might want to serve a salad. Again, this works well because you can simply make it before the guests arrive, throw it in the fridge, and get it back out again in time to eat.

If you don't want to do a casserole, but you do want something that will still allow you to mingle with your guests, consider having a grilled or smoked meat dish. This is something that you can tend to on a more occasional basis, and it makes for a beautiful dish to serve to the guests as you bring it in to place on each plate.

If some of your guests are vegetarians, you will need to be sure to provide options for them on your menu. If you are going with a casserole and a salad, it might be a good idea to make a vegetarian casserole as well. There are a number of great vegetarian and vegan recipes on the internet that you might find very helpful for this purpose.

The traditional dessert to serve at a wedding shower is cake. However, this may not fit with your menu. If it does not, don't worry about it. Wedding showers, like weddings, are becoming less traditional everyday. Consider serving a dessert buffet with many different desserts on it. You could also find out what the bride's favorite dessert is and serve that instead of cake. If you think you must serve cake, serve it in addition to other choices like spiced fruit pies. You might even try a dessert based shower as a theme. Serve chocolate desserts with strawberries. You might even considering renting a chocolate fountain as a centerpiece for this food idea.

The classic wedding shower food idea is the appetizer buffet. With this idea, you want to fill your table with light bites for your guests to consume. Things like cheese and crackers, mini muffins, and dips work very well for this purpose. This also works great if you don't have a table for everyone to sit down and eat at.

Choosing the perfect food for the bridal shower may be a difficult thing to do, but it can also set the perfect wedding shower mood for your guests.

How to Plan a Bridal Shower for a Second Marriage

Is a second marriage less important than the first one? The answer is no. There is no reason to forego all of the pre-wedding celebrations just because it is the second marriage. Engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties are all still perfectly ok to celebrate. After all, the new couple is starting a new life together. Marriage is a joyous occasion whether it is the bride or groom’s first, second or otherwise marriage. Why wouldn’t they want to share the occasion with family and friends? Planning a bridal shower for a second marriage should not be approached much differently than a bridal shower for a first marriage. It is quite possible that the bride-to-be did not have a bridal shower for her first marriage. The bride should definitely be included in the decision to have a bridal shower for her second marriage, if she insists that she does not one then by all means grant her wishes.

When planning a bridal shower for a second marriage one thing to consider is that the couple probably has all the necessary household items needed. This brings up the consideration of a more themed bridal shower centered on the likes or hobbies of the couple. For a couple that likes gourmet food you could host a formal dinner party at a gourmet restaurant and suggest that the guests bring gourmet kitchen items, foods or gift certificates for gourmet delis. Maybe the couple love wine, you could host a wine tasting trip or organize a tour of a vineyard. After the tour you could have alight lunch at the vineyard or go elsewhere and have lunch or dinner. If the bride enjoys reading you could host a bridal shower at a local bookstore that serves coffee and tea. There are endless possibilities to the bridal shower themes. Maybe you could use a garden theme for the gardening enthusiast. For the make up lover you could host a makeover party or even have an old-fashioned girl’s only slumber party. A day at the spa i s another great idea for the bride to take her mind off of the busy schedule of planning another wedding.

Gift ideas for a bridal shower for a second marriage can be somewhat hard to choose. As mentioned before the bride and groom-to-be probably have all the necessary household items that seem to popular gifts at bridal showers. If you have a theme for the bridal shower there is nothing wrong with making a suggestion as to what the guests should bring. Gift certificates for stores, restaurants, and even movie theatres would be a great idea. If the couple has children, together or from previous marriages, you may want to suggest family board games or movies as gifts for the new family to share time together. Another gift idea for a couple blending families with children is to ask that the guest pool monies together for a family day trip to a zoo or other local attraction. The hostess could even plan a family oriented bridal shower at a water park or local activity center, a roller-skating rink, for example. A blended family will need support from everyone in their lives and why not have it start off right with som e quality family activities! Be sure to ask the bride for her input as she may not want any gifts at all or may choose to have her guests donate to a selected charity. Sometimes it is just the thought of the guests coming to spend time with the bride at the bridal shower that is a gift in itself.

In conclusion there really is not right or wrong way to throw a bridal shower for a second marriage. The only differences are that the bride should be involved and that the shower should probably be themed towards a hobby or the likes of the bride and/or the new couple. Be considerate of the bride and groom-to-be, if the do have children involve them if possible as well. Make the day of the bridal shower a day centered on the bride. And above all remember that a second marriage is just as important as a first marriage, love should be celebrated not ignored.