Bridal showers are for celebrating the bride but we say, why not celebrate your wedding party as well? We’ve got the information you need, whether you are the bride as a guest or as the host. This party will be one of the best!
Details for a Vintage Tea Party Bridal Shower
A bridal shower brings together friends and family to celebrate a betrothed woman before her nuptials. While it's long been a women-centric event, these days there are mixed-gender showers and the events typically unfold as intricately-planned affairs.
Overall, the spirit of the event still stands, and it's an occasion put together to "shower" the bride with gifts that will help her in the next chapter of life. The Caitlyn Turner editorial presents delightfully sweet and tasteful ideas for a vintage tea party bridal shower. It's highlighted as a fun and elegant occasion with vintage accents that are harmoniously blended with nostalgically whimsical elements.
What to Look for in a Venue for a Vintage Tea Party Bridal Shower
Hosted at the Elizabeth Gamble Garden in Palo Alto, the editorial paints the picture of a glamourous vintage tea party bridal shower. It looks like a scene lifted out of one of the "Alice in Wonderland" flicks creating an idyllic setting to host a sweet and elegant bridal shower. Practically any location with a garden works as a perfect setting for a tea party-themed event.
For the vintage touch, you might want to explore historical mansions as well as the quaint tea rooms nestled within various establishments. If there's ever a perfect excuse, sit down to a "Downton Abbey" and "Bridgeton" marathon for more bridal shower venue inspiration.
Decor for a Vintage Tea Party Bridal Shower
The Caitin Turner editorial is overflowing with vintage tea party bridal shower decoration ideas. Starting with the antique drawer chest with a mirror which also conjures up an "Alice in Wonderland" feel. The huge old trunks are yet other lovely touches reminiscent of what is seen in the "Harry Potter" films.
The pearls, chalkboard signages, antique china, and blooms complete the tea party look. Deck out the space with teapots and teacups because they take the centre stage on such an occasion. You could also borrow inspiration from the polka dot patterns, crystal beading details, and frills when shopping for bridal shower decorations.
Guest Dresses for a Vintage Tea Party Bridal Shower
Tea parties traditionally embrace semi-formal dress codes, and for the ladies that means wearing flowing or co*cktail dresses or skirts. The editorial presents varying gorgeous ensembles options; from the long, flowy boho-chic lace gown to the seriously luxe knee-length outfits. Pastel colours also favour the theme while highlighting the vintage aesthetic.
The accessories are equally eye-catching; from the floral-themed embellishments seen on the pastel pink outfit to the lace fascinator. The polka dot shoes, floral hairpin, and pearls are all befitting for the look. These are also outfits that would look great on members of the bridal party for the big day.
Floral Arrangements for a Vintage Tea Party Bridal Shower
Flowers have the ability to freshen up any space, and they are wonderful decor pieces as well as accents for a vintage tea party bridal shower. The editorial showcases how to thoughtfully set up the floral arrangements throughout the event space. Posies made up of dusty pink, white, and blush-coloured blooms are perfect for the occasion.
You'd think that a garden venue doesn't need much sprucing up but it's clear to see that the addition of floral arrangements uplifts the beauty. The clusters of flowers also double up as decor pieces set up on the dessert table, old trunk backdrop, and embellishments on the cake.
Food for a Vintage Tea Party Bridal Shower
Bridal showers are not necessarily food-centric events but when you are hosting a tea party-themed affair, it's expected that a refreshing menu will be part of the occasion. Serve a buffet-style spread set up on tiered display stands. Tea sandwiches, deviled eggs, smoked salmon, and cream cheese dishes are some of the items that should feature on your bridal shower menu.
Bite-sized desserts including scones, sponge cakes, and trifles are perfect for the event. Don't forget to offer a variety of toppings including marmalade, jam, and clotted cheese. As an ode to tea party tradition, include mimosas and champagne on the drinks menu.
Invitations for a Vintage Tea Party Bridal Shower
Bridal showers are typically hosted three weeks before the big day. With that in mind, shower invitations should go out at least four to six weeks before the scheduled shower date. Much like any other invite; make sure that the bridal shower invitations include important details like the event date, location, time, and dress code.
Bridal shower invites can also include additional details like a gift theme, if there's one, or if there's a gift registry set up for the occasion. As for the stationery suite, the editorial makes use of a simple pale pink hue with a playful font.
Table Setting Style for a Vintage Tea Party Bridal Shower
The table setting style will undoubtedly be the highlight during a vintage tea party bridal shower. Linens add a touch of elegance but in the case of a set-up similar to what is seen in the editorial, you can skip them entirely. The antique-style tables don't need any adornments to bring out their true beauty.
In any case, the mismatched china, silver teapot, and floral print teacups enhance the whimsical nature of the theme. Again, flowers, and lots of them at that, are the perfect decor pieces for a vintage tea party tablescape. Throw in some pearls and use some teacups as flower vases to complete the look.
Favours & Gifts for a Vintage Tea Party Bridal Shower
Thank your guests for gracing your event with their presence by giving them small presents. Tea-themed bridal shower favours are ideal choices for the day, and that includes tea accessories as well as custom tea blends. Consider gifting your guests customised teacup and saucer sets, wooden honey dippers, or tea infusers.
Mini jars of jam, herbal tea, sugar cookies, petit fours, and macaroons are delightful choices. Traditional bridal shower gifts like fizzy bath bombs, scented candles, essential oils, lavender sachets, and custom mini lotion bottles are equally great options for a vintage tea party bridal shower. Accompany the gifts with heartfelt thank you notes for a more personalised touch.
Wedding Photo Shoot Ideas for a Vintage Tea Party Bridal Shower
When friends and family gather to celebrate any occasion it also doubles as the perfect time to take more photos for the picture books. The garden venue as well as the creative set up presents plenty of photogenic backdrops. To start with, the distressed chest of drawers and old trunks are some of the interesting photo spots.
The antique teacups and saucer sets as well as the pearls are natural props for the bridal shower shoot. Another interesting spot is the table setting featuring antique-style furniture and loaded up with mouthwatering selections of baked goods. Even the dusty blue door frame makes a lovely prop for the vintage tea party-themed photo shoot.
A Vintage tea party for your Bridesmaids
Your bridesmaids are the ones you call to tell about your engagement right after your parents, they are going to hold your hand through the ups and downs of wedding planning, and let’s face facts; they’re going to be right there with you in the restroom helping to navigate your wedding dress on the big day!
They deserve a little extra attention and love – they deserve a celebration! This vintage tea party inspiration shoot from Caitlin Turner Photography is a sweet and thoughtful way to do just that.
The whimsical teacups, stylish party dresses, and adorable shabby-chic furniture are all perfect details for a vintage tea party. And it’s such a wonderful way to celebrate your ladies!
Credits: Photography & Calligraphy: Caitlin Turner Photography // Planning: Harvesting Love Events & Seventh Heaven Vintage Event Planning and Design // Floral Design: Flower Story // Rentals: Seventh Heaven Vintage Rentals // Hair & Makeup: N.D.G. Artistry // Venue: Elizabeth Gamble Garden.
