The final product!
So you’ve been seeing me blog and Instagram about this shower for my sis-in-law forever, I know! But I got the pics that photographer Melissa Stewardson captured so beautifully, and had to share!
First let me say it is downright difficult to find party supplies aren’t too pastel (= baby) or too bright (= birthday). Sheesh. I had such a tough time sticking to my original color scheme, but I think we were able to pull it off all the same…
We decided to make the dessert table our centerpiece. I found the aqua tablecloths at Party City for only $10/pop! And the vintage fabric garland is from Etsy, of course!
One of the bridesmaids (the bride’s cousin) makes sugar cookies for events as a hobby (Iced Cookies). She’s phenomenal. She hand painted each one to match my inspiration image from Rifle Paper Co.. (The favor tags coordinated with the invitations and say “She picked the cream of the crop!“)
Another bridesmaid made these amazing cake pops! She created such a variety and they were all so yummy. Love the oreo filled lemons!
Macarons and fondant cake were made by one of my clients (Merely Sweets in Brea, website coming soon!). Cake plates are from Crate & Barrel.
One of the ways we saved money was to make our own flower arrangements. My co-maid of honor (the bride’s younger sis) found all the flowers at our local Farmer’s Market. We were able to create 8 arrangements for $37! All those little vases I’d been saving from years of receiving flowers from my husband sure came in handy.
I purchased a bunch of colorful ribbon from Michael’s to wrap the vases. And yes, I carefully planned out which vases would have which ribbon and on which table, according to our floor plan. (Would you expect anything less?)
We also used hydrangea from my mother-in-law’s garden, and mixed the flower vases with other vases of lemons and limes. Another cute touch: we bought fabric from a discount fabric store (thanks Julie for the reco!) that my mother-in-law sewed into runners for the tables.
One of the silly personal touches we incorporated was to include these little signs of funny things the bride says. I asked all the bridesmaids and her fiancé for suggestions. Great conversation starters! Heh heh.
With the invitation, we sent a recipe card that we asked each guest to fill out and bring with them. I’ve had this little vintage table for years, and it was perfect to display this cute retro recipe box from the Martha Stewart Collection.
The party would not be complete without an appearance from our “his/her” lawn flamingos, with “bows” out of extra pieces of vintage fabric. (They need names…my husband suggested something reminiscent of Florida retirees like Flo and Mel?)
We were able to pull our theme into the outdoor gift-opening “gazebo” — and let me tell you this was no ordinary gazebo…fireplace, ceiling fan, heat lamps, widescreen TV, ample seating. Our generous hostess (a family friend) has quite the party pad – I would never leave this space!
My sis-in-laws and me (bride in the middle, my co-MOH/P.I.C. on the left)
Thanks to all that helped put it together! A big cheers.
…but our job’s not done yet! Off to Vegas today for the bachelorette. Wish me luck, I will need it! Yikes.
What talented ladies you all are! You did a beautiful job and the details are superb. My favorite part has to be the hand painted sugar cookies. So lovely!
Just wanted to say how much I love your blog and how also tell you that everything came out wonderful! Can’t wait for the Vegas pictures :)
Funfunfun! You are I are the ever consummate hostesses it seems…just got through hosting a baby shower for 100+! I really miss the days when I get to tone it all down and throw something intimate and private…such a sweet retro theme…totally digging that yummy dessert table! I’ve gotta trade party recs with you Erika! We do live in the same hood after all ;D
Happy Weekend babe!
xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!
Haute Khuuture Blog
BEAUTIFUL!! This shower, the bride-to-be, & you! Love that color on ya! Been following your blog for a few months now, first time commenter…..I SO dig your flair for entertaining & design. Also, your little Leighton is the most adorable toddler. She melts my heart & I can’t help but think of my little one every time you mention how sassy she is. they’ve got their own agenda, that’s for sure , HA!
xoxo
I love the idea of writing down the stuff the bride says! Everything looks bright and gorgeous. Have fun in Vegas!
wao!!! I love everything! what a beautiful event….so special. The photographs are so lovely.
Wow! Everything came out SO amazing! Where is the discount fabric store that you were suggested? Would love to check it out!
Obvs I love the color scheme because it is the same as my Maddie’s nursery! You look like a model, as well! Gorgeous event!
xoxo -e (modern24seven)
Love the decor and details! Such a fun theme. Those vintage flamingos are the best!
You have some amazingly talented friends. Those cake pops and cookies were stunning!
Oh. My. Gosh. You completely knocked it out of the park…..simply wonderful! Have SO much fun in Vegas girl!!!! woot woot
Wow, Erika you did an amazing job! Everything looks incredible. Congrats on pulling off such a great event, and you looked gorgeous too :)
Nancy x
What a totally spectacular shower you created! Love all of the touches! The color scheme, the flowers, the cake pops and the conversation starter cards! This is just too good!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Erika!
Everything turned out perfectly, Erika! Love all the little details and personal touches.
Erika,
you are awesome!!! you are not only a great designer but also a party planner ;)
i m really amaze=)
cheers
effie
So pretty, you did amazing!
beautiful shower! The bride certainly has some creative and fabulous friends!
xx
Here&Now
Awesome job. You know I love the color scheme and all the cute touches. Flo is the perfect flamingo name. Ha!
This turned out so beautifully! Also, you are seriously gorgeous Erika, so photogenic!
this came out SO SO cute. Love all the personal touches.