Well, here we are almost at the two-month marker. I can’t believe the wedding’s coming up so soon!
It was all made much more real to me last week, when my family and I had a bit of a crazy weekend . . . not only did my sisters plan the “bachelorette” party, but they also helped my mom plan the bridal shower, which was the following day!
[HudsonValleyWeddings.com Tip: Box of Recipes. When shower invitations are mailed, include a card for each guest to write down a favorite recipe. At the shower, put all the cards in a recipe box and give them to the Bride as a gift from everyone.]
I know it sounds confusing, but it really was a great time my sisters, Tim’s sisters, my friends and my cousins all went to Shadows on the Hudson for a late dinner, which was perfect because it wasn’t all based around getting drunk, like so many bachelorette parties are. (Not that I have any problem with a little alcohol now and then, but both my sisters and some of my other family members are underage! I wanted to include them too they are some of the most important people in my life, and I wanted them to have a good time, too!)
[HudsonValleyWeddings.com Tip: Rugged Parties. For the more rugged types, brides and their friends have taken the party outdoors and spent a day (and night) camping, hiking, and even mountain climbing.]
It was the most fun night I’ve ever had out with the girls the food was delicious, the desserts were to die for, and the cocktails were absolutely killer. I think it’s safe to say that I’ve never tasted a better martini in my life! The service, however, was extremely slow we got there at 7 and didn’t get out until 11 but luckily we had good company to keep us occupied. We were having too much fun to complain! =)
[HudsonValleyWeddings.com Tip: Introducing the “couples’ bridal shower. Sometimes, very aptly called a Jack and Jill, this pre-wedding party includes the prospective bride and groom and all their closest friends. The host and or hostess for a couples’ shower can be their attendants, coworkers and/or friends.]
Afterwards, my sisters set up a surprise we all went to the Courtyard Marriott in Poughkeepsie so stay overnight. There were games, snacks (chips, cookies, brownies what more could a group of girls ask for??), and even a little champagne. One of my friends even brought orange juice to make mimosas and these cute champagne glasses for everyone to take home! It was a great night I seriously have the most awesome family and friends. =)
The next day was the shower and “shower” was the perfect word to describe it! It was a literal downpour of food, people, camera flashes, gifts, and, later, wrapping paper. I was so overwhelmed when I walked in the door at the sheer volume of people and things crammed into my parents’ living room.
[HudsonValleyWeddings.com Tip: Goodies In a Jar. Fill a large jar with candies, jelly beans gummy bears, cinnamon hearts, or any other edible goodies. Let the guests guess how many “candies” are in the jar. The guest who comes the closest to correct number, wins the jar.]
I was actually very nervous for the shower beforehand. I know that sounds a little silly, but I used to waitress at Cosimo’s in Poughkeepsie, and we often hosted bridal showers. Everyone always had fun, but the thing that always stood out to me was how much attention the bride-to-be would get every time. All good attention, mind you, but to have the eyes of 50 people fixed only on you for three hours straight? Eek!
It wasn’t like that at all for me, though I was embarrassed to have all those cameras on me, but it was so nice to see everyone that I didn’t really mind. It’s so great having so many of your closest friends and family in the same room with you all at once! That’s another thing I’m definitely looking forward to at the wedding. How often do you get the chance to see so many of your favorite people all at once?
My mom planned and ran the whole shower herself, with the help of my aunts during the day. She did such a good job she thought of things that I never would have thought of! There were these super-cute chocolate bar favors in a basket by the door they had the date and “Laura’s Bridal Shower” printed on the wrappers and little decorative touches, like wedding bells and a centerpiece. She even came up with these great question-and-answer games that she handed out one of them asked all these questions about me (what I was wearing, what color my hair is, etc) and the other was an anagram game using “Laura and Timothy” as the source for the words. The prizes were heart-shaped cookie cutters, measuring spoons, and wine stoppers. I actually won one of the wine stoppers I’m kind of awesome at anagrams. =)
[HudsonValleyWeddings.com Tip: Shower Power. The host, or hosts, of a shower should need to discuss the division of the shower’s cost early in the process,, so that there are no misunderstanding later on.]
I shouldn’t have taken it though I got so many great gifts already! Luckily I’m moving into a newer, bigger place soon; otherwise I’d have no clue where to put all the stuff I got! I absolutely loved everything I got, but my favorite gifts were the super-personal ones especially a cookbook with recipes from members of both my family and Tim’s family from my cousin.
Everyone who is reading will probably think I’m crazy, but I had no idea about the “hat” tradition you know, where someone puts all the bows and ribbons from your gifts onto a plate and you wear it on your head afterwards. That was interesting…take a look for yourself!
In conclusion, the shower was a blast and it’s all thanks to my mom, who is the best. Thanks, Mommy! =)
So *whew!* That was a busy weekend, but I had a great time and I think everyone else did too.
Counting down the days now…less than eight weeks to go!
~Laura =)