Hosting my bridal shower the weekend of my wedding was not something I ever imagined, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made!
Traditionally, bridal showers are hosted anytime between three weeks and two months before a wedding. Most commonly, I have known them to take place between 30 – 45 days before, but when it comes to YOUR wedding planning and hosting of a bridal shower, anything goes.
It is generally all about finding the right timing and doing what makes the most sense for you and your guests – especially during a pandemic.
Family & Friends in One Location
When the time came to plan my bridal shower, I started by putting together my ideal guest list first. While working on the list, I was quickly reminded of how far spread apart my closest loved ones lived not only from me but also from my wedding destination. I live in the Washington, DC area, but my wedding was taking place in my hometown area, New Orleans, LA. My guests covered eight different states, so ultimately deciding on a location was a bit of a challenge.
We decided to host it in New Orleans, two days before my wedding, to eliminate the need for additional travel arrangements, especially during a pandemic. My #CountdownKrewe was already committed to travel for the wedding, so we extended the plans to make it a full weekend. My wedding was set for a Sunday, so we decided on a Friday shower.
Ultimately, this led to being the top benefit of hosting my bridal shower during the wedding weekend.
Repurpose Décor
After deciding on the bridal shower date/location, they kicked me off the planning team (smile), so I did not know what to expect! It was the perfect shower filled with a custom backdrop, balloon garlands, tabletop decor, and lots of hugs and tears.
I was able to reuse all of the shower décor items in my bridal suite. The pops of color created the perfect ambiance for my gift-giving experience, the night before the wedding, and even enhanced the photos for our wedding-day robe shots.
Moment to Release Anxiety
I think we can all admit it…wedding planning is stressful. Considering the amount of energy, emotions, and attention that goes into the planning, couples need a moment to breathe and release anxiety during the wedding weekend. My bridal shower unexpectedly served in that way.
When my husband danced his way into the party, we stopped and embraced each other for an extended time. It was during that moment we both let out the greatest sigh! I remember saying, “it’s finally here! No more planning. We made it and I’m so proud of us. Now let’s have fun and enjoy every moment of this weekend – we’re getting married!”
Looking back, I would not change my decision. My bridesmaids and I had never experienced a wedding weekend bridal shower, but we felt confident in our plan – and it worked! My guests welcomed the idea, of taking an extra day off work, so we could host during brunch time to make room for additional events.
We laughed, cried, and danced the afternoon away. It was truly a special moment to glance around the room and see all of the women who have influenced my life, something that I will forever hold dear to my heart.
Check out more photos from the day!
Photography: XO Quinntographer
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