Let’s Plan A Bridal Shower - Winery Edition
Whether you're hosting the shower here locally in Lancaster Co., Pa or looking for the perfect spot in your area, here is pretty much everything you need to plan a bridal shower for the wine-loving Bride.
Slogans:
Wine and Wishes for the Soon-To-Be Mrs.
Cheers To Love
Vino Before Vows
Location:
Wineries
Wineries are a natural choice for a wine-themed bridal shower. Look for:Picturesque Views: Vineyards with beautiful scenery.
Outdoor Spaces: Patios or lawns for outdoor gatherings.
Private Tasting Rooms: Intimate spaces for private events.
Urban Wineries: If you’re in a city, urban wineries can offer a unique and convenient option. But always ensure the location is easy for guests to reach and has parking.
Restaurants
For a charming and relaxed atmosphere, consider restaurants with:Lush Gardens: Patios surrounded by greenery and flowers.
Elegant Seating: Comfortable and stylish outdoor furniture.
Ambiance: String lights, lanterns, or other decor that adds to the ambiance.
For a more intimate and exclusive setting, look for:
Cozy Atmosphere: Cellars with a warm, inviting feel
Exclusive Use: Spaces that can be reserved for private events.
Farm-to-table restaurants often have rustic charm and excellent food. Look for:
Seasonal Menus: Fresh, local ingredients.
Rustic Decor: Charming and cozy ambiance.
Outdoor Spaces: Gardens or patios for a relaxed feel.
Boutique Hotels
Boutique hotels often have unique spaces ideal for a wine-themed shower. Consider:Rooftop Bars: Offering great views and an open-air feel.
Private Dining Rooms: For a more intimate setting.
Lobbies or Lounges: Stylish spaces for a sophisticated gathering.
Historic Sites or Mansions:
Historic sites or mansions can provide a stunning backdrop for a bridal shower. Look for:
Scenic Grounds: Beautiful gardens or lawns.
Elegant Interiors: Rooms with historic charm and character.
Exclusive Use: Spaces that can be rented out for private events.
For Lancaster Co., PA locals, check out The Vineyard at Grandview. This picturesque vineyard offers beautiful outdoor spaces, perfect for an elegant and relaxed bridal shower. With stunning views of the vines and excellent wine options, it creates a charming atmosphere that the bride and guests will love.
Invitations
Color Palette: Use colors like deep burgundy, blush pink, dark green, and cream.
Design Elements: You can go a couple different ways with this but all styles should include calligraphy font to add fun and plain text for the important details.
Minimal
Simple wine and grape illustrations with a slogan
Florals to match the colors of decor
Content: Include the bride’s name, date, time, location, RSVP details and registry information.
Decor
Color Palette: Deep burgundy, blush pink, dark green, and cream.
Ambiance: Elegant yet relaxed, touch of rustic, with a focus on enjoying good wine and great company.
Music: Soft background music, such as acoustic guitar or a playlist of the bride’s favorite songs.
Centerpieces: Beautiful floral arrangements with roses, peonies, and greenery. Floral arrangements should use the color palette.
Signage:
Welcome sign - keep this simple then put it in a wooden frame and add floral decor on two corners of the frame. Place frame on a easel at the entrance
Misc. signs like a bar menu sign or gift table sign
Framed Photos: Add a mix of gold frames and wood frames to add photos of the couple. These can be scattered across the room.
Extras: Add a cozy lounge area with furniture near the vines or with the vines in the background to create a beautiful photo backdrop. Add some floral arrangements and another sign that reads ‘Let's open the wine and drink to the heart’. Treasured Events has rental decor and more. Also add some baskets of different sizes filled with floral arrangements.
Food and Drinks
Appetizers: Charcuterie boards, bruschetta, and stuffed mushrooms
Main Course: A buffet-style setup with options like grilled chicken, sandwiches and/or wraps, roasted vegetables, pasta salad and garden salad.
Desserts: A dessert table with a small cake for the guest of honor to cut, fruit, and cupcakes.
Drinks: A selection of wines including red, white, and rosé and non-alcoholic options like water and iced tea.
Activities and Games
Wine Tasting: (if allowed) Set up a wine tasting station with different types of wines. Provide tasting notes and scorecards for guests to rate their favorites.
Vino and Vows Trivia: A fun trivia game about wine and wedding vows. Create a mix of questions related to wine facts and famous wedding vows from movies and history.
Memory Lane: Ask guests to bring a photo or a memory with the bride and create a memory board. This can be a touching and fun way to share stories and celebrate the bride.
Guess The Number: Purchase several corks online and place them in a large glass jar. Put out paper and pens near the jar for guests to come up and guess the number of corks. Closest without going over wins.
Questions For the Couple: Have the husband-to-be complete a list of questions before the shower. During the shower, have the bride in the hot seat and answer the questions aloud to see if they both have the same answers.
Bride or Groom: Compile a list of Bride or Groom questions to see which guest gets the most correct answers.
You can find plenty of templated games online at sites like Etsy or Zazzle.
Game Prizes (Ensure all prizes are within a similar price range, a good range is between $15 and $30)
Bottle of wine (red and white options) from the winery
A beautiful bouquet of locally sourced flowers
Favors
Mini Wine Bottles: Mini wine bottles with custom labels or custom tags to tie around the bottle necks
Wine Stoppers: Wine stoppers engraved with the bride’s name and the date of the shower.
Sweets: Have custom cookies made to match the wine theme. Have each cookie beautifully wrapped for an easy to grab and go.
Wine Glass Charms: Personalized wine glass charms that has each guests name on it. These could also be used as place cards for assigned seats.
Planning a bridal shower requires coordination and timely execution. Here’s a detailed timeline to help you organize a seamless event:
4-6 Months Before the Bridal Shower
Discuss with the Bride:
Talk to the bride about any specific requests.
Decide on a date that works for her and key guests.
Budget Planning:
Determine the budget for the shower, including venue, food, drinks, decorations, and favors.
Decide who will contribute financially.
Guest List:
Work with the bride to compile a guest list and/or mothers of the bride and groom
Collect addresses and contact information for invitations.
Venue Research and Booking:
Research potential venues
Visit venues to assess suitability.
Book the venue as soon as possible to secure the date.
3-4 Months Before the Bridal Shower
Theme and Decor Planning:
Finalize the theme and color scheme
Start gathering ideas for decorations, centerpieces, and overall look.
Catering and Menu:
Decide whether you will have the event catered or prepare food yourself (assuming the venue does not provide food). If using a caterer, start researching options and book one early.
Plan the menu, focusing on appetizers, main courses, desserts, and beverages.
2-3 Months Before the Bridal Shower
Invitations:
Design and order invitations that match the theme.
Send out invitations, including details on date, time, location, RSVP instructions, and any special instructions (e.g., dress code).
Activities and Games:
Plan any games, activities, or entertainment that will be part of the shower.
Purchase or create any materials needed for these activities.
Decorations and Supplies:
Order or purchase decorations, tableware, and other supplies.
Create a checklist of all items needed for the event.
3-4 Weeks Before the Bridal Shower
RSVP Follow-Up:
Follow up with any guests who haven’t responded to the invitation.
Confirm the final guest count with the venue and caterer.
Favors and Gifts:
Purchase or create party favors for guests.
If planning a group gift or special presentation for the bride, organize and purchase items.
Detailed Planning:
Create a detailed schedule for the day of the shower, including setup, activities, and breakdown.
Assign tasks to helpers or bridesmaids to ensure everything runs smoothly.
2 Weeks Before the Bridal Shower
Final Confirmations:
Confirm all bookings and reservations (venue, catering, entertainment).
Confirm any deliveries for food, decorations, or rentals.
Prepare Decorations and Supplies:
Gather and organize all decorations and supplies.
Create any DIY decorations or finishing touches needed.
Guest Communication:
Send a reminder email or message to guests with any last-minute details or instructions.
1 Week Before the Bridal Shower
Finalize the Schedule:
Review the detailed schedule and make any necessary adjustments.
Ensure all helpers know their responsibilities.
Setup Preparation:
Pack up decorations, supplies, and any items needed for transport to the venue.
Arrange for transportation of any large items.
1-2 Days Before the Bridal Shower
Final Touches:
Prepare any last-minute food or drink items.
Set up games, activities, and any necessary materials.
Day of the Bridal Shower
Last Minute Pick-ups:
Be out the door early to pick up any last-minute items that are not being delivered
Setup and Decorate:
Arrive early to start setting up and decorating.
Arrange tables, chairs, and decorations according to your plan.
Ensure the food and drinks are ready and the space is clean and inviting.
Enjoy the Event:
Greet guests as they arrive and ensure they are comfortable.
Facilitate games and activities as planned.
Make sure to take photos and capture memories of the day.
Breakdown and Clean Up:
After the shower, clean up the venue and pack up any decorations and supplies.
Ensure all rentals are returned and thank any helpers.