A Bridal Shower Tea

One of my favorite ways to throw a bridal shower is to host a tea in the bride's honor. The varieties of stationery, favors and decor available for this type of event are endless! Whether you approach the theme from a classic and nostalgic point of view, or choose to host a tea that is a more modern affair, any interpretation makes for a fun party that guests and the guest-of-honor will truly enjoy.

Start out by giving guests a taste of what they can expect at the shower with a cookie invite, like the one shown above, from Sweet Talk Boutique! Sweet Talk's signature shortbread/sugar cookie recipe tastes great with a cup of tea. Don't worry, a paper invite is included as well, so your guests can enjoy the cookie and still remember the details of the day. Hosts can further make the tea theme fun for guests by encouraging them to bring a vintage tea cup as part of their gift and contribute to a collection for the bride. Vintage tea cups also serve as a great party favor, as do packets of tea, or bundles of delicious loose tea tied-up and tagged with the bride's monogram or name and the date of the event.

Looking for a shower gift that any tea-sipping bride will love? How about a subscription to Springcart's Tea of the Month Club? I love a gift that keeps giving long after the shower is over. Of course, every bride knows that the most important task after a shower (besides enjoying all those great gifts with your groom-to-be or new husband!), is writing thank you notes. The letterpress thank you notes from Paper Stories Letterpress, shown below, are ideal for just this purpose! Treating yourself to a nice warm cup while you write, will also make that most crucial task a little more enjoyable.

A bridal tea need not be limited to a bridal shower. It's also nice choice for an intimate pre-wedding wedding party with the bride's friends, or an après dress-fitting get together with the bride and her attendants. You and your guests could cozy up for high-tea in a victorian mansion as fall winds blow outside, or perhaps you'll choose to sip some mint tea in your sunny backyard garden. One thing I know for sure, is that a tea-themed shower is guaranteed to be warm and welcoming. Just like that first, delightful, sip from your favorite cup of tea.

Photos courtesy of Sweet Talk Boutique and Paper Stories Letterpress

~ Erin, Bride Design and Sweet Talk Boutique