I’ve always loved planning parties. Even growing up, I never had just the typical sleepover birthday party. We always went all out because thankfully my mom is also super creative when it comes to party planning. So when I was asked to be the maid of honor in my best friend’s wedding this May, I was so excited to get planning!?Melanie studied abroad in England for a semester so I knew an English Tea themed bridal shower would be absolutely perfect for her. With the help of her mother and other bridesmaids, we were able to pull it off and I couldn’t wait to share it with you!
Finding a venue is always the hardest part of planning a shower or event. After exploring some local coffee shops and small brunch style restaurants, we thought to look into where the wedding will be held in May, The Signature at West Neck in Virginia Beach, Virginia. We were so lucky that the venue was free of charge and we knew it was a place Melanie already loved. I was able to work directly with the chef to create a menu that fit our theme and Melanie would love! I wanted every detail to remind Melanie of her time in England.
Decorating actually turned out to be extremely easy. We kept what we had to purchase minimal and used a lot of things that we already had. Melanie’s mom offered to make the beautiful center pieces on each table by arranging flowers into an assortment of tea pots she had at home. We simply placed those tea pots inside of a gold frame that one of the bridesmaids picked up at Good Will for me. ?For favors, I wanted to do something really unique but also something practical that I knew everyone would use! I did some searching on Pinterest and decided to make tea cup candles. They were so easy to make and they were the perfect favor! I’ll be sharing how I made them later on! Other decor pieces we used were a simple ribbon backdrop for photos, a DIY photo collage frame (my tutorial here) with the couple’s engagement photos and mini tea cup floral arrangements.
The second most important element to a shower after the venue is the food! Like I mentioned, I wanted to keep true to the theme with our food choices. We ended up having a fruit platter with raspberry dip, an assortment of English scones, brie en croute with apricots, two kinds of quiches, cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches and finally a tomato soup and grilled cheese shooter. The last menu item was actually a surprise for Melanie that didn’t quite fit the theme, but everyone loved. When Melanie had her tasting for her wedding food, she fell in love with these grilled cheese shooters, but didn’t think they fit the vibe of her wedding, so we added them to our menu last minute as a surprise for her.
We had each guest fill out an “advice card” for Melanie as they dropped off their gifts. It’s always so fun to hear the advice of other women, whether they are married or not. I knew Melanie would love reading these heartfelt notes from her closest friends and family members. We all loved watching Melanie open her gifts and it was so fun to imagine what her new home will look like with all of her fun gifts!
Finally, no party is complete without a photo booth! We brought a few floppy hats to wear as props but kept the rest of the photo shoot very low key. It was great for Melanie to get photos with all of her guests and to have some fun while doing it! There’s always a sigh of relief when a party is over and was executed perfectly, but for me I’m always looking for the next get together that I can throw!
Samantha Bender says
So beautiful and classy! All of the pictures turned out great. Can I try some of those pink champagne cupcakes?! Yum!
Madison says
They were SO good! Thank you so much 🙂
Kelsey Sheron says
How cute! I love all the attention to details 🙂
Madison says
Thanks Kelsey! It really makes all the difference in throwing a good party 🙂
Macy Volpe says
Everything looks beautiful! I love the theme and everything came together perfectly.
Madison says
Thanks Macy! It was so fun!
SFM says
Love this so much! Everything is beautiful!
Tayler says
Such a cute idea for a bridal shower. My reception was outside at a friend’s house who had a beautiful yard. My flowers were all herbs and wildflowers and the food was lemonade and fruity treats. So, it was kind of an English garden themed.
Madison says
That sounds gorgeous! I love that you had herbs in your bouquets, so unique!
Kati Rose says
This is adorable! I love when parties have little themes that tie everything from decorations to desserts together. English tea party is such a unique one that I haven’t seen for bridal showers either.
Madison says
Thanks Kati! It was definitely the perfect theme for Melanie 🙂
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
This is the cutest! What a special celebration you put together. <3
Madison says
Thank you! It was so fun. And a friend of that many years deserves it 🙂
Stacia says
This turned out so beautifully! I love all the special touches!
Madison says
Thanks Stacia! It was so fun. I’m sad it’s over!
Bailey says
Can I just hire you to be my official party planner?
Madison says
Yes, sure thing 😉
redheadbabymama says
Cute! I did the same thing 7+ years ago when I got married, but we did it AT a Tea house. I love the buffet setup!
Madison says
That’s awesome! We thought of that as an option, but it ended up being astronomically expensive for the food. This was a much better option!
divasrunforbling says
This is so gorgeous. I love the tea theme 🙂
Madison says
Thank you! It was perfect for Melanie 🙂
Hayley says
I am in LOVE with how this came together. You did a beautiful job and looked so pretty that day! 🙂
Madison says
Awe, well thanks!! It was so fun 🙂
Cassie Lee says
This looks like such a great time!
Madison says
Thanks girl! It definitely was 🙂
Bree West says
Gorgeous shower! I love the theme and all the details are so perfect!
Madison says
Thanks Bree! I had a blast planning it!
House of Faucis says
I have never planned one for fear of messing it up! I did n’t have one so I am sure I would mess it up somehow.
Madison says
You wouldn’t mess it up!! You could totally do it 🙂
Erin says
What a sweet party and a great set up for your friend! Loving these photos, the inspiration and the joy clearly felt during this shower!
Madison says
Thanks Erin! It was a blast and I loved every minute of it 🙂
erica acevedo says
How adorable! Madison, being your friend must be such an awesome thing! She’s a lucky lady to have such a thoughtful bestie. I love everything about this beautiful shower!!
Madison says
Hahaha! I like to think it’s a good deal being my friend 😉 Thank you so much! It was my honor to be able to do it for my bestie of so many years!
Pamela Baker says
oh how cute!
Prototype Mama says
Awww. I love weddings and everything that leads up to it! You did a great job. I love the little picture frames and colors. Lucky friend 😉
Madison says
Haha thank you! It was perfect for her! 🙂
Elizabeth Mayberry says
So beautiful! You did a great job!
Madison says
Thanks Beth! It was a blast.
Amanda | Life With Grace says
So so pretty!! I love all the details and how elegant and classy it was!!
Madison says
Melanie’s a classy lady so it just fit 🙂
Jenna Griffin says
Madison, this turned out so lovely! The decorations are adorable, and I’m so in love with those candles! You did such a great job!!
Madison says
Thanks girl! It was so fun. I wish I could throw these more often!