Everyone can agree that weddings are extremely special occasions, and that the planning of which should not be taken lightly.  It is less obvious, however, that there are occasions before the wedding that deserve just as much attention as the actual event.  One such occasion that I am speaking of is the bridal shower.  The wedding ceremony and reception is the time to highlight the bride and groom as a couple and give them the spotlight.  The bridal shower, on the other hand, is the time when the spotlight is given to the bride only.  The bridal shower is the time when the parents get to pamper their baby girl, or when the best friend gets to show the bride just how much she values their friendship.

While the bridal shower is extremely important, it is understandable that people’s lives are hectic which may make it hard to plan an extravagant shower.  Fret not.  Arrangements can be made to have a simple, yet elegant bridal shower.  One type of bridal shower that contains these characteristics, but leaves out the headaches and tied up phone lines is a bridal shower tea party.  If it is an elaborate shower you are looking for, then I suggest leaving it to the wedding planner, however, if you want to take the bridal shower into your own hands and put a personal touch on it, then a bridal shower tea party is the way to go.

History of the Tea Party

The beginnings of the tea party could be classified as being somewhat humble; originating not as tea parties at all, but as tea breaks.  The British working class, who could be seen as the founders of the tea party, loved to relax in the midst of a work day with some tea.  It was from here the idea for a tea party began.  Soon after the tradition started, the idea of the tea party gained popularity and spread to classes and countries worldwide as a lavish event.

Once the tea party began to spread, it started to take on different characteristics.  These characteristics varied according to the region in which the tea party was being held.  Some cultures would have snacks at their tea parties, while others would have a meal or heave snack in the late evening.  The idea of having a meal or heavy snack with tea came to be known as “High” tea.

The “How-to” of Tea

1.  Mood: In order to add grace to the shower, use fine china, expensive silver ware, teapot warmers, and the best linen in your closet.  If high tea is the type of tea party you are planning, then use some scented candles, mellow music, and a couple of small dim lights to set the mood.  Also, be sure to use fine silver trays to serve the china on, and fine silver utensils to eat your meal with.

If, on the other hand, you enjoy dance and jazz and want to funk up your tea party, then you may want to consider hiring a DJ.  This will allow the mood to be set by a professional, and leave you to shake your booty with your friends and guest of honor.

2.  Food:  Time of day will affect what kinds of snacks are served.  If the tea party is in the afternoon, then a buffet with decorations would be appropriate.  Afternoon snacks should be light, things like biscuits, sweets, finger sandwiches, salads, or even cookies work perfectly.  To add a personal touch, write the bride’s name on a cake especially for her.

3.  Fun: Entertainment is an extremely important part of the shower.  You do not want your guests becoming bored and wanting to leave.  You want them to wish the party never ends.  Some popular bridal shower games are Coke and Pepsi, Never Have I Ever, or Mad-Libs.  You may also want to consider having guests narrate various stories or share anecdotes that have to do with the celebration of love or the joy of weddings.

4.  Favors: One thing that cannot be left out is the party favor.  Party favors are given to the guests and serve as a reminder of what a fantastic and special day it was.  Years down the line guests will come across these parting gifts and be flooded with joyous memories of the occasion.  Some suggestions for party favors are floral arrangements or gift baskets with different lotions.

Remember, there are tons of different ways to throw a bridal shower.  Think outside of the box, but most importantly, have a good time with it.  The options for the shower are like space-they’re endless.  If you have a goodtime planning it, you can be sure the bride will have a goodtime attending it.