salted chocolate | life with a dash of flavor

When my sister asked me to be her Maid of Honor, we gave each other a big hug and had a good cry. I was honored, but I was also scared. I have been a bridesmaid before, so my duty of being a bride’s wing-woman at a bachelorette party was easy – I am the best beer-holder, free shot-getter and mascara-checker out there. But being a Maid of Honor is different – you have to do like, important things – things like holding the bride’s dress while she pees, making sure the Hubs-to-be isn’t too drunk on the wedding day, telling the bride that neon pink platforms aren’t the newest bridal trend, planning the bridal shower…

I have never planned a bridal shower, and knowing my experience in planning parties – I was a little terrified. When I do something, I don’t want to half-ass it – especially when it comes to parties, especially my sister’s bridal shower. Thank God for Pinterest – it gives semi-creative people really good ideas, so a lot of the planning part was easy. I saw a pretty picture, I saved it on the Pinboard I created for the shower, and then tried to recreate it.

Naturally, everything came together at the last-minute (my sister was walking in as I pulled the last tray of food out of the oven), but everything went according to plan – the food was deelish, the games weren’t lame, and the drinks were a-flowing.

Her wedding is this month, and I can’t wait to celebrate. I’m so happy for you, Erica, and I hope you enjoy a lifetime of love, happiness, and unforgettable moments!

The idea here was to fill the room with white balloons. Either the room was too big, or I didn’t have enough balloons…

Save a space for the gifts and party favors – a bride will be excited to see all of the new goodies, and so will the guests!

I arranged the party favors in an “E” for Erica – can you see it? No?

These body sprays from Bath & Body Works were $1.25 each – and it’s a favor people will actually use! (and like!)

Finger foods and skewers – essentials for bridal showers. Fun and delicious. (see menu below)

Caprese kabobs – make a lot of these – they were the first to go.

Rainbow fruit skewers – the prettiest and the easiest.

Mini confetti cupcakes? Yes please!

A special gift from the Maid of Honor – I made this wreath for her to hang in her patio.

The Menu (many of these recipes can be found here)

• Caprese Kabobs
• Rainbow Fruit Skewers
• Deviled Eggs
• Mini Quiche
• Ham & Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups
• Assorted Cheese & Crackers
• Mini Confetti Cupcakes
• White-Girl Sangria (recipe here)

The Games

• Lucky Picture Prize Game – Before the guests arrive, tape a picture of the bride to the bottom of a chair. Whoever is sitting in that chair at the end of the party, receives a prize.
• “How Well Do You Know the Bride?” Prize Game (printable here)
• “Wedding A-Z” Prize Game (printable here)
• Advice From the Heart – Have guests write down their favorite relationship/marriage advice.
• Wedding Night Preview – easily the best game of the night! Write down phrases said while the bride is opening her gifts. When she’s done, read her phrases aloud as what she’ll be saying on her Wedding Night. Sexual in nature and hilarious!!

The Favors

• Mini body sprays (Bath & Body Works, on sale for $1.25 each)
• Mini wine bottles for prize giveaway (4-pack for $6)