Photo of the Day: February 8
Draped chiffon and romantic roses combine to create a whimsical wedding ceremony arch.
Draped chiffon and romantic roses combine to create a whimsical wedding ceremony arch.
A romantic quote and hanging floral hoop wreaths add eye-catching elements to this rustic head table.
This adorable ring “security” bearer is too cute for words.
Throwing a bridal shower for someone you love? Select a few games or activities to help guests break the ice, pass the time during the gift-opening portion, and have an all-around blast. Here, 25 editors' picks that'll suit any bash.
Pin kitchen tools to an apron that the bride-to-be must wear for one quick walk around the room. Afterward, have the guest of honor take the apron off, and ask partygoers to jot down all of the items that were on it.
Photo Credit: Weddings by Scott and Dana
You may already be familiar with the classic shower game where guests receive one clothespin each, and they're instructed not to say the word "bride". If someone hears them break this rule, then they need to forfeit their pin. (Whoever has the most clothespins at the end of the party is the winner). For a fun twist, distribute candy ring pops instead!
See more photos from this "Favorite Things"-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Caroline Tran
Build a custom Jeopardy board with categories that relate to the bride and groom's interests. Award a prize to the top winner — Alex Trebek impression optional.
See more photos from this Tuscany-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Christine Haws Photography
The toilet paper game never fails to make guests crack up. How it works: Divide everyone up into a few different teams, and ask a "model" from each group to come forward. The rest of the team members have to create a wedding gown to dress her up in using rolls of paper towel (no scissors or tape allowed). The bride awards her pick for best-dressed!
See more photos from this Alice in Wonderland-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Chrystal Cienfuegos Photography
If traditional shower games aren't really your speed, consider treating guests to a learning experience they'll never forget. For example, guests at this shower took a professional makeup class, where they learned how to create the perfect smoky eye.
Photo Credit: Samantha Sais Photography
The "bow" hat is a time-honored bridal shower tradition, to the chagrin of bashful brides everywhere. It's a great activity to keep little ones occupied or include someone who isn't in the bridal party.
See more photos from this blue-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Ashley Therese Photography
Display a collage board with photos of the bride throughout the years, and have guests guess how old she was in each of the snapshots.
See more photos from this Southern-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Brandi Welles Photography
Create a top ten list of quotes, and have attendees guess whether the bride or groom said each one. Bonus points if you include silhouette illustrations for them to circle.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Renee Photography
Have the bride and groom face-off in a trivia challenge! Or, if the shower is girls-only, record his responses or questions ahead of time on video, and then play it for all of the guests.
See more photos from this Mexican-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Joyeuse Photography
Gems and engagement ring props put the "bridal" in bingo. This classic game is a fun way to engage guests during the gift-opening portion of the shower.
Photo Credit: Blueberry Photography
Create DIY drink coasters where guests can fill out their marriage advice for the bride and groom.
See more photos from this blue-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Ashley Therese Photography
Display a Mad Libs printout at each guest's place setting instructing guests to write personalized vows for the newlyweds. Read a few of the funniest responses out loud before or after opening the gifts.
Photo Credit: Invitations by Tiffany on Etsy
At this shower, guests were asked to jot down their favorite memory with the bride — how sweet is that?
See more photos from this purple-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Laura Laing
Brides are getting ultra-creative with their wedding guest book, and the bridal shower is no exception. One popular choice: Ask loved ones to sign a decorative plate that the bride can use in her new home.
Photo Credit: Weddings by Scott and Dana
If the bride loves all things crafty, plan a DIY activity for guests to enjoy. At "Bachelorette" Desiree Hartsock's bridal shower, guests designed their own flower crowns and mixed signature scents at the perfume bar.
Photo Credit: Valorie Darling Photography / Hosted and Produced By: Be Inspired PR / Event Design: Jesi Haack Design
Every guest has their own signature dish — have them pass on their favorite recipes to the newlyweds-to-be. Create preprinted cards with different sections laid out (e.g. ingredients, directions, special tips) so that they're easier to read.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Renee Photography
Even the most game-averse bride will get a kick out of this Bridal Scattergories card from The Flair Exchange. With cute wedding-related prompts like "honeymoon locations" and "something blue," it's a clever way to entertain guests during party gaps. There are four lettered rounds ("L," "O," "V," and "E") — the winner has to earn the most points!
If you're a Disney fanatic, then this game created by Designs by Miss Mandee is a must-have at your bridal shower. Guests have to match up the love songs from iconic films like Aladdin and The Lion King; just don't blame us if they start belting out "A Whole New World."
Download the free printable here ►
Related: Disney-Inspired Real Weddings
For a fun way to get the party started, you can't beat scratch-off cards. Etsy seller Janet Morrin offers a set of 24 cards with two winners in each batch. Come up with a grab bag for the scratch winners to reach in and claim their prizes.
Photo Credit: Janet Morrin on Etsy
For a 21st century-twist on traditional Pictionary, guests must correctly decipher the wedding words and phrases using emojis! Etsy seller Clink Paper offers a print-ready digital download that's set up to print two games per standard sheet (it also includes an answer key).
Photo Credit: Clink Paper on Etsy
The number-one question on guests' minds when it comes to the wedding is, "What will the bride be wearing?" Challenge them to design what they envision for the bride's gown! Distribute art supplies and these outline "guides" by Etsy seller Blushed Design. Award a prize to the artist whose rendering is closest to the actual dress.
Photo Credit: Blushed Design on Etsy
Lots of laughter will ensue after you play the "Who Has The Groom?" game. Print these celebrity cutouts from Etsy seller Works Of Heart Shoppe on cardstock, as well as one of the groom. Tape them under guests' chairs at the shower before they arrive. Whoever finds the groom under their chair is the lucky winner!
Photo Credit: Works Of Heart Shoppe on Etsy
"Find The Guest" is an easy way to encourage guests to mingle. Etsy seller Pretty Collected offers cards with fun prompts that require partygoers to conversate with their neighbors to discover fun facts about them. For example, find someone who was born the same month as you, and another who drives the same car as you. The winner is the guest who has the most answers.
Photo Credit: Pretty Collected on Etsy
Play "What's in Your Purse?" to see who carries the most random things in their bag! Create or purchase game cards, awarding points to different categories. Whoever has the most points wins.
Photo Credit: Sunnyside Cottage Art on Etsy
Here at Bridal Guide, we love love — and we're guessing if you're reading this, you do too!
From picturesque backdrops to personalized crafts, these beautiful proposals will leave you teary-eyed.
This pastel wedding bouquet has us dreaming of springtime!
We love the attention to detail on this glamorous tablescape.
Custom denim jackets are the perfect wearable chair décor.
When it comes to your menu, one of the biggest trends right now is to get your guests involved in the process. Interactive food stations allow your guests to customize their fare to fit their preferences, making it all but guaranteed that your guests will be raving about the food at your wedding. From breakfast-themed bars to appetizer stations to dessert buffets, here are some of our favorite ideas.
By: Kristen Klein
A carving station has been a wedding staple for decades; modernize it with a variety of fix-ins next to the meat for guests to personalize their dish.
Photo Credit: Ashley Garmon Photographers
Make your dessert hour even sweeter with a hot cocoa bar, filled with delicious mix-ins for your chocolatey treat.
Photo Credit: Pen + Paper Flower
Baked, mashed, or fried? You don’t have to choose at this potato bar, where you can mix a variety of potatoes and toppings for your own creation.
Photo Credit: Milou and Olin Photography
Pay homage to your hometown with a food station featuring local fare, like this Philly cheesesteak bar. Include a sign on how to order like a local.
Photo Credit: OneLove Photography via Jay’s Catering Co.
Give your appetizer bar a healthier spin with “avocado sundaes” – avocado halves topped with salsa, limes, bacon crumbles, fried onions, and dressing options like Ranch, Italian, and honey mustard.
Photo Credit: Claire McCormack Photography via Cartewheels Catering
During the cocktail hour, utensil-free dishes reign supreme. Meat on a stick with an array of dipping sauces is sure to satisfy your guests.
Photo Credit: Savoury City
Surround an overflowing basket of tortilla chips with toppings like salsa, guacamole, corn, refried beans, and nacho cheese.
Photo courtesy of Tony McClanahan of First Fruits Catering
Create an Italian soda bar with club soda, fruit-flavored syrups, and whipped cream. Guests of all ages will love personalizing their beverages.
Photo Credit: Making the World Cuter
These Korean rice bowls are the ultimate comfort food; let your guests personalize their dishes with what they crave.
Photo courtesy of Elegant Affairs
Blend sweet and savory morsels for a one-of-a-kind trail mix.
Photo Credit: Jordan Remke of Kojo Designs
Whether you prefer sweet or savory, make your own flavored popcorn with shakers featuring options like grated cheese, cinnamon sugar, garlic, chocolate, buffalo wing, and more. Make it even more delectable with candy mix-ins.
Photo Credit: Pen + Paper Flowers
Skip the box mix and make your macaroni & cheese wedding-appropriate with a homemade version featuring various mix-ins, like bacon and soft cheese.
Photo Credit: Erin Lee at The Collection via Fête Nashville
Take the classic s’mores dessert up a notch by including flavored marshmallows, white, milk, and dark chocolate, and even multiple flavors of graham crackers.
Photo courtesy of Cookie Creatives
D’Amico Catering designed this fry station, where guests can choose from traditional fries, sweet potato fries, and waffle fries, then top with favorite mix-ins – like scallions, caramelized onion, sour cream, blue cheese, even cheese curds to create your own poutine.
Photo Credit: Studio Laguna Photography via D’Amico Catering
Make your own ice cream sundaes! Waffle bowls, sweet sauces, and crunchy toppings will delight guests of all ages.
Photo Credit: Genevieve Leiper Photography
Combine fresh juices, cut-up fruit, and sparkling wine for a mimosa bar your guests will love.
Photo courtesy of Intertwined Events
Customize your noodle of choice with a mixture of add-ins, like vegetables, meats, cheeses, and sauces.
Photo Credit: Sarah Whitmeyer Photography
Get the taste without the mess with s’mores on a stick, created by 240sweet Artisan Foodworks Catering. After toasting a flavored marshmallow, guests can roll the sweet treat in a variety of toppings, like graham cracker crumbs or chopped nuts.
Photo Credit: Stacy Able Photography via 240sweet Artisan Foodworks
Personalize doughnuts with various dippers and toppings.
Photo courtesy of Divine Party Concepts
Add to the guest experience with a mobile bar, where guests can skip the long lines and get a fresh drink made for them as they continue to mix and mingle.
Photo Credit: Mae Batista Photography
Give your chicken skewers an spicy twist with Indian flavors. Suspending the meat bowl from the ceiling makes it a treat for the eyes as well.
Photo courtesy of Cartewheels Catering
Recall happy childhood memories with a snow cone machine, featuring an assortment of flavor options your guests can mix and match.
Photo Credit: Olivia Leigh Weddings
Another fun choice that’ll delight guests of all ages is a cotton candy station. It’s easy for guests to make their own, and you can infuse a variety of flavored sugars.
Photo Credit: Kayla Lupean Photography via Oak & Honey Events
Crepes are as versatile as they are delicious. Fill your crepe station with sweet or savory options that’ll please any guest’s palette.
Photo Credit: Sabrina Hall Photography via Oak & Honey Events
Pretzels with dipping sauces – like mustard, nacho cheese, and caramel – are sure to delight your guests. It's also super easy to create an eye-catching display; event planner Oak & Honey Events created this simple display with plywood, copper pipes, and metal hooks.
Photo Credit: Lizzie Schlafer Photography via Oak & Honey Events
A sandwich just tastes better on a flaky, buttery biscuit. Fill your buffet with various protein options, like fried chicken, smoked salmon, and eggs, with plenty of toppings like cheese, fruit butters, and spreads. Josh Tart, director of catering at Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel, also displays pre-made sandwiches for inspiration and for those who don’t want to build their own.
Photo courtesy of Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel
Capitalize on the edible cookie dough trend with a build-your-own buffet, where guests can create their own custom flavors from a variety of mix-ins. "Cookie dough bars have taken the place of ice cream sundae bars," says Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs. "Kids and adults love it."
Photo courtesy of Elegant Affairs
Give your dessert bar a healthy twist with acai bowls, which guests can top with delicious fruit, seeds, and nuts.
Photo courtesy of Elegant Affairs
Can't picture your guests chowing down on half an avocado? Try the more mainstream version — guacamole. Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs adds gourmet toppings like grilled pineapple, crispy slab bacon, mango, lump crab, and smoked pulled chicken to her guac bars.
Photo courtesy of Elegant Affairs