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Question:
I'm 25 yrs old, and hosting Parisian-theme wedding
shower for 75 people at my house. We're using the pink and black color combo, and I'm on tight budget! I need ideas for invitations,
decorations, food, etc. The shower is couples shower, so I'm trying to make it somewhat guy-friendly at well. I'm also looking
for creative wedding shower favors, something for a tight budget!
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Answer:
First, we have to caution you in regards to a couples
bridal shower. This is not an event that most heterosexual men want to attend. Unless you host it at the ESPN Zone or tailgate
style, there is no possible way to make men feel comfortable at it. You also risk breaking up couples who are starting
to reach that is-this-relationship-going-somewhere question, because inevitably, the female will use the shower as a reason
to have that conversation. Unless your bride is truly insisting on it, avoid the couples shower. This will also
cut your guest list by about a third and save you some money.
We'll also note that 75 people is a lot for a
bridal shower. We hope your bride isn't asking you to invite people who might also receive invitations to other showers
being hosted for her. Can your house comfortably seat this many people? Have you considered getting a tent for
your backyard and renting chairs? Keep in mind that the best part of the shower is watching the bride open all her gifts
so they can be ooh'ed and awe'ed over.
With all that said, let's get to the real suggestions you're seeking. For
invitations, the cheapest route will be for you to design something on your home computer or purchase a kit at an office goods
store. Consider typing all the who, what, why, when, and RSVP info onto a quarter of a regular 8.5 x 11 sheet of thicker,
white stock paper. Use black ink and try to find a font that makes you think of Paris. Use a big paper cuter (they
have them at Kinkos) to cut your regular paper into quarters. Use a whole punch to put two holes in the top. Then,
use pink paper behind it. A half sheet should frame your quarter sheet nicely. Punch two holes directly behind
the two holes in your white quarter sheet and then use some pretty pink, black, and white ribbon to attach them.
For
decorations, print out some black and white pictures of Paris on your home computer and frame them in some cheap, pink frames.
If you've been to Paris, or your bride has, get some of those pictures printed in black and white. Since Paris
is the City of Lights, use white Christmas tree lights to accent your party space. Wrap them around your stair banister,
trail them along the mantle, or if you're really daring, hang them from the ceiling, so they're just about two inches below
the ceiling, and create an under the stars type feeling in your party space. You can also use pink and black tealights,
scattered in clusters on your food table, coffee table, etc.
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To save money on food, we suggest you stick to a few French staples: an assortment
of European cheeses and slices of baguette bread and desserts. See if you can get an oversized box of mini chocolate
eclairs at Costco or Sam's Club. Mini fruit tarts are also a good option. Purchase several boxes of Sarah Lee
pound cake, slice into small pieces, and drizzle with raspberry sauce. If you absolutely think you must cook for 75
guests, the Joy of Cooking has an easy crepe recipe that can be made in advance and frozen. You can serve crepes with
sliced bananas and strawberries, chocolate and raspberry sauces, powdered sugar, and whipped cream. For drinks, consider
purchasing two cases of sparking American wine (the cheap version of champagne) and serve in champagne glasses. You
may want to see if you can rent 100 champagne glasses from a party rental store as it's very gauche to serve champagne in
plastic cups. In the alternative, you could make a champagne punch as it would stretch your alcohol further and allow
you to use plastic or paper cups. A selection of sparkling water would also be nice.
As for favors, we've got
two ideas. The Yankee Candle store allows you to make personalized votive candles and since you'll need at least 50,
you should be able to get a good deal. Or, consider making a CD of romantic French music. Once you find all the songs,
it's easy to burn CDs. You can use your computer to make a cover for the CD case with the couple's picture and perhaps a cute
story about their reason for selecting the Parisian theme.
Good luck! Coordinating a party for this many guests
is quite a challenge. While your bride is the guest of honor, don't be afraid to discuss details with her since you'll
want her to be happy.
Salut!
Morgan & Brooksie
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