Planning a Crafting Bridal Shower for the Bride
Before you plan a craft bridal shower, consider the likes and dislikes of your bride. If she is more traditional, then she may not want a non-traditional shower such as this. If the bride-to-be is less formal, then she may love this idea. Ask the bride-to-be before planning a party and find out what kind of crafts interests her. Tailor the party around her preferences and this will ensure that everyone will have a good time. Another good idea when hosting a craft bridal shower is to put on the invitation that crafts are going to be made. Guest can be prepared and know what kind of clothing to wear and what kind of supplies they need to bring, too.
The possibilities of craft bridal showers are endless. They can be held in a home or another location with lots of space. If you choose to have the shower in a home, make certain that there is plenty of room. Cover work surfaces if you plan on making something messy, such as painting. You will want to make sure that floors will not get ruined if paint or glue is spilled. If you feel that you do not have any special crafting skills to teach a room full of guests, then you might consider hiring some help. You can easily find someone that specializes in a certain technique to come to your home to teach. You might find someone that can teach scrapbook basics or even floral arrangement. If you decide that it would be more practical to hold the shower in another location, look into rooms that can be rented for a minimal price. Recreation centers are often a perfect choice because they offer large rooms with lots of tables and chairs. Also, look into sewing stores or craft supply stores. Many of these locations have rooms available for rent or offer classes.
Deciding on what type of craft to make for your bridal craft shower is half of the fun. Here are some ideas that will make any guests and the bride have a great time, while learning something practical.
Sewing classes: Almost anyone can benefit from learning basic sewing techniques. If most of your bride-to-be and her guests are interested in sewing, consider taking a sewing class as your craft bridal shower. Most fabric stores and sewing centers offer classes for the beginner and for the more advanced. You do not have to just learn to sew a skirt, either. You can check into taking a class to learn how to make fashionable tote bags and purses, scarves and hats and even quilts. Get creative and sew tote bags in the wedding colors for a reminder of the upcoming wedding. If you know how to quilt, you can even host a quilting party at home. Have each guest decorate one or two squares during the shower then have someone quilt them together. The new bride will always treasure a handmade quilt that was made especially for her. Also, the great thing about quilting squares is that you don’t have to just sew them. The guests can decorate them with photo transfers, paint or other embellishments. Before you have the back put on the quilt, find out the colors that she will use to decorate her home.
Scrapbooking and card making: Both scrapbooking and card making are very popular pastimes. Many people enjoy scrapbooking and card making and what better way to host a craft bridal shower than scrapbooking. Host a bridal shower at a scrapbook store and have a teacher available to teach those who may be beginners. There are several ways to go about having a scrapbook shower. You can either ask everyone to bring their own pages to work one, while enjoying each other’s company or make a book just for her. You can ask the shower guests to gather pictures of the new bride and groom and everyone make a page for her to keep. This is a great memento and she can continue the scrapbook after the wedding. If you would rather learn card making, maybe you can help her with her thank you cards. Everyone can make a few unique cards and she will remember the fun she had at the shower while she writes her thank you cards.
Pottery painting: Pottery painting is a terrific way to hold a craft bridal shower. There are many places that specialize in pottery painting and hold classes in their building. Guests can choose almost anything they would like to paint ranging from frames, vases, bowls and plates. If the bride has specific colors for her new kitchen, consider having everyone paint a dinner plate to add to her collection. If guests prefer taking their new treasure home, think about painting one large serving platter for the bride and let everyone help decorate. Then everyone can decorate a small piece, such as photo frame. This will be useful and she will always remember those who attended her shower.
Floral arrangement: With the right supplies, learning to make pretty floral arrangements can be easy and fun. If you are planning a craft bridal shower, think about making floral arrangements. Gather up a few basic supplies and spend an evening making table centerpieces for the wedding reception. This is a perfect way to get the shower guests in on the wedding plans. If the bride wants handmade items for her wedding, you can also have guests help make pew bows and floral arrangements and even the boutonnieres for the men in the wedding party. Not only will it be a memorable experience for the bride and the shower guests, but it saves her money and is practical as well. If you are not sure how to get started in making floral arrangements, consider hiring a professional floral decorator for the event.
Knitting and Crocheting: Both knitting and crocheting have become hot crafts. Today, there are many people who have not learning this technique. Find an instructor who can teach your bridal shower guests the basics of either knitting or crocheting. Everyone will have a great time learning to hand craft small handbags, scarves or wraps. If the wedding is in the summer, you can even learn to hand knit or crochet fun fuzzy flip-flops and slippers.
Painting: Here is a unique idea for a lively craft bridal shower. How about painting the new couple a painting to hang in their new home. You do not need any special skills and everyone at the shower can participate. Think about the colors the couple will use in their home. Purchase a large, stretched canvas and some acrylic paints. You and the bridal shower guests can make an abstract painting, or divide the canvas into squares and have everyone paint a self-portrait or something that reminds them of the couple. This is a sweet way for the bride to remember her beloved shower guests and gives everyone a chance to help decorate her new home with a personal touch.
The ideas for hosting a craft bridal shower are endless. These types of showers can be a great way for the bride and the shower guests to learn a new crafting technique while having a memorable time together. If you are planning on a craft bridal shower, talk to the bride-to-be and find out what she is interested in. Chances are, you can easily find a craft that everyone will enjoy at the bridal shower.
