For the past few months I’ve been working on a special event, and this past Sunday I had the privilege of planning and hosting a bridal shower, alongside my cousin, for my beautiful cousin-to-be. There wasn’t a theme, but instead a romantic garden brunch inspired by The Great Gatsby. Not the over the top luxurious decor, but the subtlety of the age’s art deco lines in the stationery, antique tones of golds throughout the decor, and soft hued flowers. 
This Gatsby inspired garden bridal shower, was mostly, if not entirely all DIY. It consisted of long nights, early mornings, and the genuine help from family and friends of the happy couple.
Although probably the most tedious task, making the invitations was my favorite project for this shower. Making stationery is not a task for the light-hearted. It requires the most precise swipe of gold calligraphy, fonts large enough and legible that all can read, and of course each corner must match up. This project took the longest, and even though I did work on them late at night, it was the most relaxing. And if you’re trying to save money on your shower, wedding or party, making your own invitations can easily be done, and look beautiful! 
Antique green Hydrangea were grouped with beautiful ocean song roses, lisanthus, dandelions, dark purple Scabiosa and greens from the garden to create flowing floral centerpieces to fit the vintage Gatsby theme. The antique gold vases were a diy too, and you can easily recreate them with this how to.
Each lady’s name was perfectly tied onto milk bottles, which were placed at each place setting.
The centerpiece at the bride-to-be’s table had a white feather perfectly placed amongst these pretty flowers.
We made sure to include the younger girls, by placing gift bags filled with bubbles, a wedding inspired coloring booklet, and other things to keep them occupied. 
Each table also had a booklet of questions, in three different languages, for guests to leave their advice, well wishes, and thoughts for the couple to cherish once married. 
I made sure to include flowers everywhere, from the food table to the candy bar to the music area.
Every delicious dish was perfectly labeled with vintage script on chalkboard labels.
A lush cheese platter with five different cheeses, European charcuterie, dried fruit and nuts started off the brunch.
Pretty sugar cookies with wedding messages and gold cake pops, made by the bride-to-be’s sister. 
To save costs, I attempted to perfect my macarons, at least these held up and tasted really good, but I still need to work on getting the shells not to crack. I’m glad the only perfect macaron made its way to the front, for this photo. 
A family friend, and fellow entrepreneur, baked us these vanilla cupcakes and finished them off with lace and an “i do” topper. Simple, but sweet. If you’re from the central/northern part of New Jersey, check out Sweet Chaos by Amy, she makes fun and beautiful cakes!
It was a hot day, guests stayed cool with the signature cocktail, Lemonade Mimosa, and Margarita pops. 
It was a double-decker affair, the candy buffet and gift area were above the food and drink area. There was plenty of space for guests on the deck to mingle with guests grabbing a bite below.
Guests brought home diy jarred lavender bath salts, which were placed in a gold vintage hat box, to go along with the Gatsby look.
Guests placed their cards in another gold vintage hat box, which was adorned with photos of the happy couple, and other happy couples in their family.
Guests were entertained with a few fun games that really got the laughter going. 
Gatsby quotes in pretty vintage script were placed around, along with the couple’s hashtag.
It was a beautiful shower, and with the help of family and friends, it was wonderful to have done this for the blushing bride. She was moved, even shedding a tear while thanking all those that had attended. It’s moments like these that make planning events so worth it. Looking forward to their wedding.
[…] week I finally shared with you the Gatsby inspired backyard bridal shower I helped style and plan for my future cousin. Today I decided to share with you a few pointers on […]