From High Tea to Heartfelt Gifts: How I Planned My Own Bridal Shower
Planning a wedding can be incredibly demanding, particularly when you are orchestrating it on your own. If, like me, your coordinator isn't stepping in until a month before the grand occasion, it's understandable to feel both stressed and fatigued. This is precisely why a bridal shower serves as the perfect interlude; a moment to unwind and rejoice in the celebration of you, the bride-to-be. Whether you find yourself as the bride, the maid of honor, or a devoted family member tasked with arranging the bridal shower, allow me to share the strategy I employed to craft the bridal shower of my dreams.
A traditional bridal shower is typically graced by your close friends and family, with invitations extended only to those who are also on the wedding guest list in order to avoid any potential misunderstandings or hurt feelings down the line. Guided by this ethos, I opted for a bridal shower over a bachelorette trip, eager to involve figures such as my mom, aunts, and future mother-in-law in the celebration.
Knowing the club scene wouldn't quite resonate with my family, I chose a luxurious high tea experience as the centerpiece of our gathering. This decision was also driven by a desire to foster connections between our families before the wedding day, given our diverse base across Singapore, the US, and Laguna. This occasion marked the first meeting for many, offering a golden opportunity for my bridesmaids and family members to familiarize themselves with each other in a relaxed setting, devoid of the wedding day pressures. Drawing from personal history, where my grandparents met merely two days before my parents tied the knot, I wanted to avoid that awkwardness for all our sakes.
First Stop: High Tea at Shangri-La
For our celebratory focal point, we chose the Shangri-La at The Fort, where we indulged in the High Tea set designed for two. This package offered a choice of coffee or tea accompanied by a cocktail, setting the stage for a feast of tempting savories and delightful desserts, with a menu that undergoes a seasonal transformation throughout the year. Remarkably, the generosity of the spread meant that just four sets was enough for our group of ten, even leaving us with plenty to enjoy at home.
Massages at The Spa Wellness
I aimed for my bridal shower to be as relaxing as possible, a vibe that carried over into the party favors. To thank the wonderful women in my life, I treated each of them to massage vouchers for The Spa Wellness, my go-to spot for top-notch amenities and services.
This particular branch at The Fort even offers the premium Villa rooms, which come with personal perks like a jacuzzi, steam bath, and shower. The gift passes were a hit, offering a range of massage options to choose from, including classics as well as specialty choices like Lymphatic Detox, Volcanic Rock, and Traditional Hilot. It was a small way to add a touch of pampering and luxury to the day, and to show my appreciation to my loved ones.
Gifts for pampering
A bridal shower isn't complete without some gifts for the bride, of course! It's often those who know and love you best who nail the gift-giving, selecting presents that perfectly cater to your tastes. In my case, my wonderful friends and family showered me with skincare and beauty products, tapping into my personal favorites. It was such a treat to receive items that I adore and use daily.
For our honeymoon I was gited the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen for our beach trip and an Ecotools brush set perfect for my on the go makeup kit. They also gifted me a The Body Shop set in a relaxing scent as well as a Laneige lip mask for a perfectly moisturized lip. My mother gifted me the Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste Eau de Toilette, saying that a happy memory needs a happy scent so that every time I use the scent I am reminded of the happy memory. On my first spritz I decided this perfume would be the bridal scent that I would wear on my wedding day!
Pro Tip: Hire A Photographer!
I always find it a bit sad when someone misses out on being in the photos because they've been handed the role of the designated photographer. Wanting to spare my guests that responsibility and allow everyone to fully immerse themselves in the enjoyment, I decided to bring in a professional photographer for the event. Though it might seem somewhat extravagant for a smaller gathering, I can't tell you how precious it is to have snapshots capturing the relaxed and joyous expressions of my nearest and dearest.
The ultimate goal for this bridal shower was to facilitate relaxation, enjoy some pampering, and recharge for the ongoing wedding preparations. If your aspirations align with mine, I hope you find this guide helpful. Here's raising a toast to all the future brides — may your bridal shower be every bit as delightful and fulfilling! Cheers!