Favorite Things Bridal Shower

I had the privilege and honor to co-host a bridal shower for my best friend from high school, who is marrying one of Ryan's best friends from high school.  Yes, they met through us - how cool is that?!  Since they already have a furnished home, they decided to forgo the traditional wedding registry in lieu of a honeymoon registry so they could take an amazing vacation to New Zealand and Fiji (I'm so horribly jealous).  I still really wanted to throw Kasey a bridal shower, but what do you do at a shower where there are no gifts to open?  Instead, we chose to have a "Favorite Things" themed shower!

How it worked: Instead of bringing a traditional registry wedding gift, we directed the guests to the couple's honeymoon registry website and also asked them to bring 3 of their favorite things (3 of the same item, not 3 different items) under $10.  One favorite thing would go home with the bride and the other 2 would go home with other shower guests.  That way each guest would leave with 2 new favorite things!  It seemed like a great way to get to know the other guests and find a few new fabulous products.  We suggested guests bring their favorite: beauty product, kitchen gadget, jewelry/accessory, book, CD, movie, snack, craft item, or even a gift certificate from their favorite store/restaurant.  Anything goes!

We served some of the bride's "Favorite" foods and drinks, like lamb with mint pesto, fruit salad, Asian slaw, Thai chicken kebabs with spicy peanut sauce, dill dip, champagne and mimosas. 

After lunch, it was time to gift the bride with our Favorite Things.  Each person took a turn describing what they brought, why they love it and presenting their item to the bride.  Once all the items were introduced, we drew numbers and took turns choosing which Favorite Thing we wanted.  Each person got to choose one item to take home on the first round, then we started from the end and went back to #1 and everyone got to pick a second item.  

Our thank you favors were a collection of Kasey's favorite things...in a brown paper package, tied up with string, of course.

It was such a fun shower!  

I'm so happy for the bride and groom and excited for the wedding!  

Love you, Kasey.