A Day at the Races

When my sister said she wanted a Kentucky Derby themed bridal shower, it seemed obvious that we would have it at a race course. 

We originally wanted to do something in the traditional red like this  from Inspired Goodness, maybe featuring the red roses associated with the Derby.  Instead we ended up going with something more fun, playful, and entirely girly, just like the bride-to-be.

I love how she matches the party, and I can’t get over how perfect the lucky horseshoe necklace  turned out. We kept with the derby theme with these derby/horse award inspired medallions on each of the place settings made by a local vendor, the Hair Wrangler.  That gorgeous pink striped grosgrain is removable, so that the medallions can be used as a pin or bow.

Since we were already over-budget, we decided to tackle the flowers on our own.  We special ordered a few bright pink peonies to make sure they would match the color scheme, along with some lisianthus as filler.  We got the rest of the spray roses, peonies, and china mums from Trader Joe’s at a very low cost. We only made arrangements for half of the tables, and alternated every other table with bud vases and horseshoes to tie in the theme.

Since the ladies had dressed up, we wanted to feature all their lovely hats. So we had people vote on a few categories such as favorite hat and most outrageous hat, this gave family and friends a nice opportunity to mingle.

After the “showery” part of the bridal shower, the guys joined us to watch the races.  The race track had someone to come and explain how to bet, and he gave us his picks for all the races.  They named one of the races in honour of the bride which was in the program and announced it over the speakers. She also got to take a picture with the winner of the race. 

 We weren’t sure if people would really get into the betting and the races….but they really did.

I loved having the bridal shower at an alternative place, it really was a fun experience, especially since none of us had ever been to a race track before.

continue for hat photos

Sneak Peak: Kentucky Derby Bridal Shower

The Kentucky Derby Bridal Shower this week was amazing, everything came together perfectly and everyone had a blast.  I’m working on getting some pictures up later this week. In the meantime, I’ll be sharing some of the awesome vendors that helped make the bridal shower a success.

Kentucky Derby Bridal Shower prep

Oneof the things that has kept me so busy lately (and not blogging regularly) is my little sister’s bridal shower. My sister and her fiancee are a fun, offbeat couple so we decided to throw them a non-traditional bridal shower at the local race course.  I love her bicycle engagement photos from Brian Khang.

 The bridal shower is next weekend, so lots of the little details are still in the works, but here are the invitations we sent.  Most of the materials were from Paper Source.

Resources: A7 cards, 4bar cards, envelopes, envelope liners, template, Dotto permanent adhesive

Rehearsal Dinner II

 Here’s the second lovely rehearsal dinner from Style Me Pretty.  More pictures here.  I love the rich colors and use of ribbons, just not the cheesy photo op…apparently, this was a Mexican-themed affair.

Wedding Parties

I love all the fabulous parties that are associated with weddings: engagement, bridal, bachelorette, the rehearsal dinner, and of course the actual wedding reception.  Today I have two beautiful rehearsal dinners to share with you, much nicer than the usual rehearsal dinner at El Torito (or was that just me?)

I love the color palette of this first rehearsal dinner captured by Aaron Delesie, found at Style Me Pretty.

Even better, Abbyhas created a fun freebie based on these napkin wraps that captures the essence of this lovely party. Download here.

Garden Party Favors: Seed Packets

 Seed packets are the perfect low-cost favor for a summer garden party.  There are so many fun ways to design and present them.  We originally planned on making these for our volunteer indoor garden dinner, but unfortunately we ran out of time and energy….sometimes it happens.

 

 

Once Wed, Brooklyn Bride, Ritzy Bee, Martha Stewart

These two templates are downloadable here  and here

 

Derby Roundup

There was so much wonderful derby inspiration this week, here are just a few resources for your perfect derby party.

Glamorous last minute green & chartreuse inspiration from Coco & Kelley

Mint Juleps — three ways: traditional (video), cupcakes, and ice tea.

Custom made menu with recipes from Chef Bobby Flay

Awesome inspiration board from Snippet & Ink, with lots more resources.

Horse themed photoshop brushes to make your own invites.

HWTM party ideas including run for the roses and infield themes.

Lots of Derby Style here and here, and of course Christine Moore, the milliner of the Derby.

Find the Derby Schedule here.

Derby Fashion

I love the glamour that is the Kentucky Derby…the celebrity parties, the red carpet, big hats, and designer dresses. This is the same vibe that we’re trying to create for my sister’s upcoming bridal shower.  It can be a challenge to get people to participate in themed parties, but maybe if I show everyone these red carpet photos from last year’s Kentucky Derby, they’ll be as inspired as I am. 

 

and here’s a little something for the men, although I don’t think I could ever get my husband into a pink suit.

I’ll definitely be watching this Saturday for coverage of this year’s Kentucky Derby red carpet for more inspiration!

DIY Derby Style

I have some great Kentucky Derby inspiration for you from Inspired Goodness. The seersucker fabric is such a fun detail, and the red and white color scheme are the perfect with the traditional red roses.

A day at the races

I’m in the process of planning a Kentucky Derby themed bridal shower, and the timing is perfect.  With the Kentucky Derby coming up next Saturday, there’s plenty of inspiration around, like this from Grey Likes Weddings.  more to come next week.