Friday, February 5, 2010
This is a post to forward to your maid of honor:)…
When you think about a traditional bridal shower, I’m sure you probably picture a bunch of ladies all sitting around in a circle, chatting & snacking & tittering, while the bride opens her gifts. I know I do. But, who said you have to be traditional? Who said you had to have your bridal shower at your fiance’s mother’s sister’s house? That sounds a little complicated, if you ask me. And, really, who wants to clean up after a bridal shower? There’s food to be dealt with {who’s taking what? what’s being thrown away?} and wrapping paper to be dealt with eventually. Then, you have to wash dishes! {I hate washing dishes. Don’t you?}. Plus,your bridal events should all be fabulous and easy for everyone to enjoy - from hostess to hosted.
In order to quell your new desire to have your bridal shower elsewhere, I have a few ideas for you. I’m sure one of them will be right up your alley. These venues range from modern to chic to intimate, which is sure to make your mind swirl with so much inspiration that you won’t know what to do with yourself!
aLoft Hotel
Have you visited this little gem? It is boasts a modern atmosphere with fun, popular music pumped in through the speakers and bright, energetic colors that help to brighten any mood. If you are bride that wants to be remembered and has many unique aspects planned for your big day, I recommend this facility. They have different, versatile spaces [both inside and outside] that can be used for any sort of occasion - like a bridal shower! [If interested, contact Kristin McBryde at 615.435.8700.]
Monell’s / Lillie Belle’s
One of my friends had her bridal luncheon here a little over a year ago. If you are a bride that plans on having a soft, vintage wedding, this would be a great venue choice for you and your bridal party. It is an old English style house that has been renovated into a tea room. It definitely has a lot of down South charm too. Whether you are having a small gathering or a large one, this facility is equipped to handle it all. And, if by chance you are looking for other locations for parts of your wedding festivities, they are able to accommodate that as well! Be sure to take a look this this sweet little treasure.
The Palm
If you are a downtown bride who likes all things fancy and classy, then this is the place for you. This venue screams elegance and formality. It’s a place everyone is familiar with, even if they have never been there. My favorite part of it all is the cartoon drawings of all the regulars from the past 80 years. What a great conversation starter or game to play with your favorite ladies (and gentlemen).
Mere Bulles
Can’t make up your mind? Why not try a combination of all three? Mere Bulles has just about everything a girl could dream of for her bridal shower. There are many private rooms in which to hold your shower, and each have their own unique flair which is sure to jive with your wedding vibes and ideals. If the photo and room variety don’t convince you, then I’m sure the Southern charm will. The plantation/antebellum mansion feel is enough drive any Southern bride to their establishment. And, if you happen to need a little more visual stimulation for this venue, check out the virtual tour provided by Dynamic Video.
When we asked others in the Nashville bridal community for their favorite bridal shower venues, here were some of the responses:
@TnBellaWeddings to @weddinggirl: …Don’t forget Cabana! It’s loud & hip w/great drinks & delicious food! And for a less noisy party the room in back is great.
@RhondaHendricks to @weddinggirl: Hotel Indigo
@SwizzleEvents to @weddinggirl: For a trendy/contemporary bridal shower, I love Virago’s. Delicious sushi and awesome lounge seating.
@HartzPhotograph to @weddinggirl: What about Arrington Vineyard, low key, beautiful, great wine and you can bring your own food or have it catered in!
@dandyLionevents to @weddinggirl: rumours east! chic, rustic, chill.
Cakes by Shara says: “Gaylord Opryland Hotel,Hermitage Golf has beautiful room you can rent for showers plus on site catering. Mambu has little rooms that might be cool for a shower, Sambuca has a upstairs room as well as The Acorn that are really nice for private parties. The Park Cafe is nice too. Chappy’s, Miro, The Pfunky Griddle, You can also rent out the Big Bad Wolf Smokehouse grill for a shower some of the best smoked meats I have ever had!”
Dynamic Video says: “…CJ’s off the Square for a bigger reherseal. Have one at Tayst next weekend should be yummy”
Jennifer Edwards Milam of Reveal Events adds: “Loaga (low-sha, not sure how to spell that) in the Cheekwood Mansion, Southhall Eden Farm, Hermitage Hotel Veranda, Belle at Bell Meade, Tent in any park are the first that come to mind:)”
Ashley adds - if you have a small bridal shower, Hutton Hotel has a great private room, seats 15-20. No fee - just food and drinks for your intimate crowd.
Whatever you choose, I hope you have an enjoyable bridal shower. Oh - some of these venues would also work for a rehearsal dinner location.
Have fun planning, ladies!
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Posted by Cassandra |
Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Wedding Resources, Wedding Venues and Locations
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009 Looking for a way to jazz up your bridal events? What about a casino night? There are two companies that I am aware of that offer one stop casino nights. You bring the guests, they bring the fun! 1) Lady Luck Casino Events - Offers casino gaming and has a super exclusive offer for ABG readers for weddings/bridal events thru December 2009. If you book now, you can get a full casino package ranging from $699 (30-75 guests) - $1299 (150-225 guests). Call 615-839-3333 and ask for Bryne or email bryn (at) ladyluckcasinoevents (dot) com for more info.
2) Spangler Entertainment - is another local entertainment company that can entertain your wedding guests a casino party. "For the ultimate in fun and excitement in the Nashville area, try our fabulous casino parties. We provide blackjack, poker, money wheel, slot machines, craps, and roulette tables along with play money and the friendliest dealers in the south. For the absolute best in casino parties in the Nashville and surrounding areas, contact Spangler Entertainment."
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Inspiration & Trends
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Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Ever wish your wedding photographer could be there to capture each of your special bridal events? I mean, your wedding day is important but so is the entire journey to married life - from your proposal, engagement party, bridal shower to your rehearsal dinner and wedding day. Jonathon Campbell Photography contacted me and informed me that they actually offer bridal shower photography coverage, which brides are loving! It makes senses. Who wouldn't want a pro photographer there to capture every moment - it's so Hollywood! And, when you're a bride, it's very surreal - everything is pretty, fabulous and drama-filled, like celebrity life! Check out this bridal shower, photographed by Jonathon Campbell. This session was won by a Nashville bride at a recent bridal show. If you'd like your bridal shower captured professionally, visit them at the Franklin Bridal Ball where you can enter to win FREE BRIDAL SHOWER COVERAGE or contact them for more details! Guest Blogger: Jonathon Campbell is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Williamson County, Tennessee.
Ever thought about having a professional shoot your other wedding related activities? Your wedding shower is a big event too! Think about it, your girls are all together, you're totally relaxed and getting presents! Why not document that as well. You wont have to worry about if your Aunt captured you opening your favorite gift or even if the camera was pointing the right way(she figured it out after this shot was taken, so cute!)
When they all realized
check out a few from January winner Jewel's beautiful Nashville Wedding Shower
she had such a great time!
Visit the Jonathon Campbell blog for super large, high resolution pictures from this bridal shower. They rock!
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Photography & Videography
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Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009 On Friday, I went to preview Wedding 101 and it was so exciting! As I stated last week, I wasn't able to attend the vendor preview but I do hope that you at got to go to the grand opening Saturday. If you haven't checked it out, here's how the boutique looks.
When I arrived on Friday, Ashley was on the phone and told me to get a party favor as I waited. She directed me to a table with 3 apothecary jars that were half-filled with brightly colored balls. The table had empty tins...my first thought - what a cute candy bar! But it wasnt:). Ashley ended her call and told me the jars were filled with scented balls (not candy). Ahhh...got it now:).
Just like a candy bar, the scent bar would have a tin for filling with scented beads, mini candle, a favor bag with a cute label
As I created my "scented sachets" tin - I thought - no, this isn't a candy bar but it could definitely be a scented favor bar. I told Ashley and a new fun bar was born!
Wedding 101's favor bag includes confetti, travel candle, tin with beads and a label - so cute
I think this would be a great idea for a bridal shower. Maybe you could allow your bridesmaids to create scented tins of their own. The bar would be just as cute and interactive as a candy bar but for zero calories! Plus, the scented sachets would last longer than candy. The only concern is that people might mistake it for candy - so beware! Wedding 101's scented balls and candles would be a great place to start if you are interested in seeing it in action or buying the supplies. Ashley said they would definitely help you create a scented sachet bar for your wedding. There are like 7 fragrances available. My favorite is the sunshine! You can rent the jars, buy the sachets and even buy coordinating Botanicus travel candles to match. As you see, Wedding 101 is not only a library of info but also has a retail area too. I'll be hanging out there a lot and I promise, ABG and 101 will collaborate to make planning your Nashville wedding easier and even more fun and fab!
more from Wedding 101 - love these wedding gown, courtesy of Bridal Opulence
also love this table design by classic party rental - how cute are the hanging letters for a shower or fanciful wedding!
Another great bridal vendor - Maples Wedding Cakes - always stunning
You can see more at Wedding 101.
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Guests, Gifts & Favors, Inspiration & Trends
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Wednesday, April 15, 2009
People are always asking me for a unique, affordable spot for their bridal events - like bridal showers, bachelorette parties, etc.
Well, yesterday, I visited with Kristen, Director of Sales at aloft hotel. As I sat waiting for Kristen in the lobby, I decided to take some pictures of everything that I love about this hotel. This could possibly be the coolest place in Cool Springs and maybe even all of Nashville! It is the ultimate high-tech hotel, as noted in this recent article by MSN Travel.
one of my favorite areas of the lobby - how comfy yet chic
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Not familiar with aloft? It is a spanking new hotel in Franklin, TN - right behind Cool Springs mall. This is the ultimate hotel for modern gals. I'll be honest, as I sat, I was really thinking of a party or event that I could conjure just to take advantage of aloft's hot ambiance. I am thinking of having a birthday bash there this summer - maybe inviting all ABG readers, vendors, friends and family.
yes guys - that's a pool table! great spot for your bachelor party
...and the xyz bar, which has drinks and food and is usually packed in the evening hours:)
It's really the perfect place for just about any occasion. In fact, here are some ways that you can utilize this cool space:
Bachelorette parties
Bachelor parties
Bridal shower / luncheons
Birthday parties
Baby showers
Rehearsal dinners
Sleeping rooms for out of town guests
more lobby pics - so much room for hanging out with friends / family
view of outside area - which will be a great spot for a spring/summer bash
view of pool and fitness areas - excuse the glass view
ok - I know this might be silly but I LOVE their snack and play area
everything your friends / wedding guests need - from games to toiletries
yes - you can buy games! aloft is all about fun and appeals to every sense - from eye popping colors to energetic music
yes - they have everything - Cheesecake Factory cheesecake to Ben and Jerry's ice cream
beverage bar - espresso, chocolate milk
Just contact Kristen at 615.435.8700, tell her I sent you and she'll tell you all about your options, including sleeping rooms so the night doesn't have to end!
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Posted by Ashley |
Filed under: Bridal Showers, Luncheons, Parties, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Guests, Gifts & Favors, Wedding Resources
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