7 Kickass Bachelorette Party Ideas

It's wedding season! Get ready for billowing white tulle, teary declarations of love, and best of all, bachelorette parties. If your BFF is tying the knot, send her off with these fun bachelorette partygames and ideas

Build a Book

Buy a scrapbook with removable pages, and mail a page to all of the bachelorette's girlfriends. Ask everyone to decorate one side with photos of herself and/or the bride, funny quotes and memories, a letter, mementos of their friendship, etc. On the other side, have them write out their favorite recipe. Wrap it up and give it to her during the party.

 

                                    Dress the Part

Come up with an easy, unique group outfit idea that reflects the bride's personality and ties you all together. For instance, if you have a funny nickname for the bachelorette, design "I <3 [nickname here]" tees for everyone to wear out. If she's super into yoga, buy each of the girls a strand of yoga beads to put on that night.

 

Party Poolside

If you're sticking around your hometown for the party, make it feel more like a girls' getaway by paying a day fee at a luxe nearby hotel that has a cool pool scene. Relax in your bikinis, order frozen cocktails, and get mani-pedis or massages. (Plus, spa treatments often include free access to the pool.)

       

 

          Quiz the Groom

  

A week  or two before the party, have everyone come up with a question about the  bride for her fiancé to answer, and then email them all to him. (Include a mix of sexy stuff—"Where's the craziest place you've ever had sex?"—and funny things, such as "What piece of clothing does she most wish you would throw out?") Take turns reading her the questions, and having her guess his responses. If she answers wrong, she has to take a sip of her drink. When she gets it right, everyone else has to drink.

Hone a Sexy Skill

Sign up for a workshop to learn how to strip, pole-dance, perfect your bj skills, or perform a lap-dance. Just Google "strip workshop bachelorette [your state]" to find options in your area. If the bachelorette isn't exactly the stripper 101 type? Instead, try a class that's really personal to her—surfing, wine-tasting, cheese-making, whatever.

Get Gourmet

Hire a professional chef to prepare a fabulous dinner for the group at home, plus teach you some fancy dishes that will impress future in-laws. Google "in-home cooking class [your state]."

Rent a Party on Wheels

Yeah, the last time you were in a limo was probably prom, but the old-school ride is more fun than you probs give it credit for. Whether you go club-hopping, vineyard-touring, or even just to the beach or out to dinner—cruising with all your girls in a stretchie, music blasting, champagne flowing, will make it feel like a serious celebration.

Read more: Fun Bachelorette Party Ideas - Games and Ideas for Bachelorette Parties - Cosmopolitan

Carnival Themed Weddings

  Carnival Themed Weddings!

When it comes to your wedding you want to put your own person unique stamp on it. It is hard to create such an even that both you and your guest will  remember for years to come, down to the littlest details. A carnival themed wedding and reception is hard to pull off but also it is a theme that you must go all in for. If the colorful, bright, and fun carnival theme is the way you would like to go for your special day here are some tips we have picked up to help you pull all this together.

Food:
You want to maintain that kid in a candy store mentality. Create small bags of popcorn that guests can pick up whenever they want. Create a drinking “concession stand” with lemonade, soft drinks and various other drinks that are carnival-like.

• Cotton candy 
• Popcorn
• Funnel Cake
• Corn dogs
• Freshly squeezed lemonade

Décor:
If you can secure a red and white tent, you must! What’s more carnival-like? Great handmade bunting is fun and beautiful for a carnival wedding. Think bright, beautiful colors and fresh patterns. 

Ensembles:

The great thing about a carnival wedding is you can do whatever you want when it comes to ensembles. Keep it more traditional, or go all out with carnival themed costumes. It’s totally up to you – do what you love the most.

Games

Don’t forget the carnival games. Include things like the ring toss or the ball toss to make the carnival even more authentic.

Bridal Expo 2012

January 29-Two Rivers Convention Center

We participateed in another successful bridal expo this past week. There were about 120 vendors and around 400 brides.

We had a drawing for a giveaway. This year it was bridal necklace and earring set . It is a great way to open a conversation and get some contact before the official list is sent to us. The winner of the set was ReAnna Osborn who is getting married June 23. Congratulations to her!

5 tips for the perfect proposal

1.SUPRISE HER. Maybe you've been living together. Talked marriage a time or two. Gone ring-shopping. But even if the fact of the proposal won't be a shocker, the when, where, and how should be-so put some thought into them.

2.TALK TO HER FAMILY. If she's really close with her family, feel free to go the old-school route and ask them for their blessing beforehand. Just make sure you fill her parents in no earlier than a week ahead. (Otherwise they could let something slip.)

3.PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT.Think about the moments that lead to this one-your first date, kiss, trip-and work them into your big speech.

4.GET DOWN ON ONE KNEE. It seems a bit old-fashioned, but trust us, girls dig it!

5.SERIOUSLY, BRING A RING. Proposals are about rituals, and slipping something on her finger is a big one. No ring yet? Bring a faux one (a toy, candy), then shop for a real rock together later on.

Bridal Fashion Showcase

                                                                                                                                                                                               It's that time of year when our fall gowns have all arrived, the perfect time to do a Fashion Show. This year we decided to do an outdoor, "under the tent" event. The weather cooperated beautifully. It was sunny, nice and not to hot. We modeled the new gowns from Maggie Sottero, Justin Alexander, and WTOO. Justin Alexander and WTOO are new lines to me this fall. I realized a lot of brides were still going to Denver to purchase their gowns. My answer was to beef up the selection we carry in the store. I really love both new lines and feel they offer a different styling than our ever so popular Maggie Sottero. The big hits of the day were Olivia from WTOO and a Maggie Sottero, everyone calls about, "Bernadette!" 

"The Bride's Guide to Savvy Spending and Budgeting"

The dress is one of the first things on the to-do list when a girl starts to plan her wedding. And the first thing we ask is " What's your Budget," for the gown. At least 50% of brides have no idea and another 25% tell us a very inflated or unrealistic price. Weddings can become very stressful if you don't have your budget under control from the very beginning.

We want to see all brides to succeed, so we asked Chelsea Williams, owner and consultant of Chelsea Weddings and Events, formally known as Simply Sophisticated Wedding and Event Planning to present the budget seminar. Chelsea Williams is a certified wedding and event planner through the US Career Institute. Known as "The Original Chelsea Girl," her highly creative efforts paired with her calming, yet decisive demeanor earned her the 2010/2011 Woman of the Year from the National Association of Professional Woman. She is a proud member of the Association of Bridal Consultants. Chelsea thrives on inspiration from each couple she works with, making each wedding uniquely personal and fun while planning! Because of her genuine interest in each couple, she finds herself caring on a personal friendship long after the wedding is over with.

You've dreamt of this day since you were a little girl. Now, it's time to set a budget that fits that dream....Realistically! Working within a budget will allow your vendors to make the best suggestions based on your vision. Don't know where to start making a budget? Come see us at Victoria Rose Bridal for "The Bride's Guide to Savvy Spending and Budgeting," August 13th from 1-3pm and please RSVP by calling 970/245-5851.                             

Trunk Show Aftermath

On Saturday, July 30, we had Chelsea Williams from Weddings & Events model our loaner gowns from Maggie Sottero. The big hits of the day were the Lizette Royal and the Jenna.

We served a special drink, cherry wine mixed with lemonade and strawberries. Yummy! We will be doing monthly events at the store. Watch for a seminar on Aug. 13th titled, "The Bride's Guide to Savvy Spending and Budgeting." On Sept. 17th, we will be doing a Bridal Show under the Tent . Mark your calender, you won't want to miss these GREAT events.

Maggie Sottero Trunk Show

July 28, 29, and 30

     Maggie Sottero has an extensive selection of gowns. We attend markets twice a year and are required to purchase 12 gowns each season. I select styles based on what western Colo. brides are wanting and asking for. It takes 5 months before the samples arrive in the store. If someone is interested in a dress I don't have, they have a loaner program and we can see if the particular  dress is in the program.

     Maggie Sottero has a minimum  price they permit a retailer to sell the dresses for. We are not allowed to sell for less unless it is a floor sample we are ready to get rid of, or it has been discontinued.  The only time we are allowed to have a sale is during a Trunk Show.

     A Trunk Show involves bring in a number of loaner dresses that are not usually available in the store. On July 28, 29, and 30, we will have sample dresses Jenna, Rachael, Saratoga, Lizette Royal, Desirae, and Helena. We tried to get Bernadette but it is the most requested loaner gown and has a 21 week waiting list. I have purchased the sample and it will be in the store September 12.

     During a Trunk Show, we are allowed to give 10% off gowns ordered during the show. Even though the Trunk Show is Maggie Sottero, we will honor 10% off all bridal gowns in stock or special order.

This is a rare opportunity





Helena



Saratoga



   

Lizette Royale

                  

                                            If it's white, it's on Sale



Jenna



Desirae



Rachael



Valentine Wedding 1966

     Febuary 12. 1966, at St Thomas Catholic Church in Muskegon, Michigan. It was a beautiful, sunny Febuary day. Rare for Michigan. It's hard to believe forty-five years can go so fast.
     What's the secret, you ask? Focus on the reasons you married them in the first place. What was it that attracted you? Everyone has faults if that is what you chose to dwell on.
     My husband is Italian/Catholic. You have BIG weddings. We had 450 people and stayed at the reception until 1:00 in the morning. It's a day you always remember. In those days they let you throw rice, and believe me it hurt.

      My one year younger sister was my maid-of-honor and my youngest sister and two cousins were my bridesmaids.Your bridal showers were published in the newspaper as well as the wedding, at no charge. There was a description of the flowers and what the attendents wore. Talk about the good old days.

     Brides will comment that they don't want to spend a lot of money on a dress they will only wear once, but what girl wants all those pictures in a dress they don't feel beautiful in. My picture is hanging in my bridal boutique and is viewed by many people. I'm sure glad I loved my gown.

Bridal Expo 2011

       I displayed three gowns in the Event Specialty Group booth at the Bridal Expo on Sunday, January 30. There was a huge crowd as usual. This is a great venue to market to brides. The event has cut back on the number of booths (they had additional vendors in the room across the hall in previous years) from a couple of years ago, but a great variety of vendors and an excellant source for anyone planning a wedding.
     Our group was a little cramped for room (only three booths for twelve vendors) but we will probably double that for next year. Watch for us to be  bigger and better in 2012. The show is always at the end of January.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

 Merry Christmas from Victoria Rose Bridal

Judy, Stephanie, and Bobbi

Holiday Open House

November is typically  a slow month for bridal, (people are getting their Christmas shopping done) except for the two days after Thanksgiving.  There are a lot of girls hoping for a ring during the holidays  and plan on shopping for a gown while they are home.

We decided to throw a party this year. There will be lots of food, wine, and activities to celebrate the newly engaged brides. There are usually more family members around, so be sure to make an appointment to try on the gowns. We want to be able to accommodate everyone.

Check out these special offerings available at the Open House.

Friday, November 26

Hope Carlton from "Perfect Touch Make-up" will be doing free consultations for wedding day make-up. You don't want to miss this. She makes you look fabulous.

Hope will be available from 10 until 2. Call the store at 245-5851 to make an appointment.  Allow 30 to 45 minutes.

Saturday, November 27

"Lakeside Salon" will provide two hair stylists  for a day of wedding day hair and headpieces.

Stylist Jemmi Law and Stylist Billie Jean Lippard specialize in bridal hairstyles. Let them show you the latest styles they are doing for  weddings.

In addition, "Bel Aire Bridal"  has shipped us a variety of veils and headpieces to update you wedding day look. Call the store at 245-5851 to book a free consultation with our two Stylists. Allow about 45 minutes.

Don't miss this opportunity. You're sure to bump into old friends and you will get to share your good news with them. It's the happening place, November 26 and 27.

"Bridal Boot Camp"

Soooo, blood, sweat, and tears?  Is that what you think of when you see "Bridal Boot Camp"?  Well, this boot camp exercised the brain.  Brides were presented with sites and sounds that jump started their creative juices.

On Saturday, October 9th, the networking group www.eventspecialtygroup.com  hosted a Bridal Boot Camp in the empty storefront next door to Victoria Rose Bridal Parlor.

All members of the group contributed in their area of expertise to make the event spectacular.  The runway was lit like a Paris fashion show and the ambiance contributed by the decorating was a new experience for brides-to-be in Grand Junction.

The camp was designed to educate the brides-to-be.  Yours truly from Victoria Rose Bridal and Hope Carlton from Perfect Touch Make-up narrated an educational fashion show.  We explained and demonstrated the six silhouettes of gowns (sheath, empire, A-line, mermaid, trumpet and ballgown) and the four different styles of make-up available for your wedding.

This was our first event as a group and we were very pleased everyone was able to contribute so much to make it really special.  Look forward to next year.  We will put on an annual "camp" to showcase what can be done using local vendors.