As a second-time bride, I’ve been very intentional with each aspect of our wedding. I learned from my first go around that it can be really easy to get lost in the details, appeasing others, and/or minimizing costs. As I planned each wedding activity or detail, I set out to keep our love story at the center and to do it in ways that feel authentic to us.

My recent bridal shower was not just a gathering of friends and family. It was so much more — a testament to my journey, my community, and my new beginnings. Join me as I share the highlights of my celebration and the valuable lessons I learned along the way.

The Purpose of a Bridal Shower

First, let’s talk about why we even have bridal showers. Because that’s another part of intentionality— knowing why things are done and if, after learning, it feels appropriate to our love story.

Bridal showers are more than just parties; they're an opportunity to shower the bride with love, support, and well wishes as she embarks on this new chapter of her life. It's a chance for friends and family to come together to celebrate the bride's journey towards marriage, surrounded by those who mean the most to her.

My Second Bridal Shower: Wine Tasting

So how did my family and friends celebrate me? With wine, of course! Set amidst the rich and historical cellar of the San Antonio Winery in Los Angeles, CA, my bridal shower was an entertaining affair filled with laughter, love, and of course, fine wine. With a curated selection of sweet wines and charcuterie to tantalize the taste buds, we embarked on a 90-minute journey of indulgence and celebration.

And of course, there was a bit of friendly competition and gift-giving. From the lively "Who Knows the Bride Best" game, won by my best friend (of 19 years!) to the heartfelt exchange of gifts, each moment was filled with pure joy and connection. And with each hug, each photo, and each conversation, I felt incredibly blessed to have such beautiful women in my life.

Lessons Learned and Tips for Brides

Drawing from the experiences of my first wedding, I've gleaned three valuable lessons that guided the planning of my second bridal shower:

1. Surround Yourself with Love: Instead of feeling obligated to invite every woman on your wedding’s guestlist, focus on inviting those who have been by your side when needed, most consistently, and even most recently. My bridal shower had a total of 18 women — my mother, sister, and aunt; my closest friends; and my fiance’s mother, grandmother, and sister. By surrounding myself with my tribe, I was able to create an atmosphere of genuine love and support.

2. Facilitate Authentic Connections: Opt for a relaxed and open setting that encourages mingling and meaningful connections. Sometimes plated meals in restaurants can feel isolating or distant when everyone doesn’t know one another. At the winery, seats were arranged in an oval formation with small tables placed throughout. This ensured that everyone had the opportunity to see and engage with one another, fostering an atmosphere of warmth and connection.

3. Plan Ahead to Alleviate Anxiety: As an introvert with some social anxiety, being the center of attention can feel overwhelming. This can feel magnified when there’s a surprise element involved. By meticulously planning and communicating my needs to the hosts (my mom and sister) ahead of time, I was able to acquire some comfort and navigate the event with ease and grace, allowing myself to fully embrace the joy of the moment.

As I look back on my second bridal shower, I am filled with gratitude for the love and support of my friends and family. It was more than just a celebration; it was confirmation that this new beginning I prepare to embark on is the one I’ve prayed and worked for. So here's to love, laughter, and happily ever afters – may they abound forever.

Are you planning your own unforgettable bridal shower? Let's toast to love and laughter together! Comment below or send me a message with any questions or just to share your plans!