Bridal Shower Tablescape - Garden Tea Party Theme

Here's an intimate  Bridal Shower Garden Tea Party Tablescape  that is elegant, has lots of symbolism and yet is easy on the budget.  These table arrangements are the result of combining the resources of an entire family, turning a typical pot luck gathering into a cohesive design.

 

 

The bride wanted something simple in white and yellow.  I've added a shimmering green mesh in the middle of the flower arrangements to break the colors of whiteness on the table and stay within the theme of an outdoor garden tea party.


I was able to create the centerpiece floral arrangements  from azalea flowers and willow tree branches from different people's yards.  The food was made by the relatives of the bride-to-be.  The yellow ribbons surrounding the chairs were made by a relative, while the tablecloth, chair covers, plates and chargers were courtesy of the bride's generous aunts.

I wanted to bring a little bit of the bride's personality to the napkin settings.   The napkins were tied with 3 different shaped leaves to symbolize her personality: the real leaf to indicate her down to earth side, glittery green paper to indicate her jazzy side,  the striped ones to indicate her inner country girl.  The yellow flowers are her favorite color, which match her sunny disposition!

 

Each lady was provided a hat and we had a contest for the most unusual hat design.  

 

Homemade desserts, finger sandwiches (not pictured) were served in white platters in a garden setting.

 I added the white picket fences to add flavor to the garden setting.

Utensils were served in a miniature wheelbarrow and the table was partially covered with vinyl boxwood.

I provided these chocolate flavored candles as a favor to attendees, and  which were used during the blessings after lunch and before the presents.

 

Symbolism of the Blessings: (not pictured)

Blessings with a rope (lifeline)  and candle (lighting her way) . 

 

The candles were given to each attendee and were lit up to start a blessing for the bride to be.

The bride was surrounded by the attendees and I started the handing off of a long rope that went to the bride's mother first, then was given to the groom's mother next, and finally went around the other ladies - each in turn giving advice and prayers.

At the end of the circle, I gave the bride-to-be the symbolic rope to personify the lifeline of people she can depend on if she ever needs any help.  Every single person gave wonderful, meaningful advice and blessings so that there wasn't a dry eye in the circle.

These blessings will forever be etched in time since the bride- to-be's grandfather videotaped the scene!