How to Plan a Wine Tasting Wedding Shower
Planning a wedding shower can be a daunting task. However, it doesn't have to be a dreaded duty. You can provide the bride-to-be with a festive day to remember, all with a bit of panache! A wine tasting shower can give attendees, and the future bride, a little taste of Italy as well as a few great wines to enjoy. All you need are a few simple items and you're on your way to planning the event of the year...next to the wedding of course! Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wedding shower invitations with a little Italian flair (refer to Link below under Resources for template ideas)
- Italian-inspired decoration (wine bottles, grapes, photographs of Italy, etc.)
- Wine glasses
- Cheese (Swiss, Colby, American...or all three!)
- Optional dessert of Italian origin (tiramisu, cannoli, biscotti, etc.)
- Other Italian dishes (pasta, pizza, risotto, etc.)
Instructions
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1
Before you start planning the big event, get two or more of the bridesmaids involved. This way, you can divide responsibilities so you're not the only one planning. If the bridesmaids are from out of town, or cannot help because of other responsibilities, ask the bride's family. A mother, sister or cousin; all could prove helpful in planning the shower.
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2
Make a list of things to do. You'll want to make sure you secure a place for the shower first. Conference rooms, churches or someone's home all can serve as the location for your festive affair. Figure out the time of the event and how long you want it to be. You'll want to plan for at least 2 hours, so guests can enjoy their wine, but also be safe when driving home after the event.
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3
Get the list of invitees from the bride. Sending out your invitations will be the next step, so you'll want to make sure you invite ALL the bride's friends, family, co-workers, etc. Be sure to include an RSVP on the invite; this way, you can get enough food and wine BEFORE the event.
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4
Divide the duties. Whether it's sending the invites or getting the array of wines, you can't plan this event on your own (refer to Step 1).
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5
Plan the menu. Whether it's only wine and cheese, or dessert and wine, you'll want to make sure you have enough to serve ALL attendees. After you've decided on the menu, make a grocery list for the items you'll need.
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Go shopping. Get an array of wines, including white, red, dry and sweet wines. This way, you'll have something for eeveryone. Pick up your food options for the event as well. Whether it's only cheese or a dessert, you can pick up everything you need in one trip.
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Decorate. The day before, or morning of the event, you'll want to decorate your space. Gather your Italian-inspired decorations and grab a friend or two, and start embellishing accordingly.
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Make a schedule. You'll want to plan to serve wine first so you can give your guests ample time to enjoy, but you want all attendees to be safe when driving home. Set a limit of 2 or 3 tastings. Serve your food dishes during the tasting as well. This way guests can enjoy both elements while mingling.
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Have fun. Make sure all guests are having a good time and enjoying the party. Play a game as an ice breaker if people are having a hard time. A good ice breaker is to ask the name of your guests and tell everyone how they know the bride. This will get people talking and then set the mood.
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Tips & Warnings
For a nice, alluring effect for your guests, use soft lighting. You can use plain white Christmas lights to decorate, as well as candles.
If you want a cost-effective solution for candle holders, use empty wine bottles. This not only adds to the setting, but also adds a little more Italian flair to your environment.
If your shower happens to fall in the summer months, try having it outside. You just might be able to pull it off in your own backyard, for a cheaper option!
Make sure all guests are sober before driving home. If you are concerned about a particular guest, ask if you can give them a ride home, if you can call someone to pick them up, or if you can call them a cab.
Be sure all guests who are tasting wine are 21 years of age or older.
Resources
- Photo Credit Image obtained from Vintage Wine Merchants (http://www.vintagewinemerchants.com/store/index.php?cPath=46)
