If you haven’t met Calgary’s most creative #BossBabe, you are missing out. Amber, the creative mind behind Dixie + Twine, brings Calgary brides and babes the cutest, flirtiest, snazziest party decor and inspiration. I talked her into sharing her top picks for bridal shower trends – we’re OBSESSED!
Hi there, all you Bride Babes! I am Amber, the Chief Boss at Dixie + Twine. I have had my Etsy shop for four years now and specialize in making wedding and party decor. Every year is different, and the ideas and themes I see for weddings always amazes me. Brides are so darn creative! As a past bride, myself I know how important it is to have your personalities shine through on your wedding day, and that also includes a bridal shower that isn’t outdated. We are coming up to the start of another fantastic wedding season I wanted to share with you a few of the new, and awesome, trends I see for bridal showers.
This is one of the top requests I get! Glitter banners are fun and sassy and can say whatever you’d like. They can be large so you can string it up on the wall or a mantle or smaller so you can use it as a photo prop. They don’t need to say just Bride To Be either. Customize it so it personal for the bride whether it’s a funny phrase like Bride Babe or Hey Bride Hey to a nickname she had in high school.
I am seeing more and more of these and am in love with the idea! The tradition has always seemed to be to serve mimosas at a shower, and don’t get me wrong I love a good mimosa, but a super fun drink station is where it’s at. Go crazy! Margaritas, sangria, bloody mary’s…..all great choices. It requires one or two types of alcohol but then the accoutrements are the fun part. Gather different types of juices and mixes, rimming sugar and salts and fruits to add in. For the bloody mary’s you can add veggies, shrimp, horseradish, spices and I’ve even seen a mini grilled cheese on one! Because it is a DIY drink station, those who prefer not to drink can whip up something non-alcoholic that still looks just as festive. You can create a beautiful focal piece in the centre of the party with this and think of the photo ops!
No, I don’t mean the kids birthday party balloons. I mean the jumbo, super duper awesome, North Star Balloons! If you are on Pinterest, you’ve seen these bad boys everywhere. They can be filled with helium and float around the room, or you can manually inflate them and hang them on the wall. They come in actual designs and individual letters and a few sizes. Lots of options! These are so fun and look AMAZING in photos.
I’m not sure what sparked this serious through back to the 80’s and 90’s that’s happening right now, but I’m not complaining. Everything about it is fun especially the treats. Funfetti’s stock must be through the roof right now! Bridal Showers are the ultimate in girliness so why not throw in some slumber party favourites like milkshakes, Funfetti cake, gummy bear donuts, Nutella fudge and rainbow marshmallows smores.
These bad boys have come a long way over the last few years. Giant gems, emojis, unicorns, hearts and I’ve even seen an avocado! They look gorgeous and can be a gift for your Bride Babe to keep. I have a giant hot pink gem hanging in my studio, and it makes me smile every time I look at it. There are plenty of DIY tutorials out there on Youtube and Pinterest but if you prefer to leave it to the professionals I highly recommend Lula Flora Designs or Studio Mucci. Both are pinata princesses and have mastered the art of making them.
Ultimately the Bridal Shower is a way to show your Bride Babe how much you love her (and to give her presents) so create a party for her that she’ll love and always remember. If you need help with decorations, I am here for you. You can find me on Etsy at dixieandtwine.etsy.com and on IG at @dixieandtwine
