Chocolat(e) Bridal Shower

My sister’s favorite movie is Chocolat, so I was totally inspired to have a chocolate themed bridal shower (or a Choco-Soiree as I called it) for her back in December. 

With a theme like chocolate inspired by Chocolat it was easy to go all out.  We had a chocolate-infused menu, chocolate candy buffet, chocolate games and prizes, and chocolate favors.  Even the colors, turquoise, red, and gold, and the location of the shower were inspired by the movie. 

I was blown away by the Vera Wang Retro Verso invitation.  While gorgeous they are also expensive, so I made the invites myself.  I took a page from Vera’s book and made the shower invites dual sided. I bought paper from Paper-Source.com.  I used the 5.5" circle card in "Pool" and the 5.75" square envelopes in "Red".  And, of course, I had to include the kangaroo!

 
We held the shower at a local winery that was described as a “French Country Chateau.”  The venue itself was simple, elegant, and embodied the “quiet little village in the French countryside” that sets the scene in Chocolat, so we kept our decorations to a minimum.  We used clusters of turquoise and red balloons too add some color.  We also bought centerpieces with all red flowers, including kangaroo paws, and turquoise vases.

 
Budget Friendly Tip:To help create a French Country atmosphere decorate with clusters of grapes and use empty wine bottles as candle holders.  Make this French Country tablecloth for $10. Bright reds and yellows for paper goods will also help give you a French Country feel.   

A local caterer helped us come up with a delicious chocolate menu, which included: 

Vegetable Display with Chocolate Yogurt Dip

Tiki Shrimp with a Ginger Dipping Sauce

Chocolate Soup with Mascarpone Brioche Sandwiches made with honey and cream cheese

Hot open-faced Ham, Swiss, and Granny Apple Sandwiches on Baguette with Dijon Mustard

Chocolate Fondue with Strawberries, Pineapples, Bananas, Pretzels, and Marshmallows

Raspberry Iced Tea

Budget Friendly Tip: Chocolate recipes can be found all over the internet.  Click on the links in the menu above for recipes.

We also had a gorgeous cake designed by the same cake artist that was making the wedding cake.  We kept it simple with three tiers covered with turquoise and red fondant and a gold damask pattern.  Each tier incorporated chocolate.  Our mascot, the kangaroo decorated the second tier.

 
Budget Friendly Tip:  Chocolate cupcakes with red and turquoise frosting or cupcake liners (like these found on Etsy.com at sweet treats supplies and make it sweet) on a tiered cupcake stand will look just as gorgeous and delicious. 

I like playing games at showers because it gives the guests something to do besides chit-chat.  Plus, they’re great icebreakers.  We played “How Well Do You Know the Bride & Groom?” trivia and our version of “Don’t Forget the Lyrics.” In keeping with all the chocolate, guests had to guess what candy bars they were eating and how many Hershey Kisses were in a jar.

Our prizes were chocolate related as well.  We gave away a fondue pot, a chocolate making kit, a chocolate spa set, and tickets to a chocolate making class.  We like to keep our prizes hidden, so guests get a fun surprise too.

 
Budget Friendly Tip: You can keep prizes simple by handing out the jar of kisses as one prize and centerpieces for the rest of the prizes.  Chocolate scented candles are also inexpensive.

The favors were wrapped in red damask boxes with turquoise ribbon and a kangaroo button. Along with an Egyptian perfume bottle (which the bride collects) each guest received the movie Chocolat, Bride and Groom Chocolate Miniatures from Oh Nuts!, Poppin' Time Brittle Bark from Brittle Bark , and white chocolate fudge covered Oreos with the bride and groom's picture on them from Cookie HQ.

 
Budget Friendly Tip:  Make personalized candy bar wrappers, like these from CandyUnderCover.com,  and let everyone take home the bride’s favorite candy bar.  For a slightly more expensive option, set-up a chocolate candy buffet!

In addition to our other favors we also set up a chocolate buffet.  Guests filled up their own bags before they left.  We bought some chocolate from a local candy store and some prepackaged chocolates from the grocery store.  Each chocolate had its own dish and was labeled, so guests knew what they were taking with them.

 
For more pictures and ideas visit A Yummy Mummy on a Pink Park Bench.

 

Comments

[Rachel]

These ideas are great. I especially love the budget tips. I'll be linking to this.

[Nikki]

Thank you, Rachel!

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