Megan’s Garden Party

Megan knew her friends would be throwing her a bridal shower, she just didn’t know any of their creative plans. Megan tells Twirl New York, “I had given them a guest list, but I didn’t know any details.

With her two maids-of-honor in Canada, where the bride is from, the bridal party decided to host the shower in Park Slope, in the garden of one of the bridesmaids’ homes. “We wanted the day to be a true reflection of Meg. She’s happiest with close friends and family, good food and drinks,” bridesmaid Mollie explains. “I think having the shower in a casual garden setting allowed for Meg to really visit with close friends and family who traveled from near and far. We also share a lot of memories in that garden (her engagement brunch, barbecues) and so it has a natural homey feel.”

The party-planning team consisted of four bridesmaids, two maids-of-honor and a few close relatives who all contributed specific items. Kate was in charge of flowers, which she picked up at a local bodega. Rebecca and the bride’s mom went to Trader Joe’s for food. Even the bar tender, though not in the bridal party, was a friend from work. “Meg loves a good DIY project, so I knew she would appreciate some of the homemade touches surrounding her day,” Mollie adds.

The decor and overall vibe of the celebration had a sentimental and meaningful touch to it. The house and garden were decorated with vintage frames filled with photos of Megan and Chad with family and friends.  For entertainment Chad brought over a record player to play albums from the bride’s late uncle’s collection. The relaxed atmosphere extended to the bride-to-be’s look, which included a pink flower crown from Posies on the Upper West Side.

The guests, including the mother-of-the-bride and Megan’s Aunt Patti, took turns toasting the bride-to-be, but the surprise letter her fiancé Chad sent, along with a bottle of pink champagne, was an extra special moment that added a sweet personal touch.

The group decided on a kitchen theme because the bride loves to cook, and while the atmosphere was more of an afternoon cocktail party, the shower gifts were all kitchen focused. Many of the gifts came from where the couple had registered, Crate & Barrel, including casserole dishes and cutlery. “It was so sentimental,” Megan remarked, “I kept thinking about how many years of dinners we’ll host in our home with them.”

One of the bride’s favorite gifts was a custom item for the kitchen. “Mary Kate gave me a really unique hand-carved cutting board made in Brooklyn, in the shape of New York State with a gold heart embedded in Ithaca (where the couple will wed this fall) and our wedding date,” she notes. “It was incredibly thoughtful and something we’ll treasure forever.”

When it would normally be time to say goodbye, Megan’s fiancé and some other male friends joined the ladies for post-shower cocktails. While bridal showers tend to follow a certain format, this group focused more on making it more fun than traditional, forgoing shower games and opening gifts for a laid-back vibe that truly celebrated Megan and Chad.