A Playful, Elegant "Tying the Knot" Bridal Shower Tea Party in Shades of Pink in Seattle
For many couples, tying the knot is just a saying, but Grace and Ben took it literally for their bridal shower theme. The couple got engaged at Volunteer Park one May after visiting the conservatory, where Ben had put together a picnic on the field and popped the question. Their love of plants brought them to the conservatory that day, so adding their love of flora and fauna to the shower was a no-brainer. “Every corner of the space was designed to echo the ‘Tying the Knot’ theme. Guests were welcomed by a grand custom pink bow installation above the front door, framed by lush floral arrangements by Calla Rose & Co,” Grace says.
Working together with their vendors, Ben and Grace took the “modern garden-party with vintage touches” and elevated it with whimsical and organic elements, in varying shades of blush pink, gold, green and cream. Upon entering the space, their guests were greeted by a watercolor-style sign and an oversized pink bow at the venue’s door, a private residence overlooking the water. “One of the most special moments was unveiling the pink bow installation at the entrance — it truly set the tone for the entire day and left guests smiling from the very beginning,” the bride says. Striking the balance between playful and elegant, this bow was surrounded by hanging florals in the day’s color palette, with pops of vibrant pink to offset the blush and cream hues.
The blooms acted as a focal point, with a mix of spring flowers like peonies, spray roses, ranunculus, stock and trailing ivy. But the florals didn’t just serve as decor. Their guests would also take part in a bouquet bar, one of a few personalized and interactive experiences for their closest friends and family, which allowed them to bring home their creations. Grace adds, “[One] highlight was watching everyone gather around the Bouquet Bar, laughing and designing their own flower bundles. It was a moment that embodied the heart of the day: celebrating love, friendship and creativity in a beautiful and meaningful way.”
Some of the other party games and experiences included a paint workshop where guests could paint florals on miniature canvases, a soft DJ set to keep the mood “lively yet relaxed” and Blooming Espresso’s on-site barista who made custom lattes and drinks, including signature flavors curated by the bride herself. Overlooking the water, soft blush linens, vintage china and slender tapered candles adorned the dining tables while guests dined on classic bites like English tea sandwiches and colorful macarons. “Oversized bow details, whimsical florals, and feminine textures anchored the design, creating a timeless and joyful atmosphere,” Grace says about the decor throughout the space. “The event was hosted at a private residence, allowing us to weave in intimate, thoughtful touches that made guests feel truly celebrated.”
And this bridal shower had the dress code to match the “feminine, garden-party chic” vibes. “The bride wore a delicate blush-toned dress that featured soft embroidery details, perfectly complementing the romantic aesthetic of the day… Guests were encouraged to dress in ‘garden chic’ attire, which made for a dreamy, pastel-toned setting perfect for the theme,” says Grace. Some took this opportunity to wear toile-inspired attire, or bows in their hair to fit the “tying the knot” aesthetic.
Aside from the welcome sign at the entrance, there were more customized touches woven through the many spaces, from the bar to the bouquet station. Grace says, “The signage, designed by Momental and produced by On The Wall Design Studio, carried through custom artwork featuring bows and tea-time motifs. All décor was professionally designed and installed!” There were also classic bridal shower games, featuring pink fonts, such as “he said, she said” and “would she rather” prompts about the bride. Their loved ones left with their own bouquets they had made at the station, along with embroidered welcome bags (in pink, of course) with each of their names on them.
It was this effortless teamwork that solidified Ben and Grace’s choice of vendors, one they look forward to replicating on their wedding day. “The planning process was smooth and exciting,” they say. “Gian [the planner from Gian Events] helped us throughout the entire process and brought our vision to life. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!”