Become a mom for the chic parties, stay a mom for the baby.
Someone recently said to me, “I feel like you do everything really fancy.” My immediate reaction was to be like, “NOW HOLD ON A MINUTE!” But as I tried to come up with a retort, an example of a time I indeed was not fancy, I only had flashbacks of sky high heels walking the graduation ceremony, a cathedral length wedding veil, and that time I bought a vintage gold metal box to hold kleenex.
Yet as evidenced from framed baby photos of me at the shower, I’ve been wearing panty hose and had red toe nails since I was like one month old. So is anyone truly surprised??????? I’ve worked very hard for very long to be as pretentious I am!!!!!!!
My sister and local best gal pals clearly know me well to throw a beautifully ~fancy~ Dallas baby shower.
Let’s dive into the D’TAILS!!!!!
THE THEME: “I DON’T KNOW THE GENDER” SO ALL BLACK IT IS
I told my sister and friends I wanted a really fun couple’s shower. One asked me, “Would you rather do a floral or black and white invitation?” And you can imagine my answer. I can only assume that answer set the tone for the whole party because I showed up to a BLACK OUT!!!!! Black balloons, black icing petit fours, black napkins, black picture frames galore!
SNAIL MAIL IS HARD BUT PAPER INVITES ARE CHIC
There are few things I respect more than a well done invitation. And yet I have never, and I mean NEVER, sent out invitations to a completely updated address list. I’m in a constant state of sending people mail to an incorrect or outdated address. I try very hard to maintain a Google Drive spreadsheet of all addresses of every single person I’ve ever met, but it’s hard, ok.
For this reason, I have the highest regards for e-cards.
These sassy invitations (and also my thank you notes) are from Zazzle. This isn’t sponsored by Zazzle but it should be because there is literally ALWAYS a really good promo code and I use them for gifts constantly.
Ryan also thought to use CUSTOM STAMPS OF COOKIES, our first chid, which was a super fun, special touch.
SOME THINGS I LEARNED ABOUT BABY SHOWER INVITES:
- If the invite says celebrate “parents to be” or have the names of both dad and mom name, then it’s implied that it’s a couple’s shower. If it’s only the mom’s name, it’s a gals only shower.
- You may want to double check with the host whether it’s come and go or a structured Be There On Time Because There’s An Agenda type shower. If you’re doing a come and go, I would recommend doing at LEAST 3 hours. My shower was a come and go for two hours, but it just felt so short, I’m not biased, and I definitely didn’t show up late to my own shower.
THE SPACE: TIMES TEN CELLARS
I had never been to Ten Wine Cellars before. It was fab!!!!!!!! I can’t wait to actually drink wine here one day.
DECOR
Black letter balloons, black framed baby photos of me and lane, beautiful white floral, and custom cocktail napkins!!!!!~!~!~!~
WHO ARE YOU WEARING
Okay, I know it appears as though there was an all black dress code, but I swear it was a coincidence + my friends basically only wear black ever. Black was actually of the colors I specifically did not want to wear (that, and pink and blue). I really wanted to wear a white dress, because I am a pregnant bride.
And what I don’t want to talk about is how much time I spent looking for a baby shower dress. I’m embarrassed at the mental energy I spent on it and one day I hope to be effortlessly chic, but for now, I am 100% trying too hard. I finally got so fed up with myself and ordered this dress in a color I didn’t initially want out of a frustration to stop spending time on my phone online shopping lolollllooolllololol.
I could write a blog, Ten Great Outfits To Wear To Your Baby Shower If It Weren’t For Your Bump.
Dresses I really considered buying:
1 // A bubble dress. This one.But this dress would literally show my cervix and I don’t think they’re intended for pregnant people????? But wow I have never cared about bubble dresses before but now I feel like I need one as a pregnant bubble myself?????? Oh and it’s like a thousand dollars so just no.
2 // A hi low dress. This one.. But this is literally a prom dress??? “PROM” is in the title????? As ~fancy~ as I am, this even felt too much?????
3 // A fitted sweater dress. This one. But it was sold out. I SEE IT’S BACK IN STOCK NOW. LOVELY. I found it from a fashion blogger who wore it with black tights and pointed toe booties and it!was!chiiiiic!
Anyways, my dress was very comfortable and that’s rly all that mattered. I paired it with a pair of knock off Manolo Blahniks that I wore at our rehearsal dinner. SpEcIaL~!~ And a target belt that I’m not sure totally matched and a sparkly ASOS headband!!!!! Like it to know it and thank you!
the only photo of my full outfit and shoes ok
mom and i enjoying the black out theme
MAC BLACK WRAPPED HOSTESS GIFTS
When I saw the invitation, I decided to wrap the hostess gifts in black wrapping paper. I’m now very obsessed with black wrapping paper. The version of myself that was more organized would have fixated some eucalyptus plant with that white string, but next baby shower!!!! Second wedding!!!!!
I got my hosts either a mug or coaster with their initial or a good candle, based on the person. I popped a mini MAC lipstick on top of every gift. And while it hasn’t been confirmed via Words Of Affirmation, I am sure all hostess loved their chosen Mac lipstick color and has never seen anything so beautifully wrapped in their entire lives.
The thank you cards said “Rizzardini party of three” and were from Zazzle.
The hostesses!!!! + 3 out-of-towners who couldn’t make it!
MY FAVORITE FOOD IS CHARCUTERIE & PETITE FORES
The foods were simple: a salty and a sweet. I LOVED IT.
ONE REALLY GOOD GAME + PRIZES FOR LOSERS & WINNERS
Winner: guessed the correct digital prediction of bb rizz (number 5)
Loser: guessed Beyonce’ and Jay Z’s baby LOL (number6)
Prizes for both winners and losers(!): Magnet of Lane’s newborn photo & At Home giftcard
CUSTOM WINE GLASS PARTY FAVORS
CHEERS!
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS
This will be one of the most extra things I say, and not that showers should be taken as seriously as weddings, but being honest here, I would recommend splurging for a photographer. Maybe there’s an affordable one out there. Maybe you have a 3rd cousin whose hobby is photography and will do it.
I showed up with a polaroid camera, Canon camera, and iPhone, and I genuinely wanted to capture the party myself on all three cameras, l o l. Of course I spent the whole time talking to friends, not taking photos. One of the best things a hostess did was walk around with the Canon and take pics of everyone, which was great, but how nice it would have been for no one to have to worry about capturing it all.
BUMPDATE: I’m so convinced it’s a boy that if they hand me a girl, I will be like who’s baby is this!
Ok thanks 4 reading!!!!
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