Thursday's Unique Picks - Hit The Showers

It is time to hit the showers gals.

Nope, it is not because I just got back from an especially grungy garage sale.

I am talking about April Showers, the ones that lead up to Spring and Summer weddings.

Here Comes The Bride handmade vintage paper garland from The Unique Bird on etsy.

Before the Bride and Groom say their “I Dos”…there are the showers.

I do think these are fantastic! "I Do" silver shoe rhinestones from Mon Amour Boutique on etsy.

The Bridal shower traditionally is a gathering of females that attend a soirée to bear gifts upon the bride in the anticipation of her upcoming nuptials.

You may be surprised to know that the bridal shower tradition isn’t really a new concept; the custom of having a bridal shower actually dates back to the 1890’s  (according to my extensive research on Wikipedia).

Do you want to know why it is called a “bridal shower”? Good, I’ll tell you.

According to Get Married Ohio website, “at a party, the Bride's friends placed small gifts inside a parasol and opened it over the Bride's head. When she opened the parasol, she was "showered" with presents! “ .

Yes it sound loopy, but I thought it was a fun little story and am sure it is completely accurate as most traditions and superstitions are.

Happy Shower vintage gift wrapping paper from Holiday Kitschklatsch's etsy shop.

Since I attended my cousin’s bridal shower last weekend, I have been in a wedding kind of mood and thought I would share some ideas for wedding shower gifts from etsy sellers that may differ a smidgen from the traditional Club Wed registry list. 

Sure there is something to be said for buying gifts off the registry list because these are things that the Bride and Groom actually want, but if you know me, I don’t tend to do things by the book or by the list, if you will. I like to try and give gifts that have a personal touch…Often I will pick one item from the gift registry and add on a little something special that is “off registry”.

If you are buying the bride something for the kitchen off her registry might I suggest adding...

Sweet handmade heart spice spoons from Beehive Kitchenware Co. on etsy. 

Every new bride should have a special apron. This vintage apron one from Blue Gremlin's etsy shop is too funny. It is important to note the Bride's sense of humor before giving her an apron though. If you misjudge her tolerance for humor you my find yourself uninvited to the wedding.

What is the Bride's china pattern? Find a beautiful vintage or handmade vase or candle holder to compliment the Bride and Groom's desired dish ware.

For example, if a Bride that registered for a new set of Fiesta Ware dishes, this vintage Fiesta Ware Candle holder from The Corner Store BK on etsy would be a unique gift!

If you are buying her bed linens, try adding a handmade vintage touch...

Vintage hand embroidered "Mr. and Mrs." pillow cases from classicstyleshop on etsy.

If you want to go completely off registry though...

A beautiful pair of champagne glasses for the Bride and Groom to use at their wedding reception.

Pair of vintage etched champagne goblets from my etsy shop, The Unique Bird.

A special place for their honeymoon memories...all you have to do is find out where they are headed after their big day.

I highly recommend these handmade leather photo albums from leathermaps on etsy. This shop offers a wide variety of destinations on their photo albums and offer great vintage inspired postcard graphics.

A custom creation for their home...

This Beautiful custom hand embroidery from Lilac Saloon on etsy, will feature the names of the Bride and Groom.

But this may be one of the most important gifts that you could give a new bride (with a sense of humor), an instruction manual.

1951 booklet "Your Marriage, Guideposts to Mental Health" found in TheIDConnection's etsy shop. Hahahaha.

I hope you have found some great ideas here for adding a special touch to those wedding shower gifts. 

Who knows, if you impress the Bride enough, you may be able to score yourself a spot at one of the "non boring" tables at the wedding reception.