Umbrellas have long been a staple in bridal shower decor, but their presence stems from a rich tradition that predates the modern concept of pre-wedding celebrations. The phrase ‘bridal shower’ itself hints at an abundance of gifts, which isn’t surprising given that these events are all about accumulating goodies for the bride’s new home and kitchen. This association with gift-giving is what has led to umbrellas becoming a beloved symbol in bridal shower decor.
Bridal Shower Umbrella Tradition
While the tradition of using umbrellas as gift holders at bridal showers may seem quaint, it’s actually been around for quite some time. According to Our Everyday Life, the idea was to place gifts inside the umbrella, close it, and then shower the bride with gifts when it was time to open them. It’s an unconventional approach, but one that has been used in the past.
I’m not sure how practical it would be to fit a KitchenAid Mixer into a delicate parasol, and even if that’s what the bride wants, I’m certain she wouldn’t appreciate being showered with gifts. The tradition may have had its charm, but it’s certainly not something we’d see at every bridal shower.
However, there are modern twists to this tradition that could work well today. For example, you could fill an umbrella with $5 bills instead of gifts. Close the umbrella and then have the bride open it, making for a great photo opportunity. The money could even be used towards the wedding costs. If you’re interested in learning more about creating a money umbrella, Sunburst Gifts has a helpful tutorial.
Now that we’ve covered the history of umbrellas at bridal showers, let’s move on to some creative ideas. If an umbrella-themed shower isn’t your thing, there are plenty of alternatives out there. In this post, we’ll explore some cute and modern ways to incorporate umbrellas into a bridal shower.
As it happens, Party City is the perfect place to start looking for inspiration. They offer all sorts of accessories and props that fit with an umbrella-themed bridal shower. From picks to themed decorations, they have everything you need to host a memorable celebration.
Umbrella bridal shower invitations
When considering ideas for bridal shower invitations, incorporating cute umbrellas into the design can be a charming approach. I’m particularly fond of this style, which features a lovely floral print that perfectly captures the whimsical tone of such an event.
Umbrellas as Bridal Shower Decor
When it comes to adding a touch of whimsy to your bridal shower, consider using umbrellas as decor. Not only can they add a pop of color, but they can also be used in creative ways to elevate the overall aesthetic. For instance, mini umbrellas can be placed atop cupcakes or drinks, adding a playful and romantic touch. Take inspiration from the image above, where a tiny umbrella is perched on top of a cupcake – it’s the perfect way to make a statement about the importance of those little details at your bridal shower.
Lace Umbrella
Elegant lace umbrellas offer a unique and charming way to incorporate the theme of an umbrella into a bridal shower. Not only do they add a touch of whimsy, but they can also serve as beautiful decorative elements throughout the celebration.
Bridal Shower Umbrella Confetti
Etsy offers a plethora of unique and creative umbrella-inspired designs that can elevate your event or gathering. One such example is the umbrella confetti, which can be used to add a touch of whimsy and playfulness to your dessert table. Additionally, these decorative pieces can also serve as standalone decor items, adding an element of fun and personality to any space.
Umbrella Centerpieces
To create your unique DIY centerpiece, you’ll need a few simple materials. Start with an affordable umbrella, which will serve as the base of your design. Next, gather a mop – not for cleaning purposes, but to add some texture and interest to your arrangement. You’ll also require silver diamond rhinestone mesh, paper, a wood box, Styrofoam disc, a glue gun, and decorative flowers and leaves. For this particular example, the blooms are silk hydrangeas and roses, adding a touch of elegance to the overall look.
Directions
Separate the mop head from its handle by unscrewing or removing it, leaving you with a pole-like structure. This step is crucial in preparing your mop for its new role as an umbrella-inspired centerpiece. For added realism, consider using a budget-friendly umbrella that can be easily disassembled. The simplicity of its design will make it easier to create the illusion of an umbrella’s handle. In fact, a white umbrella would be an excellent choice, much like the one available on Amazon. Once you’ve got your mop and umbrella ready, it’s time to add some flair. Wrap silver diamond rhinestone mesh around the length of the mop using glue, creating a mesmerizing display that will draw attention to your unique centerpiece. To take it up a notch, attach flowers to the outer trim of the umbrella handle, ensuring they’re securely in place for at least 30-60 seconds. You can also add some dangling pearls and rhinestones for extra visual appeal. Next, prepare your wooden box by placing Styrofoam inside, then gluing a disc-shaped centerpiece to secure it. Attach the mop handle to this centerpiece and nestle it within the styrofoam. Fill the box with paper, stuffing it around the handle to stabilize the centerpiece. Finally, place flowers atop the paper-filled box and insert the umbrella into the top of the mop handle, completing your DIY masterpiece.
Conclusion
As you wrap up this post about umbrella decor at a bridal shower, I’m excited to hear your creative take on how to incorporate these versatile props into your celebration. Whether it’s a whimsical canopy or a statement piece centerpiece, umbrellas can add a delightful touch of elegance and fun to your event. I’d love to see your interpretations and get inspired by each other! If you’re feeling extra crafty, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @bridalshower101 so we can ooh and ahh over the amazing creations together.
