How to Organize Bridal Showers for Large Families With Numerous Friends

The couple's first #bridal shower was held at my niece Chante and nephew Steve's home. Family members and friends from North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Delaware attended this event. This labor of love, allowed the guest of honor to be surrounded by loved ones. People embraced upon their arrival. The mother of the groom, Belinda, as well as two of her daughters, were present. My husband Walker, as well as our daughter Jaleesa, my twin sister Paulette and her husband Jerry, along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends gathered at the shower. We do not recognize bridal showers as a tradition where only women should attend. Uncles, brothers and male friends of the family were welcome because this was a family gathering not a vintage of old fashion ideas and traditions.

Upon our arrival, my daughter's uncles Ed and Wendell were frying fish which were freshly caught a few days before. Uncle Steve, was on the grill barbequing ribs, chicken, hot sausages, and hamburgers. Aunts Paulette, Janie, Tina, Mary, Lois and other family and friends prepared a variety of scrumptious appetizers, salads, seafood dishes, fried chicken and numerous tasty drinks. A tent was also placed outside in the backyard for people who wanted to eat Maryland crabs. Some of the bridesmaids LaShae, Nisha, Darlena, and Sheena as well as Mo's sisters, joined us under the tent for an absolute crab feast. For dessert, we had "Sybil's" cupcakes which were delectable. Sybil also created the cutest cupcakes for the bride and groom. The groom's cupcake had a black tuxedo and the bride's cupcake consisted of bridal color surrounded by a little bridal gown. It was adorable. For more information on Sybil Nichols' desserts or catering service contact her on facebook.com

Finally, after we were completely stuffed by all this delicious food; it was game time. A board game was played where words were spelled and they were timed to see who could spell the most words within a certain time period. It was hilarious as onlookers tried to help the participants. Then it was time for the next game which consisted of three players, who had to name the title and artists of oldie songs that were played after hearing only a few words. My niece Shya, played against two old heads from the old school. She was taught the old school music by her mother Kasia, so although my sister Doris, Belinda and myself were older, we could not remember the names of these songs as well as the young one. "So, guess who won? Shya, the young one."

My sister-in-law Ocie, along with other audience members were laughing at us because they knew it was simply, our inability to recall things due to being old heads. Although, Doris and Belinda remembered more songs and artists than I did and I write about these entertainers often. How sad! Can't wait for the new system where my youthful memory will be restored and the abundance of human imperfection we experience today will be completely eliminated based on Isaiah 65:17 which states, "For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart." (NWT of The Holy Scriptures) These #games were fun-filled and engaging.

After the games, my daughter opened her gifts. Mo, the groom was unable to be present due to work-related responsibilities. After all, he has a family now and the both of them must work together within the arrangement of that threefold cord which is #Jehovah God. Wanisha, was so thankful but respectful, to have her father present along with her uncles and other male members. She was compelled not to disrespect her grandmother as well by revealing sexy lingerie before these individuals. Numerous other gifts were given such as dishes, flatware, cooking utensils and even a gift decorated like a four-tier cake that consisted of chef hats and aprons from her cousin, Leah. Wanisha started to tear-up toward the end of the evening for the overwhelming love and consideration shown for her and Mo. This was "a labor of love" which they will never forget.

We could not afford one large shower of a hundred or more people because both the #bride and #groom are a part of large families. Therefore, Jaleesa, the #bridesmaids, friends, and other family members decided to divide the bridal showers as well as a bridal luncheon was given by our cousin Darlene for the bride and her bridesmaids. These ideas worked out best for our family which can be considered for large families if you are trying to plan a bridal shower for a major family event. In total, we spent about two hundred dollars for this event with more than fifty-some in attendance. We are genuinely thankful for the other contributions of family members and friends. We didn't have to rent a venue, so this made everything less expensive. It was truly a blessing to have family and friends united for this "labor of love."

The Second #Bridal Shower was also Encouraging and a Source of Unity

We arrived at a clubhouse in Exton, Pa within an apartment complex where the setting was beautiful. A swimming pool within wooded surroundings provided a feeling of solace. April, a close friend of my daughters rented the venue through another friend. This location was perfect for a bridal shower and very inexpensive. Jaleesa organized this bridal shower with the bridesmaids, friends and family members. The bridesmaids were dressed in pink whimsical tutus with white tops that said "bridesmaid" on the back of each. Wanisha, did not need a #bridesmaid for hire because "these were some of the hardest working bridesmaids, I have ever seen," explained Anita, our Wedding Planner.

In the foyer of the venue Sheena, one of my daughter's best friends who is extremely creative. This bridesmaid created a treelike structure with photos by #Chelsie A. Olivieri, which hanged like leaves but were individual pictures of the bride and groom. Keychains with blank note cards were pinned on a dressmaker form so that guest could leave personal messages for the couple in a little birdcage. Nisha, another one of my spiritual daughters created party favors that included the cutest little pink and white eggbeaters, coasters, candy and other gifts. These features were adorable! Inside of the clubhouse tables was decorated with gold rose embroidered tablecloths, flickered with green and white stone like diamonds. It was enchanting! These are things a creative designer of a venue, can easily obtain from their local dollar stores.

Eventually, it was time for the future bride to arrive since this bridal shower was supposed to be a surprise as well. Because the clubhouse had swimming pools, Wanisha, was convinced that she was invited out to go for a swim. Upon her arrival, we were standing outside and all attendees screamed, "surprise." Tears flowed and as usual family and friends came to her rescue. Her dad, was there to embrace our daughter as well. The groom also surprised his bride by arriving unexpectedly. Wanisha was so overjoyed that Mo was able to attend this bridal shower. Her bridesmaids also created a white tutu for Wanisha, with a white shirt that said, "Bride." When Mo, arrived he also received a white shirt that said, "Groom." Of course, he did not feel overwhelmed because once again, other male family members and friends were invited. Gradually, as the gifts were open, the men enjoyed a good game of pool. Other games were also organized for other attendees. One of them was a balloon game where the players would burst them and find the name of an entertainer. They gave clues about this person to their partner. Once they guessed who that person was; they could move on to the next balloon. It got a little noisy but the players had fun.

A succulent dinner was prepared for our guests. One of our spiritual sisters Patricia Martin, served as our caterer. The food was very flavorful. It consisted of a variety of appetizers such as meatballs, a luscious veggie tray, combined with a variety of fruits. Patricia, along with her assistants also served different mouthwatering versions of jerk, baked and barbequed chicken. We also had rice pilaf, green beans and a seafood mac and cheese. Homemade rolls were also a part of the menu along with a variety of water and juices. Patricia's catering was also inexpensive and delicious. Once again, we were thrilled to have "Sybil's" cupcakes with mint green and vanilla icing, sprinkled lightly with other colors. The cupcakes allowed each person to individually enjoy their dessert and they were once again a hit. For further information on any of these talented individuals for your bridal shower or event, email me at claudettecarter83@yahoo.com

Toward the end of the evening Wanisha and Mo, excitedly opened their gifts. They received a variety of beautiful household items. She once again decided to discreetly open the lingerie. After the bridal shower was over, the bride decided to share the lingerie opening gifts with her girlfriends and female family members that wanted to be involved. This second bridal shower also proved to be very successful and brought unity and love within the arrangement of our family and friends. Before leaving the facility, we cleaned it because the venue was about two hundred dollars to rent. We danced to oldies as we cleaned which made the bridal shower even more fun. So many of our friends and family donated things, so even with a caterer for more than seventy people, we spent less than several hundred dollars total. We are so thankful to our Heavenly Father Jehovah, for each and every participant of these events.

The final bridal shower was a luncheon given by our cousins Darlene and her daughter Karsyn. The invitation was exquisitely inventive. It stated, "In honor of you who stand by her side, You've helped to make her a happy bride. We would like to thank you in a personal way, So please join Wanisha for lunch on this special day! You're invited to a Bridal Luncheon honoring Wanisha & her bridesmaids." There was the cutest drawing of a table that was set with champagne glasses and festively colored flowers. It was another event that we looked forward to. How thankful, we were to be surrounded by so many loving friends and family for this special time in our daughter and fiancée's life. Now we must continue to prepare and keep our wedding plans for the future in prayer to Almighty God.

The explanation concerning the bonds of holy matrimony was given recently on a popular website which stated: "Marriage is the most important of all relationships. Love is a powerful force in life. A promise that love will be such a part of all of our lives. We see this love standing before us." Our family and friends have seen the love of Mo and Wanisha, before our very eyes. Their love is, "a perfect bond of union." Examining the Scriptures Daily for 2015 went on to explain how love, "is the most important quality in a marriage. Genuine #love grows as a loyal couple experience life together, with its joys and challenges. They become close friends and cherish each other's company." We have watched the love of Mo and Wanisha, grow over the past few months during their dating and engagement process. Respect for their Heavenly Father's arrangements during these processes have been given and as their parents, we are thankful for that. With tremendous anticipation, we look forward to their future as husband and wife. May #Jehovah bless them daily in their pursuit of our Grand Creator's precious arrangement which is marriage.

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