On May Day, my mother, and dear friends and bride’s matrons threw me the most beautiful Beltane Bridal Shower. I have been walking on air for days reading over everyone’s heartfelt cards, and unpacking a generous mountain of gifts. We had a perfect day of sunny warm weather after a stretch of cold and wind.
The shower took place at a historical building in the town I grew up in, inside a spacious function hall with ample ventilation, and a private courtyard. Myself, and apparently my friends and family as well, have been crafting for months to DIY games and décor for the occasion. I will focus on the crafty elements for this blog post. Above, you’ll see the favor basket of hand-assembled gifts. My mother made incense bundles with burners and wildflower seeds and custom tags! I designed the “menu” of scents to match the invitation.
I’ve already shared with you the entryway welcome sign that I made, but Kelley dressed it up with some flowers. Flowers, by the way, that Jake and I mostly arranged ourselves the night before. We did the centerpieces while the girls handled some extra swags day-of. Not pictured are the garland of photographs of memories that my mother put together, or the wood slices that Jake cut for the buffet table decor.
Primarily, my mother has been busy at work making tassels from yarn to decorate the hall with. You all know how much I love tassels. They came out great and really extended the color scheme throughout the whole room. She made four garlands and I crocheted a fifth bunting here.
Below is one example of a centerpiece atop one of my handmade doilies; another craft that I’ve been chipping away at for months while I learn the new skill of crocheting. Around it are the games designed by the matrons. Mad-Libs, draw-the-dress, Telestrations, and advice-for-the-couple cards.
Here Jake and I are outside all dressed up with the sun in our eyes. Jake fittingly looking like the green man with a leaf shadow on his face. I love that dress, and I hemmed it myself so it is also a product of my labors.
Remember that wood burner that we have? Well, we made this thank you sign. Jake prepped the wood and I burned the letters into it. Rustic.
The highlight of the day had to be the May Pole. I had mentioned several times that I wanted a May Pole for a Beltane celebration in my honor, so I was pleased to find out my parents had built one and Kelley learned all the instructions for how to braid it. We dancers needed a lot of instruction at first, but after a few weaves everyone was laughing and dancing smoothly over-under. A very unique opportunity!
Here I am with my best ladies all full of Bellini’s and tea sandwiches. I had a blast seeing so many old friends and family who’ve been apart during the pandemic, and I’m sad how quickly it was all over. Of great consolation is the lengthy process of unpacking and writing out thank you notes, which is extending the joy in my house. Thank you, everyone, for such a great party!
