Bridal Shower: A Mexican-Peruvian Fiesta

What a colorful day well spent under the California sun. Where Mexico met with Peru in a feast of senses and DIY Mexican-Peruvian décor. Here is a list to get you started like a pro. First and foremost, pamper yourself. I took my maid of honors to Dry Bar to get our hair done and ready for the Bridal Shower. It was a great experience to just spend time together not worrying about the day ahead.

Authentic ceramics pieces decorated the tables for this shower, along with the addition of bright and bold colors of the floral arrangements. To add more color to the fiesta, its great to incorporate traditional food & cocktails unifying the couple’s families. We added Tequila and Pisco to our bar list to get the party started! Dear friends also provided the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, like the oh so Yummy and refreshing “Aqua de Sandía” (fresh watermelon juice)!

We had a Taco Guy who prepared tasty chicken and beef tacos and they also provided chopped onions and cilantro to serve up some Mexican flare. We incorporated my fiancé’s Peruvian heritage by also serving Chaufa de Pollo from El Rocoto Restaurant, which is chicken fried rice. We also included my favorite dessert and sweets, strawberries soaked in Pisco liqueur covered with condensed milk, served in mini martini glasses and Alfajores, which are a cookie cornstarch confection with caramel. “Delicioso!”

We had tres leches cake, flan and conchitas (there goes the bridal diet, Tone it Up updates here I come!) to add as a few Mexican desserts along with a beautifully fiesta inspired three-tier cake made by my sister.

Mexican Papel Picado and handmade Tissue Paper Pom Poms brought a festive feel. Favors were Ikea scented candles wrapped with Glittered Washi Tape, (on sale at Michaels!). We placed them in white organza bags bought at the Dollar Tree. One night I had a couple girl friends come over and we painted glitter on the match boxes and Mod Podged Mexican Pin-Up pictures on them.

Drink banners and Bridal Shower sign made by the Bride. Invitations by Mara-Mi available at Target. Candy Bar and Cake, Peruvian candle holders, Chola ceramic dolls, and Desserts by friends and family, Papel Picado by Oaxacan Folk Art & Gallery, Frames from Homegoods and Michaels Arts & Craft Store.

This Señorita definitely had lots of help from friends & family to make this day worth sharing with unforgettable ladies.

With all the preparation, remember to have fun! Think of all the photos you will take and the memories you will make. The ladies invited to the Bridal Shower should be thrilled to celebrate your day with you!

After all, this is in preparation for The BIG DAY!!

Set a theme! Food, Drinks, and Décor!
Purchase bridal shower invitations or materials to make them.
Hold a brainstorming session to finalize decisions about table linens, flowers, menu, decorations, favors, music, and prizes.
Compile addresses for the guest list. (Wedding Wire helped me with this!! And throughout my wedding process.)
Create a mental floor plan to facilitate decorating and setting up.
Remember to make a playlist, I used Spotify to keep the ladies entertained and in the Fiesta Mood! (This playlist has songs I remember my mother playing around the house on sunday mornings. Very nostalgic.)
Make a detailed to-do list and assign tasks. Take note and confirm of who is gladly bringing what. (i.e. Desserts, drinks, food, catering, décor, etc.)
Prepare shower games and activities and Prizes!
Remember to confirm rentals if you are ordering (i.e. tables, chairs, linens, etc.)
Although sometimes you may have a few no shows, Confirm RSVPs.
Buy groceries. Costco helped me with big portions.
Prepare, set up, DON’T STRESS. RELAX, Because this is just one day of a few!! Be THANKFUL of who is putting it on for you!
Don’t forget to have your maid of honor or bridesmaids help with collecting presents as the ladies arrive and when your opening them, have them keep a list of who the gifts are from and a detail of the gift. You won’t believe how many white robs you’ll receive or same color lingerie or undergarments you’ll be getting. Keep the cards with the gift. Write something meaningful, thoughtful and unique to each guest for bringing you a gift.

“I can’t wait to enjoy it on our honeymoon!”

Thank you cards are a MUST! Other than your host, Don’t forget to thank your guests. These ladies have taken the time to support and celebrate along side with you. Collect addresses and purchase cards and postage, again, Wedding Wire helped me with keeping track of your invitees.

Remember, This is the time to meet and greet with your guests before you see them on your wedding day.

Hasta Luego!