Tea Time! How to Throw a Fabulous Bridesmaid Luncheon
Out of all the pre-wedding parties, the bridesmaid luncheon is the least widely recognized. It's an old southern tradition, but modern brides brought it back to life. A low-key tea party is a wonderful setting to delegate those last minute tasks, introduce out-of-town guests, and present your bridesmaid gifts. This pre-wedding luncheon is all about showing your appreciation to the ladies in your life. Since they dutifully helped plan your wedding, bridal shower, and bachelorette party, the least you can do is host a little lunch. Here's how to throw a fabulous bridesmaid luncheon (peanut butter and jelly excluded).
 A New Twist on Tea Attire Unless your bridesmaids are the type who wear white gloves and derby hats on a regular basis, keep your bridesmaid luncheon casual. This is not high-tea at the Plaza. Don't make her go shopping for another dress, even if you did spring for posh bridesmaid gifts. Whether you host your tea in a fancy hotel dining hall or at your home, make formal attire optional. Traditionally, bridesmaid luncheons are held the day before the wedding when everyone feels stressed. Lighten the mood with fun games and finger fare, like tiny sandwiches and chocolate-covered strawberries. A few edible wedding favors are another option. Or buck tradition and make your lunch completely casual; pizza and pitchers anyone?
 Tea Traditions of the Past and PresentWhen planning your bridesmaid luncheon, throw in a few festive tea traditions. One popular and tasty tradition is the charm cake. Collect six charms that symbolize different things - a horseshoe for good luck, a heart for love, and so on. Tie each to a 12-inch ribbon and put them between the bottom tier of the cake and the cake plate. Each bridesmaid pulls out a ribbon and gets a glimpse of her future. And here you were going to hire a psychic!
Another yummy tradition is to bake a pink frosted bridesmaid cake with a coin, thimble, or ring inside. Distribute a slice to each maid and whoever finds the trinket is the next to find true love. Who knew cake could be clairvoyant? If your baking skills aren't up to par, hand out these personalized fortune cookies instead.
 The Best Time for Bridesmaid GiftsThere is no better time to hand out your bridesmaid gifts than the bridesmaid luncheon. It's standard etiquette, so if you're planning a ladies' lunch or bridesmaid brunch, take the opportunity to present your bridesmaid gifts. Give bridesmaid gifts that match the mood of your luncheon. If it's an elegant affair, this personalized wine glass set is perfect. Or if you're headed to the spa for last-minute touch ups, these terry cloth slippers will give them a warm and fuzzy feeling about being your bridesmaids. Write a speech and thank your bridesmaids for putting up with you through your most bridezilla moments. If you invited your mother, future mother-in-law or other important ladies to the luncheon, mention them in your toast.
A ladies luncheon is the one last time to get together before the big day. It can be a casual afternoon tea party, spa day, bridesmaid brunch, or rocking good time. You don't have to make it super traditional or stuffy, so long as you find some way to honor your friends. From tea lights to bridesmaid tee-shirts, add a special touch to your bridesmaid luncheon with wedding favors and bridesmaid gifts from WeddingStand.
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