If you’ve been on Pinterest lately, you’ve probably seen all the amazing tropical trends buzzing around lately. We definitely aren’t complaining! Anything with a pineapple, palm tree, or flamingo is a winner in our book!

Besides reminding us of a sunny, relaxing vacay, there are so many other reasons to love a tropical theme! For starters, you can get away with just about any color palette. Love pastels? Perfect! More of a neon type of person? No worries, you can totally get away with those, too! Another reason we love tropical- there are so many entertainment ideas! Coming up with games for adults is not an easy task, especially at bridal showers. Some of our favorite tropical games (flamingo ring toss, pineapple bowling) will have even the dullest of guests joining in on the fun! Last but not least, we love a tropical theme because of the decor. Below we’ve gathered our favorite decor ideas for the perfect tropical-themed bridal shower!

Plus, if you’re looking for a great bridal shower gift, our new “Hey HONEYMOONers” Gift Box is packed with fun tropical themed items that are perfect for all newlyweds.

Want to create her dream marriage proposal? We have the perfect way. Contact The Yes Girls to get started on your personalized marriage proposal, wedding plan, vow renewal, anniversary or date night today! We're so excited to work with you!

It may come as a shock to some, but engagement parties aren’t a country-wide celebration;  in fact, some people may not have even heard of throwing an engagement party.  In case you’re one of these people, you’re in luck!  We’re about to break it down for you so you don’t have to miss out on such an important event.

First off, why throw an engagement party in the first place?  In this day and age, it’s typical to just post a ring selfie on Instagram and call that your engagement announcement;  however, it’s important to remember that older family members, and even your friends, will want to celebrate in person.  This may also be the first time certain friends and family are meeting.  If they play a big role in your life, there’s a good chance that these people will be meeting again.  The sooner they become friends, the better.  Also, the engagement party can be a good chance to give a play-by-play of the proposal, without having to type it out thirty different times! (And if you’ve got a YES Girls proposal story, you’re surely going to want to share it with the world!)

The next thing to consider is the host.  Typically, the Bride’s parents will throw the party for the couple.  If this is not possible, the Groom’s parents, friends, or other family can take on that role.  While it’s not conventional for the Bride and Groom to host the party themselves, it is becoming more and more prevalent these days.

Set a date!  Engagement parties need to be planned and executed in a short period of time.  The latest they should take place is a month to a month and a half after the proposal.  After that, the engagement isn’t as fresh and exciting.  Guests will be more likely to come if they feel they get to celebrate the couple immediately after the proposal! Plus you can show off all those adorable pictures you took at the proposal with your guests before posting on social media.

Make the guest list and send out invitations.  The bride can do this, or the host.  Either way, the guest list needs to be well planned and coordinated with the wedding guest list.  Since the engagement party will be the first ‘official celebration’ leading up to the wedding, guests that are invited will assume they will be invited to the wedding as well.  If this is not the case (and your wedding is local), you may need to leave them off the list to ensure feelings do not get hurt.  Also, when writing invitations, be sure to address whether guests should bring gifts.  If money is tight, letting guests know that gifts are not expected to put them at ease.

Celebrate!  Just like any party, have food, decor, music, games, etc.  No need to go big, a simple barbecue or dinner will do!  Once the party is over, send thank you notes to anyone who helped out or brought gifts.  If you are the Bride, make sure to do something extra-special for the host.

Image Credits: Diamond Ring Balloon ; She Said Yes Banner ; DIY Pink Balloons ; Engagement Party Invites ; Confetti Party

Want to create her dream marriage proposal? We have the perfect way. Contact The Yes Girls to get started on your personalized marriage proposal, wedding plan, vow renewal, anniversary or date night today! We're so excited to work with you!