Champagne and Cupcakes

Since my wedding is over a year away (next August), I wanted to do something to kick-off the festivities. I decided to invite all of the girls in my wedding party (bridesmaids, readers, greeters, etc.) to a "champagne and cupcakes" brunch to give everyone a chance to meet each other and so that I could recognize each person playing a role in my wedding. One of my bridesmaids, who has an innate sense of event design, thought it would be fun to create centerpieces and place settings for the table. I came up with this inspiration board....

Which turned into this...

So if you are looking for a way to officially ask your bridesmaids, readers, greeters, etc., a kick-off brunch is the perfect way to go. Come up with a theme, incorporate your wedding colors to give everyone a feel of your wedding style, and get ready to toast to the planning phase ahead. Need some help getting started? Below are the key items to the perfect bridal brunch.


(1) Paper Source has a huge variety of paper with different colors and designs that can be used under your centerpieces, as a table runner, or as placemats. Since it is paper, you can toss them out afterwards and not worry about people spilling food all over them. I used the gold and ivory paper shown above (top left).

(2) The restaurant provided champagne and I bought the cupcakes from Kara's Cupcakes in San Francisco. I had each person's initial put on top to personalize the cupcakes, but if you want to make them more wedding-related, you could put engagement ring keychains on the tops.

(3) Glass vases (which you can find at Michaels or Cost Plus) are perfect for your centerpieces and the Bud Vases/Name Card Holders are a cute way to do name cards.

(4) Since this is a kick-off party, it is the perfect time to officially ask your friends to be a part of your wedding. Take the time to write a sentimental note to each one, at the end asking "Will you Be My...". If you are interested in something a little extra, The Bridesmaid Guide is a cute gift to give your bridesmaids who may not know what being a bridesmaid entails.

(5) Have FUN!!!