How to Host a Bridal Shower Brunch in 8 Simple Steps

When it comes to hosting a modern-day bridal shower, you can never go wrong with a classic brunch theme. Don’t believe us? Well too bad, ‘cause we did the research and the results are in… breakfast + bubbles + bloodys= bomb.com! Seriously, facts are facts my friend. So, if you wanna be the GMOHOAT (greatest maid of honor of all time), throw your bestie a boozy brunch-themed bridal shower. Now that we’ve convinced you, let us show you how. From invitations and decorations to food, favors, games, and gifts, we’ve covered everything you need to know in eight easy steps.

1. Invitations

The first step in nailing this theme is to send out invitations letting guests know to expect a brunch-style shower. As I’m sure you’re familiar with Etsy (and the internet in general), you know there are literally hundreds of different styles to choose from. After doing some searching, we’ve narrowed down the two most popular phrases to be “Bridal Brunch” and “Brunch & Bubbly”. Since we can’t do the picking for you, check out a ton of cute options here.

2. Decorations

One of the most important parts of any bridal shower is the decor, but it’s especially important for this particular theme. Lucky for you, there is no shortage of brunch-related decorations. Keep the fun phrases going with a bridal brunch or brunch & bubbly banner or switch it up with these let’s brunch balloons. Not one for catchy phrases? Then this giant champagne balloon pack might be just your thing. Finish it all off with this flute-shaped confetti and you’ve got everything you need! P.S. Add some ‘decoration’ to your photos by creating a custom bridal shower Snapchat filter (find out how here!)

3. Games

When it comes to hosting a brunch-themed bridal shower, feel free to skip the generic games and opt in for something that packs a little more punch. And by ‘packs a little more punch’ we’re talking about prosecco pong. Never heard of it? Yeah us either, but we want to seriously thank whoever came up with the idea. Let’s be real, everyone loves a competitive round of beer pong or two, but it’s not quite bridal shower appropriate. Prosecco pong, however, totally is. And if your guests aren’t really the drinking game type, how about playing  good ol’ fashioned ring toss? The best part about this brunch-themed game is that it doubles as a DIY project. Check out how to assemble it here.

4. Game Prizes

If you’re going to have brunch-themed games, then you’re gonna have to have brunch-themed game prizes to match. Keep it simple by putting together a coffee care package that includes a cute mug (like this love you a brunch option) and a bag of Starbucks breakfast blend. Or get a little boozy with it by giving out Bloody Mary in a jar kits (another fun DIY project!). Fun tip: You can do the same thing with mimosas- champagne split, OJ, and a mini Grand Marnier are all you need!

5. Food

The key to any successful bridal shower brunch is to have bangin’ food…and holy moly are there plenty of options to choose from. We love these baked French toast sticks as a quick and cute (and cheap!) finger-food choice or these mini chicken and waffle sliders for a southern-style selection. Get a little fancy with it by serving mini breakfast quiche– able to be made in 4 yummy ways- and if you’re serving dessert, these champagne cupcakes are an absolute must. P.S. Want to save yourself the time and money of having to make a bunch of brunch? Check out our four fun DIY breakfast food bars!

6. Drinks

Ok, food is important and all that, but the drinks are really where the fun begins. Get your guests buzzing with energy by setting up a DIY coffee bar (we love this “You’ve Warmed My Heart” theme) or appeal to their inner child with this easy hot cocoa bar. Because there is no such thing as brunch without bubbly, a DIY mimosa bar is total requirement (we’ll walk you step-by-step through the setup here). Pro tip: Take your booze bar game to the next level by featuring a build your own Bloody Mary station as well.

7. Favors

No good bridal shower brunch is complete without some festive favors. Keep it yummy with edible options like these unbelievably adorable coffee and donut cookies or these personalized chocolate covered graham crackers. Stick to the bubbly theme by decorating champagne splits with these fun personalized labels or send guests home with a to-go mimosa in the form of these lip balms. Really want to show off how clever you are? OPI makes a nail polish called “Be There in a Prosecco” (see what we did there?)

8. Gifts

Last but certainly not least, you must get a brunch-themed gift for your bride. If her and her future hubby like to spend their weekends out and about, keep it simple by grabbing a few gift cards to their most-frequented local brunch spots. If the couple are more the homebody type, get creative with it by having guests contribute to a personalized recipe book (check out this article to see how) filled with their favorite breakfast and brunch meals. Pro-tip: Do both! That way the couple can celebrate however they choose.

 

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our other unique bridal shower themes here.

 

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What to Bring to a Bachelorette Party: The Ultimate Packing List

If you’re anything like us here at Modern MOH, packing for a 3-day weekend is the equivalent of packing for a cross-country move (and yet somehow we always manage to leave something behind). So to keep you from being charged an overweight baggage fee (and having to borrow from your fellow bridesmaids all weekend), we’ve put together a list of bachelorette party packing essentials. Whether you’re celebrating at the beach or headed to chillier temperatures, we’ve included everything you could possibly need for your girls’ getaway .

Clothes:

• Custom tee or tank
• Little black dress (fancy)
• Swing or shirt dress (casual)
• Romper or jumpsuit
• Jeans or shorts
• Yoga pants or leggings
• Comfy tee or top
• Blouse or tank top
• Sweater or jacket
• Bathing suit
• Coverup
• Pajamas/Sleepwear
• Bras and underwear
• Socks

Shoes:

• Wedges or heels
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Slip-ons (e.g. Vans or Toms)
• Boots or booties

Accessories:

• Sunglasses
• Jewelry (necklaces/bracelets/earrings)
• Purse/Clutch/Crossbody
• Sun hat/Floppy hat/Baseball cap
• Beanie/Gloves/Scarf
• Hair ties/Headbands
• Belt

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant and body spray/perfume
• Shampoo and conditioner (if not provided)
• Body wash/Soap (if not provided)
• Hair brush or comb
• Hair straightener and/or curling iron/wand
• Dry shampoo and/or any other hair products
• Face wash and moisturizer
• Makeup and brushes/blending sponges
• Makeup remover
• Razor and tweezers
• Q-tips and cotton balls
• Tampons/Pads

Technology:

• Phone/device charger(s)
• Headphones/AirPods
• Portable speaker
• Kindle/iPad (for the flight)

Documents:

• Driver’s license/ID
• Passport (if travelling internationally)
• Debit and/or credit card
• Cash (if preferred)
• Any tickets/confirmation documents (flights/shows/games/etc.)

Extras/Misc:

• Contact lenses/glasses
• Beach bag and towel
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Any medication(s)

Bachelorette necessities:

• Drinking games- check out our top picks here
• Survival kits- we’ve got everything you need to include here
• Decorations- take a look at our favorites here

P.S. Keep in mind that in this case, less is more. In other words, don’t pack 20 different outfit variations or you’ll be spending hours deciding on what to wear each day. Limit yourself to one or two choices and you’ll cut your getting ready time in half.

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How to Create a Custom Wedding Snapchat Filter

The Greatest Getting Ready Wedding Day Playlist

When it comes to the morning of the wedding, there is nothing more important than having a blast while getting ready with your bride-to-be and fellow maids. And by ‘having a blast’ we mean sipping on bubbly and shaking your booty to a kickass playlist. With a bit of the 80’s, a ton of the 90’s, and a healthy mix of the 21st century, our wedding morning playlist is perfect for ladies of all ages (including the MOB and MOG!). From classic love songs to popular party starters, you’ll go from singing your heart out to dancing your butt off (sometimes simultaneously).

Modern MOH Wedding Morning Playlist

“Love On Top” by Beyoncé
“Halo” by Beyoncé
“Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé and JAY Z
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
“Bang Bang” by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj
“Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey
“Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child
“Fergalicious” by Fergie and will.i.am
“Don’t Cha” by The Pussycat Dolls and Busta Rhymes
“Wannabe” by Spice Girls
“Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé
“Milkshake” by Kelis
“Bootylicious” by Destiny’s Child
“Work It” by Missy Elliott
“Confident” by Demi Lovato
“Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj
“Independent Women, Pt. 1” by Destiny’s Child
“Only Girl (In The World)” by Rihanna
“Wild Thoughts” by DJ Khaled, Rihanna, and Bryson Tiller
“Come on over Baby (All I Want Is You)” by Christina Aguilera
“What a Girl Wants” by Christina Aguilera
“Ain’t No Other Man” by Christina Aguilera
“Soldier ft Lil Wayne” by Destiny’s Child, T.I., and Lil Wayne
“Lady Marmalade” by Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa, and P!nk
“My Boo” by Usher, Alicia Keys
“Toxic” by Britney Spears
“Fallin'” by Alicia Keys
“You Da One” by Rihanna
“Drunk in Love” by Beyoncé and JAY Z
“Spice Up Your Life” by Spice Girls
“PYT (Pretty Young Thing)” by Michael Jackson
“All My Life” by K-Ci & JoJo
“All of Me” by John Legend
“Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
“Talking Body” by Tove Lo
“Let’s Get Married-Remix” by Jagged Edge
“Lovefool” by The Cardigans
“Marry You” Bruno Mars
“Happy” by Pharrell
“Can’t Stop the Feelin’” by Justin Timberlake
“What I Like About You” by The Romantics
“Despacito-Remix” by Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, and Justin Bieber
“We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus
“TiK ToK” by Kesha
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars
“That’s What I Like” by Bruno Mars
“Starving” by Hailee Steinfeld
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
“Classic” by MKTO
“Show Stopper” by Danity Kane
“I Think I’m in Love with You” by Jessica Simpson
“This I Promise You” by *NSYNC
“Him & I” by G-Eazy and Halsey
“Where My Girls At” by 702
“We R Who We R” by Kesha
“Finesse (Remix)” by Bruno Mars and Cardi B
“Poison” by Bell Biv DeVoe
“Whatta Man” by Salt-N-Pepa
“All For You” by Sister Hazel
“Wild Ones” by Flo Rida and Sia
“How We Do (Party)” by Rita Ora
“No Diggity” by Blackstreet
“Dark Horse” by Katy Perry and Juicy J
“Fantasy” by Mariah Carey and Ol’ Dirty Bastard
“Señorita” by Justin Timberlake
“Luv Me, Luv Me” by Shaggy and Samantha Cole
“Rather Be” Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne
“Talk That Talk” by Rihanna and JAY Z
“Cheap Thrills” by Sia
“Dangerous Woman”by Ariana Grande
“This Is How We Do” by Katy Perry
“Timber” by Pitbull and Kesha
“Love On The Brain” by Rihanna
“Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
“Fancy” by Iggy Azalea and Charli XCX
“This Feeling” by The Chainsmokers and Kelsea Ballerini
“The Middle” by Zedd
“I Want It That Way” Backstreet Boys
“Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by Backstreet Boys
“My Life Would Suck Without You” by Kelly Clarkson
“Love Shack” by The B-52’s
“We Belong” by Pat Benatar
“Walk This Way-Remix” Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith

You bet your booty we premade this playlist for you on Spotify.

If you don’t already have an account, simply download the free mobile app or desktop software to get set up today. If you do,  just click on the symbol in the top right corner to go straight to the playlist… and don’t forget to hit the ‘follow’ button so you have it queued up for the big day!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our wedding day emergency kit checklist!

The post The Greatest Getting Ready Wedding Day Playlist appeared first on Modern MOH.

The Ultimate DIY Wedding Gift

You’ve successfully managed to pick the perfect engagement and bridal shower gifts, now what in the world do you give your BFF on her wedding day? Instead of trying to outdo yourself yet again, we have a better idea: Team up with the rest of the bridal party and put together the ultimate group gift. Ok great, but we all know that the bride and groom really just want money, right? Yeah, we know this, but you’re the maid of honor for goodness sake, so a check just ain’t gonna cut it. However, a DIY honeyfund will.

What’s a honeyfund?

Like the name suggests, a honeyfund is a way to raise money for the couple’s honeymoon. A traditional honeyfund is set up like a registry by the bride and groom themselves, where all wedding guests can gift money in various ways. As these are becoming more and more popular, we suggest you double check to make sure your Mr. and Mrs. don’t already have one set up before you decide to do it yourself.

Steps to making a DIY Honeyfund

1. Decide who’s going to be involved in this gift

We suggest keeping it to just you and your fellow bridesmaids, but feel free to include the groomsmen and/or parents of the couple as well. Obviously you are not expected to fund the whole honeymoon, so you only need to include enough people to cover the cost of a few meals and activities.

2. Research the location of the couple’s honeymoon

If they are staying at a resort, look up the different dining options available as well as any extracurricular activities they may enjoy (couples massages, water sports, etc). If they are exploring a certain city/state/country, look up tourist attractions that may cost money, as well as dining and extracurricular activities.

3. Break down the approximate cost of each activity

Do some math when looking over restaurant menus to determine how much the average bill for two people will be, including tax and tip. Calculate any fees that go along with visiting a tourist attraction, rental costs for any recreational activities, and hourly rates for spa services.

4. Have each contributing member select an activity

Create a shared Word document that includes a chart that lists each activity and how much it costs, with a blank column for whoever wants to claim that slot. If a certain activity is pricier than another, splitting the cost between two or more girls is encouraged. While it is up to each girl to choose an activity that fits comfortably in their budget, no one person should be paying a substantial amount more than another.

5. Purchase the materials to create your DIY honeyfund

We suggest using the following:

• A personalized travel scrapbook
• Coin envelopes
• Glue or tape
• An assortment of markers
• Any other decorative scrapbook materials (stickers, stamps, etc.)

6. Assemble the honeyfund

Because this is a gift from all of the bridesmaids, feel free to have them help you during this process. Not only is this a great opportunity to bond with one another, it makes your gift all the more personal. We suggest having each bridesmaid decorate her page of the honeyfund with whatever personal notes or embellishments she chooses. If you can’t get all of the bridesmaids together for this, you can still have each girl sign her name on her page before you give it to the bride and groom.

The key to making this the “best wedding gift everrrrr” (real quote from the bride who received this particular honeyfund) is to make it as personal as possible.  So like the photos above, feel free to include fun extra pages for the Mr. and Mrs. to fill out during their travels (top 5 “must-dos”, favorite moments, etc.)

Our last tip is to make sure all of the contributions are in cash. Chances are the couple is taking off the day after their wedding and won’t have time to deposit or cash in any checks!

The post The Ultimate DIY Wedding Gift appeared first on Modern MOH.

Maid of Honor Speech Dos and Don’ts

When it comes to delivering an epic maid of honor speech, there are a few must-do’s and even more please don’ts. While these dos and don’ts may seem pretty obvious to most people, you’d be surprised at how many speeches are ruined by too little of the former and too many of the latter. To ensure that your maid of honor speech goes off without a hitch, we’ve put together a list of our top heck yeses and hell nos.

 

DO introduce yourself

Unless you’re somehow acquainted with every single family member and friend of the bride and groom, chances are that there will be many people attending the wedding who will have no idea who you are. To give some context as to why you’re the one delivering the maid of honor speech, take a minute to introduce yourself and talk about your relationship with the bride.

DON’T tell your life story

Seriously, don’t make this about you. The hundred-something people in the audience don’t care that you broke your arm when you were 7 or that you’re scared you’ll never meet the man of your dreams. The only thing they care about is the love between husband and wife, so stick to that. Any talk of yourself needs to be in relation to an experience or memory involving the bride and groom.

DO talk about the couple

Too many MOHs make the mistake of talking about the bride the entire time and fail to ever mention the groom or the two as a couple. We get it, you’re the maid of honor and you’re supposed to talk about your experiences with the bride… but that’s not all you need to cover. The sole reason you are delivering a maid of honor speech is in celebration of the new Mr. and Mrs., so make sure actually acknowledge the couple and their matrimony.

DON’T tell inside jokes

The problem with inside jokes is that only a select few are actually on the inside, leaving everyone else wondering what the hell you’re even talking about. So unless your goal is to make people feel excluded, we suggest ditching them altogether. Instead, give your stories the background and context needed to make your audience feel included enough to find your jokes funny.

DO be yourself

The bride asked you to be her maid of honor for a reason, so don’t do her a disservice by not being your true self. A genuinely great maid of honor speech is one that is spoken from the heart and in the words of the person delivering it. Which leads us to this…

DON’T copy off the internet

We repeat: speak from the heart!! Yes, it’s okay to use a nice quote or toast that you find online, but don’t copy and paste the entire speech. Not only is that extremely lazy, it’s totally messed up. If you can’t be bothered to take the time or make the effort to write a personal and heartfelt speech, you should consider stepping down as maid of honor.

Lastly, DON’T

…tell any extremely embarrassing stories about the bride or groom

…mention any exes or past romantic relationships

…say anything that about the wedding “finally” or “actually” happening

…ramble on without a clear ending

…even think about using the word “divorce”

…get drunk before delivering your speech 

 

Having some trouble putting pen to paper? Check our our 20 questions to help you conquer your maid of honor speech. 

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20 Questions to Help You Conquer Your Maid of Honor Speech

When it comes to writing a maid of honor speech, the hardest part is knowing where to start. To help you put pen to paper, we’ve come up with a list of prompting questions that are sure to get the ideas flowing.

1. How did you meet the bride?
2. How did you meet the groom?
3. How did the bride and groom meet each other?
4. What’s your favorite memory with the bride?
5. What’s your favorite memory with the groom?
6. What’s your favorite memory with the couple?
7. What 3 words would you use to describe the bride?
8. What 3 words would you use to describe the groom?
9. What 3 words would you use to describe the couple?
10. How did you know the groom was “the one”?
11. How did the groom propose?
12. What do you admire most about the couple?
13. What milestones have the couple celebrated?
14. What challenges or hardships have they faced?
15. What are their hobbies and interests?
16. What are their likes?
17. What are their dislikes?
18. What makes them unique?
19. What are your hopes for their future together?
20. How have they made an impact on your life?

Answering all of these questions will allow you to sort through personal memories and help you decide exactly what you want to include in your maid of honor speech.  If you’re still feeling a little lost, check out our 5 D’s to writing a killer maid of honor speech.

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How to Write a Killer Maid of Honor Speech: The 5 D’s

We doubt Modern MOH was your first stop on the “how the hell do I write a maid of honor speech” search train, but we do hope to be your final destination. You see, unlike most articles you’ll find on the subject of speeches, we’re actually going to give it to you straight. No vaguely basic outlines or generically boring examples, just the cold hard facts. Because we have some serious experience in this department, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned about writing a killer speech, it’s this: there is no secret formula, no one right way. How could there be? Each and every relationship between a maid of honor and bride is different from the next, just as each and every memory is uniquely yours. So stop looking for speeches to steal off the internet and start writing your one-of-a-kind story using our 5 D’s.

1. Define your objective

Before you begin writing your maid of honor speech, you must first define your objective. In other words, you need to have a goal you’re looking to accomplish. For example, are you hoping to make people laugh? Cry? Both? Do you want talk about your history with the bride, about how you met the groom, or what their relationship means to you? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you figure out the direction you should take when writing your speech. If you find yourself struggling to define your objective, simply think of your relationship with both the bride and groom. Do they have a great sense of humor? Is your time together spent mostly joking around and laughing? If so, try taking a comedic approach to your speech by cracking a few jokes along the way. Or maybe you and your bride have been through some very serious times together that you want to acknowledge, in which case your speech may be much more emotionally moving. The great part about this objective is that it’s your own, so there is no one right or wrong way to go about it.

Our advice: Touch on a little bit of everything. Start strong with a joke or two and finish out with a sentimental toast. While there is no exact formula to it, a truly killer speech is both funny enough to get people laughing and moving enough to bring a tear to their eye. Secondly, don’t spend so much time talking about your history with the bride that you forget to talk about the groom. Even if you don’t have your own personal memories with your BFF’s new hubby, that doesn’t mean he should be left out of your speech. Instead, talk about their relationship and what it means to you, including your wishes for their future together.

2. Decide on your point of view

The key to writing a killer of maid of honor speech is to not think of it as a speech, but instead a story. And as the narrator of this particular story, it’s up to you to determine the point of view from which you tell it. While it may seem obvious that you’d write from the first person POV, there are definitely some benefits to switching it up. To begin with, writing from a third person POV will give your speech a unique twist and a more story-like feel. For example, instead of saying “Taylor and I met on the school bus in the third grade and we’ve been friends ever since”, you could say “When Taylor was in the third grade, she met a little girl on the school bus and they remained friends to this day”. Like the idea, but don’t think you can write an entire speech that way? No problem. Unlike what you were taught in grade school, you have the freedom to switch between differing points of view when telling your story. If you haven’t caught on yet, let us reiterate: there is no right or wrong when it comes to writing your speech.

Our advice: Take advantage of switching up the points of view. Start with narrating from the first person point of view, especially if it’s easier for you to tell the history between you and the bride that way, and when it comes time to talk about the couple, tell their story from an outsider’s perspective. If you do decide to go this route, don’t get so crazy with it that you start confusing your audience. The whole point of using different points of view is to enhance your speech, not complicate it.

3. Determine your must-haves

Now that you’ve defined your objective and decided on your POV, it’s time to determine your must-haves. By must-haves, we mean the anecdotes you absolutely want to include in your speech. For instance, is there a particular memory you have with the bride that you definitely want to talk about? Or maybe you were there when the bride and groom met and you want to tell your side of the story. Determining your must-haves before you begin writing will guarantee you don’t forget to feature them. Not to mention, it will keep you from going off track when it comes time to put pen to paper. If you’re having trouble narrowing it down, keep this in mind: it’s much better to have one or two epic stories than a mix of mediocre ones.

Our advice: Don’t be that maid of honor that goes on and on about memories and inside jokes you have with the bride. Instead, tell one or two really great stories that portray your friendship and then move on to her relationship with the groom. Too many MOHs make the mistake of making their speech all about them and not enough about the couple they are supposed to be celebrating. If you want to talk about yourself in front of a big audience, try Youtube.

4. Develop your story

As we mentioned before, the key to writing a killer maid of honor speech is to tell it like a story. And just like any great story, you must develop it from beginning to middle to end (think along the lines of “once upon a time” to “they lived happily ever after”). While it’s entirely up to you to decide what constitutes the beginning, middle and end of your particular story, you should avoid big jumps in time. In other words, do your best to develop it in chronological order. For instance: Start by telling the story of how you and the bride met, continue on with a memory you have of the bride and groom, and finish with your well wishes for their future as husband and wife. Again, there is no magic formula when it comes to writing a maid of honor speech, but having a clear and concise storyline is highly suggested.

Our advice: Don’t be predictable. Chances are you and your BFF didn’t cross paths in some epic way (especially if you’re sisters), so skip the generic “this is how we met” story. Instead, dive right into a funny/crazy/holy s*$&! moment to get the crowd’s attention. And don’t be boring with your finale either. No generic “cheers to the Mr. & Mrs.”, we know you can do better than that. Your goal should be to receive a standing ovation, not a polite golf clap.

5. Describe your characters in detail

We can’t stress how important this final step is when it comes to writing your maid of honor speech. Seriously, taking the time to describe your characters in detail is what differentiates the bland from the bomb. And just so we’re clear, by characters we mean the bride and groom and by detail we mean elaboration. For example, instead of saying “Taylor is such a great friend, she’s always been there for me whenever I needed her”, you should say “I’ve never met a more loving and loyal person than Taylor, she truly exemplifies what is means to be a best friend”. These extra tweaks may seem insignificant to you, but they’re exactly the lines that will resonate with your audience and more importantly, the couple. And if writing isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry. Simply speak from the heart, you’ll be surprised at how well your final product turns out.

Our advice: Use a thesaurus (seriously, we do it all the time). It’s a great way to spice up your word choice and will stop you from repeating yourself. On the flip side, don’t feel like you have to use a ton of fancy words- you want to sound like yourself after all, not Shakespeare. Lastly, don’t be afraid to throw a bit of alliteration in there. It brings character to your writing and makes it much more memorable (see what we did there?)

The post How to Write a Killer Maid of Honor Speech: The 5 D’s appeared first on Modern MOH.

9 Bachelorette Party Activities That Don’t Involve Strippers

Once you’ve decided on the when and where, it’s time to figure out what you’re actually going to do at the bachelorette party. Of course there will be dinner, drinks and a whole lot of dancing done over the weekend, but what about all the time in between? This being called Modern MOH, we don’t get down with half-naked guys swinging their junk around. If that’s your thing, more power to ya. If not, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re staying local or travelling to a destination, we’ve come up with nine activities guaranteed to be a good time.

 

1. Do a Wine Tasting

If you and your girls enjoy splitting a bottle of wine or five during girls night, this is the perfect choice for you. Nowadays there is a vineyard or winery around every corner, so finding one shouldn’t be an issue no matter where you go. Simply research options that are close to where you’re staying and make a group tasting reservation at your favorite. We recommended having transportation figured out beforehand, so everyone can have a good time without having to worry about getting behind the wheel.

2. Perform Karaoke

This one is a total must for any bachelorette party, especially for those of you who aren’t afraid to put on a show. Trust us when we say there’s no faster way to score a round of free drinks than by getting on stage and bringing down the house. While karaoke bars may be a thing of the past, there’s bound to be one found in every town if you search hard enough. P.S. We highly recommend Wannabe (Spice Girls) and Everybody (Backstreet Boys) as group go-tos.

3. Hire a Henna Artist

We absolutely love this idea because it’s not only totally unique, but super fun too! Before a night out on the town, have a local henna artist come to your place and give each girl some custom ink. Have no idea where to find a henna artist? We recommend checking out GigMasters or Thumbtack (you’d be surprised at how many options you have!). P.S. Henna tattoos last up to two weeks, so if your bachelorette weekend is soon before the wedding, this might not be the choice for you.  

4. Get a Psychic or Tarot Card Reading

There’s no type of fun like the supernatural sort. And what better way to celebrate the bride’s upcoming wedding than with a look into her future? Find a psychic or tarot card reader that will come to you from one of the websites above, or simply look up shops that are close to where you’re staying. P.S. We recommend double checking with the bride and the rest of the girls before booking, just to make sure everyone is comfortable with the idea.

5. Complete a Scavenger Hunt

We consider this the staple of any good bachelorette party. Not only does it require all the girls to work together as a team, it results in a ton of hilarious pictures. If you’re not the imaginative sort, simply download a premade template of off Etsy (we like this option). However, we do commend creativity and therefore highly suggest coming up with a list of your own. Obviously, you can call on the help of your fellow bridesmaids for some ingenious ideas.

6. Take Before and After Pictures

While this isn’t a very time-consuming activity, it’s hilarious all the same. Once you’re all glammed up and ready to hit the town, have each girl take a “before” picture (aka pre-tequila shots). When you take the “after” picture is up to you. If you are coherent enough when you get back from the bar, we suggest doing it then (drunk photoshoots are the best, amiright?). If it’s straight to bed, snap the shots the next morning (I woke up like this #flawless). Although it should be very clear which is the before and which is the after, use these customized props as an added bonus.

7. Book a Blow Out

We consider blow dry bars to be one of the greatest modern day inventions. Seriously though, how freakin’ awesome is it to have a professional style your hair without having to pay an obscene amount for a cut and color? Because the blow dry bar trend is rapidly growing, with a new store popping up in every city, you should have no problem finding a salon near you. Simply make a reservation for you and your girl gang during the day and hit the town that night looking like runway models. P.S. This is also a great way to experiment with a hairstyle you’re considering for the big day!

8. Find a Drag Show Brunch

If you’ve never been to one of these shows, you are seriously missing out. Trust us when we say you’ve never had a better time sipping mimosas and Bloody Mary’s than you have when dancing along with dolled up drag queens. While these shows are often found in big cities, you’d be surprised to find them hosted in many a small town USA (just ask Google). Most restaurants require reservations, so be sure to plan ahead, and don’t forget to bring along your dolla dolla bills ya’ll!

9. Board a Booze Cruise

Obviously this last activity is dependent on the location and time of year, so it will not work for all groups. However, if you are travelling to a destination where booze cruises are a possibility, we highly recommend taking advantage of this option. Whether you take a spin out on the open water or use your vessel as a means to bar hop, your bride will never forget her last sail before the veil. P.S. This is the perfect opportunity to rock those super cute matching suits you’re always seeing.

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7 Bachelorette Party Games to Kick Off Your Girls Night Out

Before you and your bridesmaids take the bride-to-be out for a night on the town, you must first loosen up with some pregame festivities. Trust us when we say there’s no better way to get the party poppin’ and the giggles goin’ than playing a grownup game or two. Not only will you learn a lot about your fellow bridesmaids, you’ll be making memories to look back on and laugh about for years to come. Below we’ve provided seven silly bachelorette party games guaranteed to start your night off with a bang.

1. Would She Rather

This first option is a spin on the traditional “How Well Do You Know The Bride” game. Instead of answering a specific question about the bride, you’ll have to guess which of the two choices she would prefer. If your group is on the conservative side, play it safe with this PG-13 template. If you’re not afraid to get really weird with it, we highly recommend this X-rated edition. If you’re not sold on either option, feel free to put together your own version by asking each bridesmaid to contribute a couple of choices.

2.  Drink If

Similar to “Would She Rather”, “Drink If” is an adaptation of the popular “Never Have I Ever” game. Instead of having to come up with scenarios of things you’ve never done to get others to drink, you simply have to drink if you have done what’s been said. Keep it simple with these cute premade cards, taking turns passing them around the group til they run out (or you’ve done so many things you can’t possibly take another sip). For a more personal twist, ask your bride and fellow maids to contribute a few ideas and create a master list to play with.

3. Two Truths And A Lie

This game can be played two different ways, which makes it a great option for any group. If you want to use this game as an icebreaker to help the girls get to know each other a bit better, go with the traditional rules. Each girl says three facts about herself, two truths and one lie, then the group tries to guess the fib. For the bachelorette-themed version, have each girl write three memories they have involving the bride, two truths and one lie, and have the group guess the fable. We suggest playing both versions as a way to bond before the big day.

4. Bachelorettes Against Decency

We absolutely love this bachelorette version of Cards Against Humanity. Not only are the rules super simple (and well-known), it’s the ultimate way to break the ice and have everyone laughing their booties off. Simply download and print off these premade question and answer cards and you’re good to go! P.S. Beware that this game does contain sexual content and adult language, so make sure your girls aren’t afraid of the X rating.

5. That’s What She Said

If X-rated is your thing, here’s another hilarious option for you. Described as a better version of Cards Against Humanity, That’s What She Said is “the party game of twisted innuendos”. With 58 question and 400 answer cards included, you and your girls could be laughing for hours over this game. The best part is that once the bachelorette weekend is over, you can gift this game to your bride and her groom to keep at their home for future get-togethers.

6. Pin The Junk On The Hunk

Yes, this is exactly what you think it is- an adult version of pin the tail on the donkey. Trust us when we say you and your girls will be belly laughing after a round of this game. Check out all your celeb crush choices here, and as an added bonus, there’s an option to submit your own photo. P.S. We know what you’re thinking and the answer is yes, you are 100% permitted to use the groom’s face for some serious LOLs.

7. Prosecco Pong

Last but not least is a spin on the old college favorite- beer pong. Because we doubt you and your girls want to be rockin’ beer bellies on your night out, we’ve switched the brews for bubbles.  While this option isn’t as much of a “get to know you” game, you’ll certainly learn a lot about each girl when things get competitive. The only thing not included with your prosecco pong purchase is the booze, so don’t forget to stock up!

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Wedding Day Emergency Kit: Because It’s Better to Be Safe Than Sorry

When it comes to your bestie’s big day, there is no such thing as being over prepared. The truth is, no matter how well you plan for it, you can never anticipate what mishaps may happen along the way. Stay one step ahead of any wedding day disasters by packing an emergency kit full of style and safety supplies. Below we’ve listed everything you never knew you’d need, broken down into four functional categories.

For Hair and Makeup Touch-Ups:

• Hairspray
• Brush/Comb
• Bobby Pins
• Concealer/Cover Up
• Eye Makeup
• Lipstick/Lip Gloss
• Chapstick/Lip Balm
• Tweezers/Razor
• Makeup Remover
• Blotting Papers
• Nail Clippers/Nail File
• Earring Backs
• Compact Mirror

To Stay Fresh and Clean:

• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Mouthwash/Mints
• Floss
• Tampons/Pads
• Cotton Balls/Q-tips
• Deodorant
• Perfume
• Lotion
• Hand Sanitizer
• Baby Wipes/Baby Powder
• Tissues

For Minor Medical Injuries:

• Ibuprofen/Advil/Aspirin
• Allergy Tablets
• Pepto-Bismol
• Antacid
• Cough Drops
• Band-Aids
• Blister Stick
• Sun Screen
• Bug Spray

To Fix Wardrobe Malfunctions:

• Sewing Kit (scissors, thread, needle)
• Fashion Tape
• Lint Roller
• Static Guard
• Stain Remover
• Safety Pins
• White Chalk
• Clear Nail Polish

Obviously, this is a crazy amount of items, so we don’t expect you to pack each and every one. What we do recommend is choosing a few from each category that you think will come in handy, then purchasing each in its travel size at a local drugstore. Depending on the quantity of supplies you select, we love this makeup bag or its bigger tote twin as packaging options.

If a DIY emergency kit is not your style, here are our top three pre-packaged options:

Day Of Survival Kit, Etsy // Wedding Survival Kit, Beau-coup// Classic Wedding Survival Kit, Amazon

The post Wedding Day Emergency Kit: Because It’s Better to Be Safe Than Sorry appeared first on Modern MOH.

Maid of Honor Wedding Day Duties: How to Rock Your Role One Last Time

Wedding day is the equivalent of Christmas morning to us here at Modern MOH. We absolutely love everything about it- from the hair, makeup and picture taking to the dinner, drinks and dancing that follows. Because this is your final day as maid of honor, we want to make sure you have an absolute blast and go out with a big ol’ bang. To guarantee your bestie has the wedding of her dreams and you have the time of your life, we’ve put together a list detailing day of duties for a flawlessly fun finale.

 

Getting Ready/Pre-Ceremony

1. Create a Timeline and Stick to the Schedule

 Trust us when we say that this is the key to a successful wedding day. While it may seem a bit overboard to have everything planned out to the minute, it’s absolutely necessary if you don’t want to be rushed for time or end up running late. Not to mention, nothing will stress your bride out more than a bridesmaid who is still getting dressed when pictures are supposed to be starting. To avoid such unnecessary anxiety, simply get together with your bride beforehand and work out all the details- from what time you need to be up and showered to the order in which everyone gets their hair and makeup done. Pro tip: Make sure you plan to be ready at least a half hour before pictures start in case you end up running behind (and if you stay on schedule, that’s just more time to sip bubbly!)

2. Be Prepared for Any and All Emergencies

No matter how properly you’ve planned for this day, there are bound to be a few hiccups along the way. In anticipation of any unforeseen catastrophes, we recommend being prepared for everything short of a natural disaster (we’re only half kidding). Now you may be asking yourself, “how and the hell am I supposed to do that?”, to which we say, “we got you, girl”. Check out our itemized list of everything you’ll need in your wedding day emergency kit. Unfortunately this list doesn’t have a solution to dealing with drama, whether it be bridesmaid or monster-in-law related, so here’s our advice on that: Do whatever you have to do to make it go away. Tell Ashley her hair looks just as good as Stephanie’s (even if it looks like a bird’s nest) and Mrs. Miller she’s blessed that her son is marrying such an angel (even when you want to tell her she’s the devil). No matter what, your number one job is to make sure the drama doesn’t touch the bride on her big day.

3. Keep Your Eye on the Bride

If we haven’t made it clear by now, let us say it one more time: nothing is more important than making sure your BFF has a dramaless and stress-free wedding day. To do so, you must constantly be on the lookout for any potential stressors: including the bride herself. With all of the nervous excitement floating around, it’s common for brides to get some serious wedding day jitters that left untreated, can lead to an all-out meltdown. Avoid a bridal breakdown by keeping your BFF occupied and upbeat throughout the getting-ready process. We recommend creating a wedding morning playlist full of sing-your-heart-out, dance-your-booty-off songs to keep the vibe light and fun. Side note: A glass of bubbly here and there never hurts, but be sure to keep an eye on just how much your bride is tossing back (her walk down the aisle shouldn’t look like a field sobriety test).

4. Ensure That Everyone (Including Yourself) is Fed and Hydrated

While sticking to the schedule is the key to a successful day, staying nourished is necessary if you want to survive the night. We all know that consuming alcohol on an empty stomach never ends well, so it’s imperative that you and your girls get some food and water in your system pre-ceremony. Nowadays it’s common for the venue or hotel to provide a light lunch while getting ready, so go with that option if available. If not, talk with the rest of the bridal party, as well as the MOB and MOG, about splitting the cost of catering (Panera and Chick-fil-a are great options). Just a heads up, it’s very likely that your bride won’t have an appetite with all the butterflies she’s feeling or will refuse to eat for fear of not fitting in her dress. Don’t fall for it! No matter what she says, it is your job to make sure she doesn’t faint at the altar (not kidding, we’ve seen it happen). Oh, and while you’re running around force-feeding everyone, don’t forget to save some for yourself.

 

During the Ceremony/Pre-Reception

 

1. Fluff the Train and Hold the Bouquet

Aside from making it down the aisle without falling on your face, these are the only two things you must do during the ceremony. We grouped them together because they go hand in hand and are really quite simple. Once your bride has made her grand entrance and meets up with her hubby-to-be, you’ll immediately want to fluff out the train of her gown so it’s flowing beautifully behind her. It may seem silly, but we recommend bending over in your dress a few times before the ceremony to guarantee there’s no accidental flashing or split seams come go time. As soon as you finish fluffing, stand up and take the bride’s bouquet so she can hold hands with her man. Because you’ll be holding both her and your bouquet for the remainder of the ceremony, we also recommend practicing your grip before walking down the aisle.

2. Bustle the Train and Make Any Other Adjustments

Now that your BFF has said “I do”, it’s time to celebrate! Before you party the night away, you must first make sure the Mrs. doesn’t trip over her dress on the dance floor. It’s more than likely that you’ve attended at least one fitting with the bride, therefore have already practiced bustling the dress. If not, we suggest a trial run pre-ceremony so you have a basic understanding of how it all works. Bustling is no piece of cake, so it’s very important you take your time and get it done right. If for any reason you can’t figure it out, ask for the help of the wedding coordinator (they have tons of practice with all types of gowns) or a fellow bridesmaid who has bustling experience. Once you’ve tackled that task, help the bride with any other hair or makeup adjustments she may need. Pro tip: This is also a great time to have the bride use the bathroom seeing as she’ll need your assistance in holding up her dress.

 

During and After the Reception

1. Feed the Bride (Part 2)

Yes, we know we’ve been over this once, but we’re back at it again to tell you just how important a duty this is. We can’t tell you how many brides skip eating their dinner because they get so caught up in talking to and taking photos with guests. First of all, no food should ever go to waste, especially a meal that the couple spent a lot of time and money on selecting. Secondly, your bride is guaranteed to lose steam halfway through her reception if she doesn’t have some fuel to run on. And that’s where you come in. If you see that the bride (or groom) is being kept from the sweetheart table, make it a point to remind them that dinner is served and they’ll have plenty of time to socialize during the remainder of the reception. This also includes drinking water, so be sure to keep your girl hydrated. Trust us, no couple wants to spend their first day as husband and wife nursing a hangover from hell.

2. Be the Life of the Party

Once you’ve taken care of your bride and have eaten your own meal, it’s time for the real fun to begin. Unless there is an especially carefree (or already intoxicated) guest, chances are that no one has ventured to the dance floor just yet. While it’s not entirely on your shoulders to get the party started, someone has to be the one to do it. So grab your guy or fellow bridesmaids, request your favorite song, and hit the floor. Trust us, it won’t take long for others to follow suit. As the night goes on, be sure to keep an eye out for any party poopers and see if you can’t get them up and moving. It will truly mean the world to your bride that you took the time to guarantee that every single one of her guests has a good time. Plus, there is nothing funnier than seeing Uncle Joe do the wobble.

3. Help with Clean Up

When the final song of the night has ended and guests start making their way to the exit, that’s your cue to begin wrapping it up. Most couples hire a company to take care of the clean up and breakdown, but it’s your responsibility to collect all personal belongings and have the other bridesmaids do so too. If you got ready at the venue, do a sweep of that area as well. Do your bride a favor and double check with whoever is taking home the gifts and decorations, oftentimes her mom, to guarantee that nothing valuable gets left behind. While most venues will have a lost and found, it’s a major pain to have to go back the next morning to retrieve forgotten items. During clean up, take the time to thank both sets of parents for their contributions to the wedding.

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