In the months leading up to her wedding, a bride can easily become overwhelmed by all the planning and coordination involved in making her special day memorable. But, with a little help from her friends – and a party she doesn’t have to plan – that stress can be alleviated and replaced with joy.
From its natural beauty to its rich history, the First Coast boasts countless ways to rejuvenate and rejoice. Choose any of the following bachelorette and bridal shower themes to remind all how fun weddings can be.
Pampered bliss
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Treat the bride to a wellness weekend of rest and relaxation at one of the First Coast’s many luxurious spas before her big day arrives. In Atlantic Beach, guests can unwind by the sea at The Spa at One Ocean (www.oneoceanresort.com). In Ponte Vedra Beach, soothe away aches and pains at the Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s new cryotherapy center (www.pvspa.com), or indulge in a massage before hitting the fairway at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa (www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jaxsw-sawgrass-marriott-golf-resort-and-spa/). Whichever location you choose, the bride will be sure to thank you.
Knot-ical excursion
From the St. Johns River to the Atlantic Ocean, the First Coast provides the perfect backdrop for a party cruise. Gather the crew and some brews to send the bride off with a splash. In Jacksonville, Now and Zen Sailing Charters offers sunset, half and full-day charters, and groups can choose to sail either on the ocean or along the First Coast’s waterways. For booking and additional information, visit www.nowandzensailingcharters.com or call (904) 803-8843.
Wine tasting
Seize the opportunity to shower the bride with the only present she truly wants: wine. Take a complimentary tour of the San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine for a behind-the-scenes look at how wine is produced, followed by a premium wine tasting (also free). Finish off the trip with some live music and appetizers at the winery’s The Cellar Upstairs Wine, Jazz & Blues Bar. To learn more, visit www.sansebastianwinery.com or call (904) 826-1594.
Gatsby glamour
If anyone ever knew how to party, it was Jay Gatsby. Perfect for a more formal “Jack and Jill” shower, a “Roaring 20s” theme will be a hit with those who love to dress up. Set up your own speakeasy or rent out a space, and then require guests to use a secret password for entry. Boasting all the glitz and glamour of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine could provide the perfect backdrop for such an affair. Guests can foxtrot and Charleston in the historic Alcazar Hotel pool, or they can watch from above as they sip cocktails on the mezzanine. For more information about the Lightner Museum and its event spaces, visit www.lightnermuseum.org.
