To plan a Kitchen Tea is a lovely way to include friends and family of all ages, from the little flower girls to the elderly ladies to celebrate her upcoming wedding. Whether it’s hosted at home or at a stylish event venue Melbourne families love for intimate celebrations, the focus is always on bringing loved ones together. This gathering often takes place at the bride’s or her mother’s home, filled with games, food, and drinks. The custom originally involved guests bringing kitchenware to help the bride stock her new household. However, as many women today already have their own homes, the focus has shifted to enjoying quality time with loved ones rather than exchanging gifts.
Planning a Kitchen Tea: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Initial Planning Meeting
Start by gathering the bridesmaids and the bride’s mother to outline the details. Discuss and decide on the date, budget, and schedule of events. It’s essential to create a gift registry and plan how guests will be involved in the celebration.
2. Creating the Guest List
Ensure the guest list includes only those close to the bride-to-be. It’s vital to avoid inviting someone who is not invited to the wedding, as this could lead to awkward situations. Ask the bride’s mother or groom for a list of wedding guests to avoid any mistakes.
- Tip: Send a “save the date” message well in advance and follow up with those who haven’t responded to ensure you know the exact number of guests.
3. Surprise or No Surprise?
Decide early on whether the event will be a surprise for the bride. Some brides love surprises, while others may find them stressful. If you choose to surprise her, make sure to communicate this clearly in all invitations and messages.
4. Theme and Colour Scheme
Traditionally, the theme and colours of the Kitchen Tea align with the wedding. However, this is flexible, and you can choose a theme that reflects the bride’s personality. For instance, if the bride loves a particular Le Creuset colour, use that as inspiration.
- Example: A high tea theme could include a white tablecloth, elegant table settings, and decorations like flowers, napkins, and bunting in a chosen colour palette.
5. Food and Beverage Selection
Whether you’re hosting the Kitchen Tea at a cafe or at home, food is a key element. If at home, aim to offer a mix of sweet and savoury dishes, and consider setting up a beverage station for coffee lovers.
- Delegation: Don’t hesitate to delegate food preparation to others. Use an online spreadsheet to coordinate who will bring what, ensuring a balanced menu.
6. Self-Catering or Venue Catering?
Your catering choices will depend on the location. If you’re self-catering, you don’t need to do it all yourself. Ask for help from family, friends, or a local bakery to lighten the load.
- Presentation: The food should be presented in a style similar to High Tea, with a variety of both savoury and sweet items.
7. Hiring Help
If you’re the host, consider hiring help for the day to assist with tasks like refilling teapots and serving guests. This allows you to enjoy the event without being tied down by duties.
- Contribution: If some guests are not keen on cooking, they could contribute towards the cost of hiring help instead. This can be a subtle way to involve everyone without causing any stress.
8. Gift Ideas
Whether the bride is setting up her first home or already has everything she needs, gifts are an important part of the Kitchen Tea. Encourage the bride to create a gift registry at a place like Le Creuset, ensuring she receives items she truly wants.
- Group Gifts: For a well-stocked kitchen, guests might consider pooling resources to purchase a luxurious, high-quality item.
9. Final Preparations
Once the date is set, invitations are sent, and decorations are in place, plan the food and drinks for the day. Ensure the kitchen tea team arrives at least two hours before the event to set everything up.
10. Fun and Games
Games at a Kitchen Tea are usually more subdued compared to those at a hen’s night. A popular activity involves a quiz where guests answer questions about the bride’s life and hobbies. Another favourite is the “toilet paper wedding dress” game, where teams create a bridal gown using only toilet paper.
- Interactive Games: Consider adult versions of children’s games like “pass the parcel,” where small gifts are wrapped and passed around.
11. Themed Tea Parties
Modern brides often choose unique themes for their Kitchen Tea. Here are a few ideas:
- Mad Hatter Tea Party: Host a whimsical tea party with an Alice in Wonderland theme. Set a long table with mismatched tea cups and serve traditional high tea foods like scones with jam and cream.
- Flower-Themed Tea: Invite guests to dress in floral prints or the bride’s favourite colours. Decorate with fresh flowers and offer flower crowns to attendees.
- BBQ Picnic: For a more relaxed setting, consider an outdoor picnic in a park or the bride’s backyard. Ask guests to bring a dish to share and enjoy a casual gathering with picnic blankets and simple, delicious food.
- Scenic Party: If the weather is nice, host the event on a rooftop or at a venue with a beautiful view. Serve light snacks and drinks as guests enjoy the scenery.
- Cooking-Themed Tea: If the bride is a foodie, plan a cooking-themed Kitchen Tea. Guests can bring their favourite dish, and you might even organise a group cooking class.
Conclusion
A Kitchen Tea is a wonderful way to include all generations in celebrating the bride’s upcoming wedding. Whether it’s held at someone’s home, a garden, or a fancy restaurant, the event should reflect the bride’s style and preferences. Proper planning and coordination ensure that everyone has a great time, from the food and drinks to the games and decorations. Remember, the goal is to create a memorable day that the bride will cherish, surrounded by the women who mean the most to her.
