How to Plan a Kitchen Tea

A Kitchen Tea is a great way to celebrate the impending nuptials of your bestie, especially if she is going to be moving into her first home after the wedding. The nice thing about kitchen teas is that they can be an all-inclusive party. Grannies, moms, aunties and flower girls might not be so enthusiastic about an evening of tequila shots and debauchery, but organizing a lovely high tea means that everyone can enjoy celebrating the new bride.

Here are a few points to keep in mind while you plan a kitchen tea.

• Secret or not? Traditionally The Kitchen Tea is kept a secret from the bride, but you can let her know about it if you feel that would suit her better. If you do decide to keep it a secret, make sure that you let the guests know not to let it slip to the bride.
• Only invite the wedding guests. Chat to your bride’s mom (or someone else who is in charge) and get a copy of the wedding guest list. Inviting someone who isn’t on the wedding guest list could be a bit awkward.
• Ask for help with eats. If you don’t feel like you can afford to cater all the eats for the tea, ask friends and family members to help by bringing a plate of eats along.
• Make the “strangers” feel welcome. Often one or two of the guests at the party will only know the bride. Make an effort to make them feel comfortable.
• Make sure you have a schedule. Even a vague schedule will help you feel in control and give the event a semblance of progression.
• Organize a few games / activities. Games can often help to break the ice. Sometimes if a lot of the guests don’t know each other there can be a bit of a stiff atmosphere.
• Have gift suggestions ready. Many of the guests may ask you for gift suggestions when they RSVP for the event. Make sure you have an idea of what to tell them. Consider the needs of your bride. If you know that she already has a fully kitted out kitchen, then it might be a good idea to put some thought into something that she really needs.

Whatever your plans are, always consider your bride while making them. Remember that you are planning an event for her and not yourself. If she’s a cupcakes and cookies fan, then you shouldn’t be organizing cucumber sandwiches and salads.