More than ever, couples are thinking outside the box when it comes to wedding showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties. Some of the most common reasons bridal parties are sidestepping the “Vegas and hangover” route come from a desire to:
Connect in a more intimate setting
Reduce or eliminate the presence of alcohol
Ensure accessibility for everyone in their bridal party
Provide a low-stimulation environment
Support local businesses
Reduce the carbon footprint of their celebration
If you want a wedding pre-funk that’s as unique as you are, here’s our top selection of offerings from small businesses in Colorado Springs:
1-3: Cooking Classes. Learn to cook a complete French meal at The French Kitchen, prepare a range of world cuisine such as sushi, grilling, and the art of meat at Gather Studios, or let the team at Beyond the Croissant guide you into baking show stopping pastries.
4: Done-For-You Cuisine. If you’d rather kick your feet up, consider hiring a private chef to cook up a bewitching meal for you and your friends. Our pick, Chef Janon Bourgeois, is a teacher and culinary coach who offers an interactive and entertaining dining experience.
5: Flower Farm. Enjoy a plethora of offerings in a dreamy flower garden setting at Gather Mountain Blooms. Experiences range from you-pick-flowers to live music, dinner in the garden, and flower crown workshops.
6: Lotions & Potions. Rocky Mountain Soap Market - Schedule a private party at their Body Bar and try your hand at making your own body care products from their extensive selection of essential oils and product bases. Body Bar guests receive an exclusive discount on retail items.
7: Henna Party. Lavender Henna - Book Aaitika, the artist behind Lavender Henna, for your special event. Aaitika holds an International Certification for Natural Henna Arts and uses handmade henna paste to adorn the skin with intricate, temporary designs.
8-11: Dance Lessons. Hire a local dance instructor for a group lesson. Doily Moon and Mario Wanna are a powerhouse sibling duo of prolific performers. They’re available for private party workshops on drag, burlesque, and twerking. Jam Thomson is a fusion belly dancer who hosts belly dance parties for people of all genders and abilities. For pole dancing, check out the private party options at Pole Revolution, and for dances such as Latin, country, swing, tap, and jazz, head over to Dance Wonderland.
12: Run Away With the Circus. Book an aerials party at Urban Cirque where you and your friends can safely explore circus apparatuses from trapeze to hoop and silks. Urban Cirque’s coaches are skilled at creating supportive and fun introductions to flying–no experience necessary!
13: Paint Flower Pots. Host up to 30 guests for a pot painting party at Hapke’s Hortum. Each guest brings home a houseplant in their very own hand painted pot. On the retail side of things, Hapke’s partners with local vendors to curate houseplant accouterments from ceramics to macrame and upcycled components that won’t be found at any of the “big box” plant shops.
14-16: Jewelry, Pottery, and Marijuana. Work with a local professional to create a customized art party! In Colorado Springs alone, we have artists who can teach you how to cast a silver ring or pendant, take a spin on the pottery wheels at the Pikes Peak Artist Collective, or get mellow with a cannabis Puff-n-Paint party at the Painter’s Pot.
17-19: Daytime Festivities. Commune with nature during a guided hike and wilderness sound bath/yoga mashup by Lexia Wills, reserve a table at drag show brunch, or get bougie with your fine self via a garden party or picnic at the Denver Botanical Gardens.
20. Spa Day. Soak in a private hot tub filled with local spring water, dare to dip in the cold plunge, and break a sweat in the infrared sauna at SunWater Spa. We recommend pairing your soak with a yoga class or spa service for the full Sunwater experience.
21-22: Hair & Nails. If your wedding party is looking for a glow-up, book a blow out party at Blush Dry Bar, complete with wine and cheese trays. For nails, head to Paint Nail Bar, a non-toxic nail salon with a penchant for parties.
23: Wine. Dive into the enchanting world of local wines with a wine tasting or bottling party at Manitou Winery.
24-26: Sleepovers and Tarot Cards. Live your 90s witch kid fantasy by having an Air B&B sleepover and hiring a professional tarot card reader to haunt the evening with some spooky good divination. Elevate the experience by booking an eco-friendly hotel. Our top picks are Kinship Landing and SCP.
27: Tattoo Party. Leave a mark on your guests with an in-home permanent tattoo booth by Ariel of Lady Baby Tattoos.
Whether you want to be wholesome or indulgent, glamorous or low-key, we believe there are local, sustainable, and inclusive businesses that can help you create the wedding shower of your dreams. It’s our mission to spread inspiration and resources so more people like yourself can tap into the vibrant culture of the alternative wedding community--all while remaining true to your budget and your values.
Got more good ideas you think we should add? Need help pulling off the perfect party? Email howdy@dreamcatcherwed.com and a member of our team will get back to you ASAP.
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