Bridal showers are a common pre-wedding celebration to gather your bridesmaids and close relatives to play cheesy games, share advice and stories, eat delicious food, sip bubbles, and of course…“shower” the bride in love, attention and gifts! If you’re a bride looking for unique bridal shower ideas, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Think outside the bridal shower box and get inspired by our 5 unique bridal shower ideas in Houston that you and your bride tribe will love!
Above Photos: Ama Photo & Cinema
Tucked away in the lush forests of Katy lies one of our region’s most picturesque wedding venues: With Old World, Mexican-influenced charm, and state-of-the-art amenities, Agave Estates offers all-inclusive wedding ceremonies and receptions services that combine gracious hospitality with relaxed elegance. Joining Agave Estates’ popular Agave Real and Agave Road venues is Agave Rio—the Estates’ new on-site celebration space and restaurant, offering superb private dining options for engagement parties, bridesmaids gatherings and rehearsal dinners, along with a dreamy, rustic-chic backdrop for intimate ceremonies.
Photos: Chuck Cook Photography | Photos 1 – 7: new featured menu items | 8: Executive Chef Eric Aldis
And here’s even more exciting news: At the helm of the new Agave Rio is Executive Chef Eric Aldis—a star of the Houston culinary scene. Chef Eric started his career at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, and has made a name for himself in culinary operations at such prestigious properties at the Bellagio Las Vegas and the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. Locally, Chef Aldis has earned a reputation for bringing sustainable food practices to acclaimed restaurants including Mark’s American Cuisine, Mo’s and Corner Table.
We recently spoke to Chef Eric about his partnership with Agave Rio, and what wedding couples—and Houston foodies—can expect from Katy’s newest restaurant/celebration space. Here’s what we found out:
HWB: What makes Agave Estates special, and how does the venue and its setting inspire you?
Chef Aldis: Agave Estates is special because of the architecture, the beautiful landscape…and a professional culture to match. The venue and setting inspired me to create a menu of American cuisine using local and exotic ingredients.
HWB: What are some of the signature menu items you are creating for Agave Rio?
Chef Aldis: Oysters Agave (a hearth-roasted Blue Point oyster with salsa verde, lump crab and Mexican truffle, grilled at 900 degrees); Chauvinist Pig (a house-carved pork shoulder with bacon, prosciutto and brie, served on brioche bread)…and Shipley Donut Bread Pudding.
HWB: Yum! How does creating menus for wedding celebrations differ from creating restaurant fare, and what do you enjoy about developing personalized, special-occasion menus?
Chef Aldis: We pride ourselves on providing high-quality restaurant fare as well as menus for wedding celebrations. Preparation and planning are identical for both. I really enjoy developing personalized special-occasion menus. It gives me the opportunity to step outside the box and create—especially when cooking for guests with special dietary needs and providing a true 5-star experience.
HWB: What excites you most about your Agave Estates partnership?
Chef Aldis: This partnership excites me to be able to provide an entertainment venue for Katy, Texas—my hometown!
As enamored with Agave Rio—and all of Agave Estates venue and event-package offerings—as we are? (And really, how could you not be?) Call 281.665.3337 or email Agave Estates at to schedule a venue tour or book dining reservation for Agave Rio. And…dig in!
Trying to figure out how to thank your bridesmaids for all their love and support (not to mention for sweetly enduring your endless indecision about whither French-pleat or goblet-fan napkin folds, and graciously agreeing to wear sea-foam and spaghetti straps despite pale skin and ample arms, etc., etc.…)?
We’ve compiled some of our favorite ideas for you, and put ’em in this post!
Jean Picard, regular Weddings in Houston contributor and Master Bridal Consultant (that means the international Association of Bridal Consultants has designated her one of the very best in the biz), is a big fan of the pre-wedding bridesmaids tea. Check out her planning and décor tips, menu suggestions and expert tea-making tutorial right here.
We discovered Vivabox at a very cool gift show and just had to spread the word. Our past post on this lovely little gift concept gives all the details on how to choose a Vivabox for each bridesmaid (they’ve got manly ones for your groom’s dudes, too), how they work and where to buy.
Doing the destination thing? Have a look at these sweet silk cosmetics, brush and jewelry bags from Neiman Marcus. We love the vibrant colors and personalized-initial option, and your maids will love packing these for wedding-destination travel!
Whether you plan to wed in town or afar, these super-chic clutches are a perfect complement to any bridesmaid outfit (just check out the range of colors and patterns—amazing!), and a great gift from you to your gals.
Of course, every bridesmaid appreciates a little pre-wedding pampering. And what better way to relax and indulge with your maids than with a group spa outing? Treat your bridesmaids to a day of massage, mani-pedis and divine face/body treatments at one of Houston’s top spas, and you’ll come out smelling like a rose!
