Ok so I have BIG decisions coming at me and they all revolve around the age old argument of having a bridal shower at a home versus a hotel or restaurant. Anyone out there have any defining thoughts that will make this decision easier?

I initially loved the idea of doing a catered fete poolside at my 1920′s style townhouse complete with tray pass mimosas (this is where it pays to have bff’s in the industry because they KNOW how to plan a party!). But with all of the amazing oceanside restaurants in LA (hello Malibu!) I’m wavering. This is where my event planning mind kicks in – home reads more warm and personal…and more work! Swanky hotel or restaurant reads chic “LA” gathering, less work but perhaps more stuffy? And then there’s the games (insert Hollywood horror flick scream here). I’m not a big shower games gal so possibilities of finding me mummified in a toilet paper wedding dress will most likely depend on mimosa intake!

I truly believe registering for your wedding exemplifies how you will work together as couple over the years to make important choices (like which new wine glasses to get), problem solve (we had to take a ten minute time out in the towel section of Bed Bath & Beyond) and how to make compromises (I got to register for the new veggie steamer and in return he got an espresso machine).

It took us three days, two trips to Crate & Barrel and one minor blow up (aforementioned Bed Bath & Beyond self imposed time out) but we did it! And if you’re registering in the LA area I must insist you check out the Bed Bath & Beyond flagship in West Los Angeles (11854 West Olympic Boulevard). While not normally a BB&B fan, this place is the mother ship for brides-to-be. They keep all of the good stuff on the basement level so as we descended down the long escalator and began to catch a glimpse of the fine china and Kate Spade crystal frames it took all of my will power to not plow over the couple in front of us.

Crate & Barrel also has some great registering parties too. You can’t beat the dangerous combo of a scanner in one hand and cocktail in the other!