turning challenges into cherished memories
our beautiful “plan b” - pensacola beach, florida
A Bridesmaids’ Luncheon to Remember
Sometimes, the universe has a funny way of stepping in and showing us that Plan B might just be better than our original plans. After a year of dreaming and planning for my daughter’s destination wedding, the big weekend had finally arrived. Pensacola Beach—our beloved vacation spot and the home of my father—was the perfect location for her vision: a charming chapel ceremony paired with a beachside wedding weekend.
Everything was falling into place until, as I prepared to drive south, I learned the venue for the Bridesmaids’ Luncheon (scheduled for the day before the wedding) had mixed up the date and could no longer accommodate us. With just 48 hours to go, I needed to find a new venue, plan a menu, arrange décor, and inform 20 guests. Surprisingly, I didn’t panic. I took a deep breath, embraced the challenge, and leaned into creative problem-solving.
perfect setting for coastal bridesmaids’ luncheon
The Perfect Plan B
Our vacation rental penthouse condo, set to house the bridesmaids for the weekend, turned out to be an unexpected blessing. With its sweeping views of both the ocean and the bay, the expansive balcony provided the ideal backdrop for an intimate and elegant luncheon. As I walked into the space, I knew this was better than what I had originally planned.
Fortunately, I had already prepared many personal details and special touches, so the transformation into a dreamy luncheon setting came together seamlessly.
A Southern Coastal Fall Theme
The wedding theme of dark green and toile carried beautifully into the luncheon design, blending southern charm with coastal elegance. Each place setting featured personalized place cards nestled in gold holders, set atop disposable round toile placemats that tied the aesthetic together. Although the breeze on the balcony posed a slight challenge, bud vases filled with fresh blooms of roses, hydrangeas & baby’s breath, anchored each setting perfectly.
Gifts Made With Love
We wanted each guest to feel truly appreciated, so alongside their gift bags, we included handmade oyster shell ring dishes. Inspired by an idea my daughter discovered online, we turned this DIY project into a labor of love. With a bag of oyster shells from Amazon, toile decoupage paper, gold trim paint, and a few coats of varnish, these ring dishes became stunning keepsakes. The results far exceeded our expectations and added a personal, heartfelt touch to the luncheon (and yes, they’ve inspired me to dream up future DIY projects!).
A Sweet Surprise at Each Setting
Each place setting featured an extra special detail: individual cupcakes adorned with cake charms, presented on miniature cupcake pedestals. This charming tradition (carried over from my bridal shower when I married her father) added an element of surprise and fun to the luncheon. Each cupcake had a delicate ribbon bow for the guest to pull, revealing a tiny cake charm hidden inside. The charms were carefully chosen to symbolize blessings and good fortune for the bride and her friends. This thoughtful touch not only delighted our guests but also created a keepsake they could treasure as a memento of the special day. The pedestals elevated the presentation (literally and figuratively), adding an elegant and whimsical layer to the table décor.
Creating Beauty in the Unexpected
What began as a logistical nightmare turned into a moment of serendipity. The warmth of the condo, the joy of the bridesmaids, and the personal touches made this luncheon unforgettable. It was a testament to flexibility, creativity, and the magic of making the most of every moment.
For anyone looking to recreate this look or bring a similar vision to life, I’ve linked the Amazon items we used for this special day:
When challenges arise, lean into creativity—you might just discover that Plan B is where the real magic happens.
What did you think of the final look? Check out the photos of the table settings, décor, and more! Don’t forget to save this post for your Pinterest inspiration board.
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