Class up your trousseau at Bellefleur

So your best friend is getting married and you have to throw the shower. Somehow, the thought of sitting in a circle uttering the obligatory oohs and aahs while the bride unwraps small appliances is less than appealing. Why not organize a party the bride will love and where the guests have a blast? Bellefleur Lingerie Boutique in Fremont has just the thing: after-hours bridal showers for the bride and up to 10 guests. The charming little Fremont boutique has all the lingerie a bride could want for her honeymoon trousseau, from sexy little panty-and-cami sets to va-va-va-voom bustiers.

"Basically it's a shopping party where the bride gets to pick out a bunch of lingerie for her honeymoon whilst drinking champagne and snacking with her closest friends," says boutique owner and expert lingerie fitter Jennifer Carroll. "It's so much fun, there's a lot of joking and voting on the 'best' honeymoon outfit." Guests shop too, stocking up on panties, refreshing their lingerie chests or indulging in something to unleash the passion of their significant other.

If brides need suggestions, Carroll can point them in the right direction. She recommends honeymoon attire that includes some basics for amorous evenings. "You can do a lot with skimpy chemises and slips, pairing them with heels," says Carroll. "Cute cami-and-short sets can be playful, and the camis can be worn during the day. A sexy bra-and-panty set is a must. Go for a lacy demicup in a variety of colors with matching bottoms. Or go for broke with a bustier or corset, floral garters and thigh-high fishnets. Don't forget a packable light silk robe."

The details: Schedule the shower three to four weeks in advance. There is no charge for the space, but there is a minimum purchase of $500 for the entire group. For example, usually guests chip in and buy the bride a gift certificate. The cost of purchases for the rest of the evening plus the gift certificate needs to meet or exceed $500. A $250 deposit is required (and is applied to the total $500 purchase). Carroll can arrange champagne and sophisticated noshes, or you can bring your own champagne, wine and appetizers. Carroll also offers a bridal registry.

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