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Sure, you could book a party room at a restaurant, but this brunch bridal shower menu is easy, much more affordable, and can be customized to nod to the couple’s favorite foods and drinks. Get my best tips to plan a bridal shower, then use my easy party menu as a blueprint for the bridal shower food and drink.
Even if you’re not the bride or groom, preparing for a wedding can feel daunting. From remembering all of the dates to choosing an outfit to coordinating babysitters to selecting the perfect gift, being a wedding guest can sometimes feel equal parts exciting and anxiety-provoking.
And that’s just if you’re a guest. If you’re a member of the wedding party and are tasked with coordinating the showers, bachelorette, or bachelor parties, things only get more complicated (and expensive).
Since I’ve been there, fretted over that, I have pulled together your complete guide to hosting a bridal shower or wedding shower. With my bridal shower tips in your arsenal, along with the best bridal shower menu, you’ll be well-equipped to host a no-sweat soiree to celebrate the happy couple.
Table of Contents
5 Tips to Plan an Unforgettable Bridal Shower
1. Pick a venue and a date.
Showers are typically hosted between 3 months to 2 weeks prior to the actual wedding day. The party is usually a team effort hosted by the maid of honor, bridal attendants, bridesmaids, close friends, and/or the bride’s relatives.
To save money, reduce the risk of booking competition, and create a more casual, welcoming atmosphere, I like to host at home. If desired, and if your bridal shower budget allows, rent a party room that allows for outside food and drink. This will still be a lot more affordable than outsourcing the location and the menu to a restaurant.
2. Decide between a wedding shower and a bridal shower.
The major difference here is whether the crew across the aisle is invited. Wedding showers are becoming more common as modern couples decide to invite the groom and his friends and family, but it’s totally up to the host and the bride.
If it’s a same-sex wedding, you can of course invite everyone to the same shower, or host separate bashes. There’s no such thing as too many parties, if you ask me!
3. Send out invitations.
The guests should be limited to those who are invited to the actual wedding. From that starting point, it can be helpful to tap the bride (and groom, if relevant) to help establish the guest list.
A Facebook invite, email invitation, digital calendar event, or paper invitation all work fine. I recommend choosing the method that lines up best with the information you have about the guests (email vs. postal addresses) and how tech-savvy the majority of the possible attendees are. List the date, start and end time, location, and registry details, if gifts are part of the plan.
It can also be helpful to share the dress code; I recommend casual or dressy casual. A daytime shower exudes festive yet unpretentious. No need to go black tie or semi-formal twice! I also like to share a preview of the menu, so guests can bring their appetites and to clarify that there will be options for all dietary needs.
4. Finalize the menu.
Speaking of that food or drink, I have your full game plan below. Feel free to make all or just some of the bridal shower recipe ideas, and if desired, round things out with a few of the couple’s favorites from my party recipe archives.
5. Set the mood.
Now it’s time for the finishing touches! After you shop for and prep the bridal shower party menu ingredients, decide on an estimated flow of the day. Will you decorate? Do you want to curate or find a Spotify playlist to act as the soundtrack? Does the bride prefer to open gifts in front of the guests, or later? Will there be any hands-on activities, such as games, projects, or favors? Before the guests arrive, sketch these out.
Come shower day, all that’s left to do is assemble the recipes, change into your party clothes, and pour yourself a glass of bubbly. (OJ optional.) You deserve it!
Mimosa Bar
As everyone arrives, point them toward the snacks and sips!
An interactive bubbly bar will give strangers or acquaintances something to bond over. What’s the ideal juice ratio? Which flavor is best? What garnishes should I add? A Mimosa Bar is an easy conversation-starter and it’s easy to execute.
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Mimosa Bar
Deviled Eggs
With drink in hand, guests can wander over to the handheld appetizers. You can’t go wrong with Classic Deviled Eggs and Veggie Dip with crudites. These are simple, classic snacks that are delicious and filling and maybe even a little bit retro.
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Deviled Eggs
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Veggie Dip
Mini Quiche
To round out the welcome bites, try my Mini Quiche recipe. They’re similar to Starbucks sous vide egg bites, but are even better because: 1). They are wrapped in a pastry shell, and 2). I offer four different flavor variations (bacon, ham and cheese, spinach, and mushroom). Share one or share them all as part of your menu; chances are high you’ll soon be asked to share the recipe!
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Mini Quiche Recipe
Chicken Salad
Easy yet elegant, filling yet somehow light and fresh; Chicken Salad is my go-to bridal shower main dish. If you’re unsure of guests’ dietary intolerances or preferences, serve the salad in a bowl alongside a platter of sturdy lettuce leaves for wraps, gluten-free crackers, split croissants, and toast.
If you’re seeking a little more flavor, Curried Chicken Salad is always a hit, too. Pair either one with a big bowl of Strawberry Spinach Salad for the ultimate brunch combo.
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Chicken Salad Recipe
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Strawberry Spinach Salad
Fresh Fruit Tart
Invite everyone to top off their mimosas before they snag a slice of this showy Fresh Fruit Tart. An apricot jam glaze lends an extra layer of sweetness and some shine. So fitting to celebrate the couple’s new diamonds and sweet union!
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Fresh Fruit Tart
Join Us
Bridal Shower Menu
Ingredients
- Mimosa Bar
- Deviled Eggs
- Veggie Dip with crudite
- Mini Quiche
- Chicken Salad with croissants
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Fresh Fruit Tart
Nutrition
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.
Thank you for this step by step guide! I’m a stressed maid of honor, and this is super helpful!