Trying to figure out where to have a bridal shower can feel like a daunting task. You know that you don’t want to spend a small fortune, but yet you also want to make sure you throw an amazing party for a bride you love. Or maybe you’re the bride hoping to give a friend or family member a bit of direction when it comes to deciding where to have a bridal shower (and not just any…but yours!).
SEE MORE: Who’s Supposed to Host the Bridal Shower Anyway?
So, we thought it would help to compile a list of our favorite ideas and venues when it comes to picking the perfect bridal shower location. No matter where you live you’ll be able to use this list as a great starting point when trying to decide where to have a bridal shower!
Restaurants
Throwing a bridal shower at a restaurant is typically one of the easiest and most cost effective things you can do. Not only are they already set-up for large groups with enough serveware and seating, but restaurants tend to give discounts to larger groups as well. Ask to speak to a manger about coming up with a budget-friendly menu for your brunch or luncheon (typically the best times to throw a bridal shower), and since those tend to be off-times for many restaurants, you might be surprised how easy it is to get a per-person price you’re happy with
Hotels
Afternoon tea is ALWAYS a good idea for a bridal shower, and chances are there is a hotel in your area that would love to help you host a bridal shower with that theme. And since afternoon tea usually involves things like cookies and tea sandwiches vs. full plated meals, you’ll end up saving money while still impressing your guests with such a fun and unique idea! Even if a hotel doesn’t offer afternoon tea, see if you can gather in a private room or reserved seating area in a lounge and serve a signature cocktail (like mimosas), light bites, and coffee/tea for either a set or per-person price.
SEE MORE: 13 Gorgeous Hotel Wedding Venues to Say ‘I Do’ At
Studio Spaces
If you live in or near a major city you’re likely to find a smaller space (like a loft) that is typically used for photo shoots or other productions but that can also be used for more intimate gatherings like bridal showers as well. Sites like Peerspace will allow you to search through venues in your area that could be fun for a bridal shower. Just enter your budget, event type, and number of attendees and you’ll be on your way.
Your Home
Yeah, yeah. We know this is the most obvious of choices, but it helps to know of ways you can utilize your home for a bridal shower that will make it feel like an extra special event. If you’ve decided to host a bridal shower at your house or another family members you’ll want to consider the following:
Make sure you have the space. If the bridal shower is for 10, 20, or 30+ people you’ll want to make sure that you’ve made the house guest-ready with a designated area for coats and purses, bathrooms with guest towels, paper goods, and toiletries, as well as a parking plan for all those cars!
Keep the menu simple. Think buffet with 2-3 choices or go with the afternoon tea theme (you don’t HAVE to be at a hotel to have one!)
Consider hiring a bartender. This will save you and other guests from having to make their own drinks and makes the bridal shower feel like an extra special occasion (vs. a regular house party).
Also think about the cleanup. If you’re expecting more than 15 guests consider hiring a company to bring in all the serveware (which means they also take all those dirty plates with them) or hiring someone to help cleanup. This will mean you have more time to enjoy the party and less time worrying about when you have to start all those dishes. 🙁
Don’t miss this article! How to Organize an Amazing Bridal Shower: A Step-by-Step Guide
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