So you’ve decided you’re planning a bridal shower brunch for your bride-to-be. But how do you make sure the event is unforgettable? We’ve got you. We put together a 2-part guide full of tips and things to keep in mind to help make sure the bridal shower brunch you throw for your bride is one for the books.
If you didn’t catch the first part of our guide to planning a bridal shower brunch that covered the aesthetic basics of the planning process, check that out here! If you’re already caught up, continue on for part two.
And, yes. We decided that the food and drinks at a bridal shower brunch are so important that they needed their own section.
Here are the last 6 tips for planning a bridal shower brunch that’s unforgettable that focus on the food and drinks:
- DIY mimosa bar
- Coffee bar
- Classic menu with a twist
- Have guests decorate desserts
- Offer mocktails
- Cater to dietary restrictions
7. DIY mimosa bar
Food is important and everything, and we’ll get to that. But first, drinks.
Is it even brunch without mimosas? Thanks to this simple co*cktail of champagne and orange juice, brunch is basically an excuse to have a little party first thing after rolling out of bed late in the morning. It’s a party because: champagne. And society accepts this in the morning because: orange juice. Mimosas are clever and sneaky like that to make a little buzz acceptable before noon, and we’re not mad about it.
So if you’re planning a bridal shower brunch, you definitely need to create a DIY mimosa bar. It’s simple to set up, festive, and a necessary crowd pleaser.
Just start with some decorations and champagne flutes, a few jugs of orange juice, plenty of bottles of bubbly on ice, fresh-cut fruit and berries for garnish, and voila! Brunch is served, and you’re already well on your way to planning a bridal shower brunch that’s unforgettable. Unless, of course, someone makes themselves one too many mimosas…
And while mimosas are a must, don’t forget about the other brunch favorite for those with a more savory palette. A DIY bloody mary bar is another welcome addition for those who like to keep their brunch co*cktails more on the salty side.
8. Coffee bar
Just as important as getting a little buzzed at brunch is to some people, it’s just as important to get buzzing for others. If this is the first event of the day and some of your guests haven’t had their first (or fifth) cup of coffee yet, there might be a problem.
So when planning a bridal shower brunch, don’t forget about those on the guest list who rely on their caffeine, and make sure to also have a coffee bar available.
A coffee bar is also a simple set up. If you have a chinaware set, now’s the time to bring out those fancy little cups and saucers! If not, no worries. Simple mugs will do. Or if you’re keeping things informal, disposable cups are okay, too.
Obviously, start with making some great coffee and load it into a carafe to keep it piping hot. Everyone takes their coffee differently, so make sure to have as many different creamers, varieties of milk, and sweeteners available as you can. Keep it cute with individual serving containers for all the various elements and chalkboard signage for labeling.
Also, don’t forget the tea-drinkers! Be sure to also make hot water and a selection of tea bags available for those who prefer their hot drinks a little milder on the caffeine scale.
And regardless of whatever else you have on the menu, always offer a little something sweet to go with a cup of coffee. So don’t forget a little tray of petite Biscoff cookies, biscotti bites, or something similar. It’s very European to do so, which clearly means “sophistication”.
9. Offer mocktails
At any event, there will always be a few who prefer not to get buzzed or buzzing. This could be for religious, dietary, or medical reasons, such as pregnancy. So don’t make these guests feel left out of the fun!
Sodas and sparkling water are okay options. But mocktails are better! Offer some virgin co*cktails/mocktails and other fun options like sparkling grape juice so your alcohol and caffeine-free guests can feel fun and festive, too!
10. Classic menu with a twist
And now we’ve finally made it to the other most important aspect of planning a bridal shower brunch: the food.
When it comes to a brunch menu there are no actual rules, which means this is where you really get to play and impress. Brunch is sandwiched between breakfast and lunch, so really anything goes. You can offer brunch as a full meal itself or as a selection of appetizers, so just really let your creativity (and let’s be honest here, Pinterest) really fly!
Think finger foods and exciting little food combos on sticks! Charcuterie boards, mini chicken and waffle sliders, bite-sized quiches, mini silver dollar-sized stacks of pancakes, breakfast baked potato skins, etc. If you’re stumped check out Pinterest or a hostessing site to spark some ideas!
If you really want to get in on the finger food theme, you can even go full-on afternoon tea party! Proper afternoon tea is a great way to combine almost all the elements of a bridal shower brunch and make all your guests feel super elegant.
Whatever you decide, just make sure you have enough sweet and savory options, and enough for everyone to try a little bit of everything!
And just remember that since this is brunch and almost anything goes, keep it clever, creative, and surprising!
11. Have guests decorate desserts
A great way to combine food and fun when you’re planning a bridal shower brunch is to make one of the activities a dessert that the guests get to decorate themselves!
Whether it’s a cupcake bar with different kinds of frosting and toppings, or playfully-shaped cookies with piping bags of icing and various sprinkles, a DIY dessert is a great way to provide a twist on a classic sweet offering. And let the guests have a little extra fun, too.
12. Cater to dietary restrictions
Lastly, if you’re in charge of planning a bridal shower brunch (or any event really) that involves a lot of women getting together, you’re going to have to be prepared for the fact that there will be a lot of ladies on various diets (we all are at some point, right?) or who have special dietary restrictions.
Whatever menu options you decide to serve, be aware of as many of these restrictions as you can, and make sure you have options for everyone. If you are unsure, at least have some options available for some of the more common restrictions such as gluten-free and vegetarian. You can incorporate these into the menu as options that can be enjoyed whether or not someone requires the restriction.
And that’s it! With these 12 tips for planning a bridal shower brunch, you are well on your way to planning an event that’s unforgettable for your bride and her guests!
So go ahead. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. And congratulate yourself with one more mimosa. Cheers!
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