Three Cheers for the Bride-to-Be!
Photo by Derrick Zellmann: IG @derrickzellmann
Three Cheers for the Bride-to-Be!
Hosting a bridal shower is a wonderful opportunity to bring together not only friends but family, some meeting for the first time, to show your love and support of the bride. In fact, this was originally a tradition that started from just that: friends and family coming together to ensure the bride and groom were supported in their marriage with or without family approval – we love a good romance!
While typically hosted by the maid of honor, bridesmaids, or bride’s family – who says you can’t get the ball rolling yourself? It is invaluable to get your guests together before the big day to get those introductions out of the way. This way, guests can greet each other confidently day-of and focus on being fully in the moment for you.
Selecting the right venue for bridal showers plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the event, whether it’s for an easy-going breakfast, ever-popular brunch, elegant plated luncheon, or chic afternoon tea. From picking the perfect theme to organizing entertaining games, here are some ideas to inspire your planning process.
Choosing the Perfect Theme
A well-chosen theme sets the tone for bridal showers, creating a cohesive experience that ties together the décor, activities, and even the menu. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, here are some popular party themes to consider:
Garden Party
Photo by Matthew Tetrault: IG @mptetrault
A garden party theme is perfect for spring or summer. Decorate with floral arrangements, hire a florist and have guests arrange their own bouquets! Go pastel or be bold and opt for those brighter wildflower colors and request themed attire (a color palette or a descriptive phrase can help point guests in a great direction without narrowing down the outfit selection too much). Afternoon teas perfectly pair with this theme: think finger sandwiches, fresh salads, and a variety of teas or sparkling beverages. Perhaps you might offer up our Garden Oasis – a selection of three nonalcoholic punches sure to delight your guests. Really get creative by adding in some champagne or even a splash of your favorite spirit – we won’t tell!
Jack & Jill
Photo by Theresa Johnson: IG @johnsonphotography.inc
The more the merrier! It is increasingly popular to invite both sides. Up the ante by having the men play the classic games like crafting a wedding dress fashion out of toilet paper. Let the ladies place their bets on the winner! Have team trivia competitions about the couple – these can be pub quiz style or Jeopardy like they did on Friends. The always-classic shoe game is an even bigger hit with the groomsmen participating too!
Ditch the stereotypes at the door – guys love brunch and ladies, who says no to a slider paired with truffle fries? Use this as an opportunity to say yes to all of your cravings – it’s the best of both worlds!
Brunch and Bubbly
Photo by Leah LaRiccia Photography: www.leahlaricciaphotography.com
Everyone’s favorite meal, and why wouldn’t it be – you get to pair savory and sweet, then go back for desserts! Who doesn’t love brunch? Create a spread of mouth-watering Belgian waffles, adorable mini frittatas, and perfectly-cooked salmon with our irresistible dill-mustard. Pair it all with a build your own mimosa bar. Use gold accents and elegant tableware to add a touch of sophistication.
‘Til Death (Do Us Part)
Photo by Lindsay Hackney: IG @lindsayhackneyphoto
Life is too short to be serious! For those who love Halloween or simply have a drier sense of humor, let’s dig into deep muted tones. Imagine crushed velvets, rich satins, and antique lace. Touches of gold add a bit of mystery and glamour to the bar, whether in glassware, garnish picks, or cocktail napkins.
For florals, think deep purples and anemones for the spring; in the fall, lean into those darker-toned dahlias. Consider jet black chairs to match the theme and, in our Grand Library, surrounded by bookshelves and the extraordinary brass chandeliers, your guests are sure to feel transported.
Crafting the Menu
A delightful menu is essential for keeping guests happy. Align your food and drink choices with the theme, but also consider dietary restrictions. Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas:
Appetizers: Caprese skewers, charcuterie boards, or mini bruschetta, oh my! These days, grazing boards are popular for guests to grab a bite when they’re ready for it, but a well-timed passed hors d’oeuvre like a mini lobster roll or cocktail shrimp is sure to be a hit!
Photo by Matthew Tetrault: IG @mptetrault
Main Dishes: Miniature avocado toasts or a build your own waffle station for breakfast or brunch, darling tea sandwiches and equally tempting miniature pastries for tea, or a gorgeous Nantucket stew with tomato broth for the seafood lovers for your plated lunch.
Photo by Douglas Levy: IG @douglevy
- Desserts: Classics like French macarons and chocolate-dipped strawberries to ensure the gluten-free guests are taken care of; mini cannoli with fresh ricotta filling as a nod to the North End, or even an indulgent crème brulèe for the perfect end to a plated luncheon are easy crowd-pleasers!
Photo by Nicole Chan: IG @nicolechanphotography
- Drinks: Consider in-theme cocktails, with mocktails to match! Build-your-own beverage stations are an excellent conversation starter, and fun garnishes like themed stirrers and straws or even personalized cocktail napkins can tie things together. For a little added flair, select one of our elevated craft cocktails and mocktails which offer even more of an experience for your guests to enjoy.
Photo by Matthew Tetrault: IG @mptetrault
Creating an Inviting Atmosphere
Décor and ambiance are key to creating a memorable and special day. To bring your theme to life, start with eye-catching centerpieces, using florals or even books to help set the tone and color palette of the room. Include themed photobooth-style props that reflect the occasion, and add those small touches to the bar that will help guests feel like no moment was forgotten. Enhance the atmosphere with a stunning backdrop, like a photo wall featuring the couple’s names, colorful balloons, or an elegant floral arch. Carry the theme through to the table settings with coordinated plates, napkins, and glassware that tie everything together. Finally, set the mood with music, whether you are the type who likes to tailor each moment to a meaningful song or select a genre in line with your theme and let our in-house music handle the rest!
Fun and Interactive Games
Interactive games are a fantastic way to break the ice and get guests involved. You can always plan out specific gifts per game or give away the table centerpieces! Here are some entertaining options:
Bridal Bingo
Create bingo cards with common wedding-related items or phrases. As the bride opens her gifts, guests mark off items on their cards. The first to get a bingo wins a prize.
How Well Do You Know the Bride?
Test the guests’ knowledge about the bride with a trivia game. Include questions about her favorite hobbies, childhood memories, or wedding plans.
He Said, She Said
Compile a list of funny or sweet quotes from the couple. Guests must guess who said what. Provide paddles or cards labeled “He” and “She” for added fun.
The Shoe Game: A Game of Superlatives
Two can play this game! Beforehand provide a list of superlatives just like from your yearbook (best at driving, best dancer, most liked by parents) – feel free to get creative with it! Closer to the end of the event, invite both up to the front and seat them back-to-back. Ask them to each hand over a shoe and have them use their shoes to let them decide the answers! Tiebreakers can either get a half point, or we can either poll the audience or seek an expert opinion – you choose the expert!
The Wedding Dress Challenge
Divide guests into teams and provide toilet paper or crepe paper. Each team creates a “wedding dress” on one of their members, and the bride judges the best design.
Recipe for a Good Marriage
Much like writing your best marriage advice, but with a modern twist. This is best begun when the invitations themselves go out. Ask each person to write out their favorite recipe on a recipe or index card. On the back, have guests write out a tip or two for a good marriage. Bonus points for a fun story, since all good recipes start with them, right? Collect the cards as the guests arrive and put them in a pretty recipe box to give to the bride.
Unique Party Favors
Show your appreciation with thoughtful party favors that guests will cherish. Some ideas include:
Mini succulents or potted plants. We also love a full-blown flower bar to send home guests with mini bouquets that they’ve helped put together!
Customized candles or soaps.
Personalized cookies or macarons – no one says no to a sweet treat.
Miniature jars of honey, jam, or other condiments – these are sure to be a hit!
Incorporating Special Touches
Make the shower extra memorable with personal touches:
Photo Booth: Provide props and a backdrop for guests to take fun pictures. This can be as high end or lowbrow as you want it to be! Grab a polaroid camera, hire a professional, or even print up and frame a QR code asking guests to contribute to a shared photos folder.
Guest Book: Use a keepsake book or a creative alternative like a signed photo frame. Get creative and have them sign a bottle of champagne for the bride to enjoy when kicking off the festivities while getting ready!
Bride’s Chair: Decorate a special seat for the bride with flowers, ribbons, or a “Bride-to-Be” sign.
Photo by Brianna Waltman: IG @breezy_photome
Final Thoughts
A wedding shower is a celebration of love, friendship, and the exciting journey ahead, and choosing the right bridal shower venue plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for this special event. With thoughtful planning and a dash of creativity (or maybe just a few helpful tips from your friends at the Hampshire House!) you can create a memorable celebration that the bride and her guests will cherish forever. The key to a successful event is focusing on what makes the bride feel loved and celebrated. Whether it’s an intimate gathering at a cozy venue or an extravagant affair at an elegant location, these ideas will help you plan a day that’s truly unforgettable.
Photo by Derrick Zellmann: IG @derrickzellmann