Bridal Shower Food Menu: A Basic Breakdown of Must-Have Eats and Treats
For many of you maids of honor out there, planning your bestie’s bridal shower will be the first time you’ve ever hosted a large party where you’re in charge of feeding all the guests.
We know that such an undertaking may seem daunting, that’s why we’ve put together this detailed list of easy-to-make, simple-to-serve, bridal shower food go-to’s.
We’ve even broken it down into clear categories and as an added bonus we’ve included a few of our favorite bridal shower food recipes!
But remember, it is not your responsibility as maid of honor to purchase and prepare the entire bridal shower menu! So, be sure to call on the bride tribe for help!
Meet the Expert Melissa Bezotte owns Genesis Ranch, a wedding and event venue in Rosemount, MN, where she gets to do what she loves most: planning, creating, hosting, and executing events of all sizes!
Bridal Shower Food Planning Tips
Planning the perfect bridal shower menu requires thoughtful consideration to ensure a culinary experience that complements the theme, suits the bride’s preferences, and accommodates potential dietary restrictions.
We asked wedding planning expert Melissa Bezotte with Genesis Ranch, a gorgeous wedding venue situated in Rosemount, MN, for her thoughts on planning a bridal shower to remember. “If you are planning a bridal shower for your BFF, chances are you know all of her favorite things! The shower should represent her and the groom-to-be, especially if his family and friends will be attending!
“You can highlight her favorite colors or the wedding colors, serve her favorite food, and choose a theme that represents her well! Giving each attendee a little welcome gift is also a good idea!
My go-to for all of this goodness is Pinterest! Start there first to create a well-planned out idea board for everything to make sure there is consistency between the invites, food, decor, gifts, games, etc.”
Here are some tips to help you navigate this delicious component of the special day, whether you’re hosting a brunch, tea party, or any other wedding shower theme:
- Embrace the Theme. Start by considering the bridal shower’s theme. For a brunch-themed shower, think quiches, fruit salads, and pastries. A tea party shower may call for finger sandwiches, scones, and various tea options, and a Parisian shower needs some pastries and champagne. Aligning your menu with the chosen theme sets the tone for the event.
- Timing Matters. Be mindful of the shower’s timing. A mid-morning brunch may feature heartier options, while an afternoon tea party could focus on lighter fare. Time can dictate the type of food guests expect.
- Consult the Bride. The bride’s preferences should be at the forefront of your planning checklist. Ask her for input on her favorite dishes and if she has any allergies or dietary restrictions. A menu that reflects her tastes will make the day even more special.
- Budget-Friendly Choices. Bridal showers can get expensive. In fact, some wedding experts suggest you budget as much as $125 per guest. That’s no small ticket item. But there are ways to stay within budget. Opt for cost-effective ingredients, prepare dishes beforehand, and consider potluck-style gatherings where guests contribute their favorite recipes.
- Team Effort. Don’t be afraid to delegate. It’s important to remember that it is not your responsibility as maid of honor to purchase and prepare the entire bridal shower food menu! Enlist the help of bridesmaids or family members to share the cooking, serving, and preparation responsibilities. Collaboration can ease the workload and add variety to the menu.
- Consider a Caterer. If the idea of preparing all the food seems overwhelming, hiring a caterer is a viable option. They can provide a professionally crafted menu that aligns perfectly with the bridal shower’s theme and budget.
Appetizers & Hors d’oeuvres
The easiest way to feed a large party, who more than likely have differing tastes, is to serve a variety of tasty finger foods. Throw in a couple of yummy dips and you’ve got yourself an appetizer smorgasbord!
Consider the classics like fruit and veggie platters, deviled eggs, and spinach artichoke dip. Step up the presentation by assembling your fruit kabob-style or putting a twist on your dips by serving them in bite-sized cups.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, check out these super simple bridal shower food ideas:
Caprese Salad Skewers
Mac and Cheese Bites
Strawberry and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
Classic Deviled Eggs
Salads & Sides
Incorporating a mix of salads and sides into the bridal shower food menu is a great way to keep the meal light, not to mention how easy they are to make in large portions. Add to the pro column that they can be prepared the night before to save you time on shower day!
Keep it simple by serving a tossed house or Caesar salad plus some combination of pasta, potato, and macaroni-style salads as sides. Take it to the next level by setting up a salad bar with various toppings and dressings for guests to choose from. Trust us, these items can be chock full of delicious ingredients without sacrificing on the flavor.
Instead of a classic Italian-style pasta salad, switch it up by serving elevated versions like these:
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad
Pasta Chicken Salad
Melted Mozzarella Caprese Crostini Toasts
Sandwiches & Sliders
As far as the main course goes, we recommend sticking to dishes that can be hand-held (i.e. finger foods) and eaten in two or three bites. Remember that this is a light lunch, not a full sit-down dinner party, so over-the-top entrees are not necessary.
When it comes to finger sandwiches, you can never go wrong with a classic deli meat combo (turkey, ham, and roast beef are always a favorite) or a simple salad style (chicken, tuna, or egg are easy go-to’s). Upgrade from the traditional bread or bun method of sandwich serving by opting to prepare mini wraps or pinwheels.
Or, go the tea sandwiches route with small nibbles so that guests can try out a variety of flavors. And don’t forget to make an option with cream cheese. Who doesn’t love a bit of creamy sweetness in their finger sandwich?
To really wow guests, feature one of these delicious options on your bridal shower food menu:
New Orleans Muffuletta Sandwich
Stuffed French Bread
Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Mini Rosemary-Roast Beef Sandwiches
Desserts & Sweets
Last but certainly not least are the sweets! Finish your bangin’ bridal shower menu off with an assortment of yummy treats that look as good as they taste.
If larger cakes are not your thing, handheld desserts like cookies and cupcakes allow easy distribution and cleanup while allowing you to go the extra step on presentation. Consider displaying your cupcakes in the shape of a wedding dress or decorating your cookies with the bride-to-be’s future last name.
Be sure to include a mix of flavors such as chocolate, white, or even lemon to give your guests some variety.
Take your bridal shower dessert game to the next level by featuring these yummy ideas:
Champagne Cupcakes
Mini Oreo Cheesecake Cupcakes
Mini Lemon Cheesecakes
Honey Lavender Cupcakes
Don’t forget to add one of our fun dessert signs for a decorative touch!
Bridal Shower Beverages & Drinks
When it comes to beverages for the bridal shower menu, you have the opportunity to craft a drink menu that not only quenches thirst but also adds an extra layer of delight to the celebration. As event planner Melissa notes, the trend of ‘dry’ showers and weddings is on the rise, making it essential to offer a diverse range of cocktails, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
To cater to everyone’s preferences, consider setting up a versatile drink station with options like a refreshing lemonade, a vibrant mimosa bar featuring a variety of fruit juices, or a punch bowl filled with a signature cocktail. Melissa’s suggestion of a mocktail party aligns perfectly with this trend, offering a fun and creative twist to your beverage offerings.
Melissa’s favorite theme, “Petals and Prosecco,” beautifully marries the elegance of flowers with the sparkle of prosecco, and it’s all the more charming when served in chic champagne glasses. Whether you opt for alcohol-free mocktails or spirited signature cocktails, your bridal shower beverages will be the toast of the day, enhancing the overall celebration.
Mint Limeade
Champagne Party Punch
Something Blue-Berry Fizz
DIY Mimosa Bar
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I cater to different dietary needs at a bridal shower?
To accommodate various dietary needs at a bridal shower, it’s crucial to communicate with the bride in advance, inquiring about allergies, food preferences, and any dietary restrictions.
Recognize that many brides are conscious of their waistlines before the wedding, so offering a mix of both indulgent and healthier options ensures everyone can enjoy the bridal shower menu while celebrating the bride-to-be.
What are some tips for presenting food at a bridal shower?
When presenting the bridal shower food, focus on aesthetics and practicality. Use decorative serving platters and tiered stands for an elegant touch. Label dishes clearly to inform guests of any dietary information or ingredients. Opt for bite-sized portions to encourage mingling. Keep the layout flow in mind, arranging food logically for easy access.
Lastly, ensure food is at the right temperature, whether it’s hot dishes staying warm or chilled items remaining cool, for a seamless culinary experience.
How much should you spend on wedding shower food?
The amount you should spend on wedding shower food largely depends on your budget and the type of shower you’re planning. As a general guideline, allocating between $30 to $100 per person is a good rule of thumb.
Consider the number of guests, the complexity of dishes, and any additional services like catering or renting equipment when determining your budget for a delectable bridal shower menu.
Our Final Thoughts…
As you set your course on the exciting journey of planning a bridal shower, remember that this celebration is all about creating cherished moments for the bride-to-be. From selecting a bridal shower food menu that aligns with the theme, timing, and bride’s preferences to accommodating diverse dietary needs and budget considerations, your culinary choices play a super important role in setting the mood.
By offering a thoughtfully crafted beverage selection, you can add an extra layer of fun and sophistication to the event, whether it’s a mimosa bar, signature cocktails, or refreshing lemonade. And when presenting the food, think of both visual aesthetics and practicality, ensuring guests can indulge effortlessly.
No matter your approach, the heart of a successful bridal shower lies in the love and care you pour into every detail. So, prepare to dazzle and delight, and create a memorable day that the bride-to-be will cherish forever. Happy planning!
MODERN MOH TIP: Delegate a dish or two to your fellow bridesmaids as well as the mothers of the bride and groom or any other close relatives wishing to help out. Also, do not overdo it with the portions, you would rather run out of something than have loads of leftovers.
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