Bridal Shower

A bridal shower plan for lingering over lunch rather than moving through a theme.

For: 12–20 people
Pace: 2–3 hours

Plan the pour

Set the bar before the day gets busy.

Start with a practical estimate for guests, timing, cocktails, wine, beer, and zero-proof pours—then return to the details.

Use the Bar Calculator See the drink plan

The plan

Garden luncheon with a point of view

Think fresh flowers, crisp linens, and a menu that reads like a lovely lunch rather than event catering.

Choose a palette of ivory, green, and one soft accent.
Place gifts away from the food table.
Give guests a natural place to write a note.

Drinks for this plan

The first thing in the glass.

Find another drink

Brunch

Elderflower Cucumber Cup

Long, floral, and made for a table that lingers.

Zero-Proof

Lemon Thyme Soda

A simple sour soda with a clean herbal finish.

Guest-ready timeline

The work, done early.

1 week before
Confirm dietary needs and arrange flowers.
The day before
Make place cards and any make-ahead sweets.
90 minutes before
Set drinks, flowers, and a signing station.
First 30 minutes
Welcome guests with a glass and something small to eat.
Before goodbyes
Gather everyone for a short toast and a photo.

Décor direction

Let the room set the tone.

A low runner of loose greenery and white flowers.
Torn-edge menus or place cards on warm ivory stock.
One cake stand, one linen napkin color, no plastic signage.

Music & ambience

The feeling in the room.

Music: French bossa nova and soft acoustic classics.
Lighting: Natural light with candles only if the room needs them.
Final detail: Send guests home with a small bundle of herbs or a leftover flower stem.

Food & menu

Feed people well.

Welcome

Citrus-marinated olives and flaky crackers.

Lunch

Herby chicken salad, little potatoes, and a shaved fennel salad.

Sweet

Lemon cake with berries and cream.

Beverage plan

Everyone gets a beautiful glass.

Plan quantities with the Bar Calculator

Cocktail

Elderflower Cucumber Cup

Light, floral, and made for a long lunch.

Make the recipe

Zero-proof

Lemon Thyme Soda

Fresh enough for everyone at the table.

Make the recipe

Hosting how-tos

A host should get to have fun, too.

Build the food around serving at room temperature, so the host can sit down.
Place a small card beside the guest book: a marriage note, a recipe, or a date-night idea.
Use real glassware for every drink; it changes the whole table.

Shopping & prep