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

Take the plan with you

The Dinner Party, kept together.

When the guest list becomes real, keep the menu, timing, drink plan, shopping list, and hosting notes in one considered place.

Explore The Dinner Party guide

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