20 Bridal Shower Brunch Ideas and Planning Tips

Group of women toasting at outdoor table decorated for party — Maskot/Getty Images

A bridal shower is a time for the bride-to-be to celebrate with her nearest and dearest—and a sophisticated brunch is a modern take on this pre-wedding tradition. After all, who doesn’t love brunch?!

If you’re tasked with the job of planning and hosting this type of event, you might need some guidance on putting together the perfect bridal shower brunch. So we consulted with party planning expert Terrica Skaggs, who shared 20 tips to make sure the day is a success.

Meet the Expert

Terrica Skaggs is the chief event planner and designer at Cocktails and Details in Brunswick, GA.

01 of 20

Find the Right Venue

Outdoor venue on the water with beautiful peach and white flowers and place settings — Larisa Gherghe/Getty Images

You can match the bridal shower theme to the wedding day's style or come up with something completely original. Either way, Skaggs recommends finding a venue with plenty of space and great lighting.

02 of 20

Choose a Historic Setting

Historic mansion on lush green grounds surrounded by flowers — Ghislain & Marie David de Lossy/Getty Images

Every bride should feel like royalty at her shower, so why not host it in a heritage building or historic location? Think a stately home, a historic mansion, or even a castle. Any of these options instantly brings style and class to the event.

03 of 20

Secure a Private Room

Party space decorated with balloons and large LOVE sign — Serhii Sobolevskyi/Getty Images

When looking for a venue, try to book a private room, which adds to the intimacy of the event, according to Skaggs. This seclusion also allows guests to let loose and have some fun.

04 of 20

Host an Afternoon Tea Party

Three women having tea and enjoying a variety of mini desserts — SolStock/Getty Images

One of the most sophisticated bridal shower themes is an afternoon tea party. Make sure you have mini sandwiches alongside teapots filled with whatever drink you prefer. (Hint: It doesn’t have to be tea!)

05 of 20

Design the Perfect Invite

Woman sitting on a gray rug on the floor while opening up pink envelope — fotostorm/Getty Images

“Remember, any invitation is going to be the reflection and tone of the overall event,” explains Skaggs. “This allows a peek into what you have in mind so that guests can plan accordingly.”

06 of 20

Keep the Guest List Small

Three women toasting one another at outdoor venue — Westend61/Getty Images

Keep in mind that this is a VIP-only event! “Since it’s more relaxed and intimate, you get to soak it all in," explains Skaggs. "Great food and decor definitely enhance this environment.”

07 of 20

Tell a Story With the Decor

A love sign set up at the dessert table at the bridal shower — Ashley L Duffus/Getty Images

Making your decor theme the star of the show is key. “Always look to tell a story, whether it is conceptual or personal,” says Skaggs. “Weave all the details into this tale—everything from florals to linens to lighting to food.”

08 of 20

Experiment With Bold Colors

Colorful dessert table with balloons and canisters filled with candies in multitude of hues — EyeWolf/Getty Images

Don’t hold back when it comes to color! After all, this is supposed to be a celebration, which means that you can be daring.

09 of 20

Feature a Statement Centerpiece

Gorgeous floral centerpiece surrounded by lit candles — segray/Getty Images

While we’re on the topic of decor, don't forget about the flowers. “Unique table options like connected serpentine or embellished square options are fun and out of the box," notes Skaggs.

10 of 20

Don't Forget the Smaller Details

Outdoor table with lemons in bowls and on the blue and white place settings — Adrian Cotiga/EyeEm/Getty Images

Place attention on the small details in your decor. “If the staff are willing to help, provide all your decor in an organized manner," says Skaggs. "Provide images so that they know what it is supposed to look like."

11 of 20

Consider Hiring the Wedding Caterers

Two female caterers in green aprons consulting one another at an event — Tetra Images/Getty Images

Skaggs suggests contacting the caterers hired for the wedding. “This is a great opportunity for them to flex their creative muscles and provide additional levels of service that may not have been an option for the wedding," she says.

12 of 20

Put a Twist on the Classic Menu

Poached eggs on toasts with greens — Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

While everyone loves brunch staples, take it to the next level. “Twists on traditional favorites, like Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles or peanut butter and jelly cocktails,” recommends Skaggs.

13 of 20

Cater to All Dietary Requirements

Two women choosing their foods at a buffet — Patchareeporn Sakoolchai/Getty Images

Find out about any dietary needs ahead of time. “There are many amazing options that are plant-based, gluten-free, or dairy-free,” says Skaggs. “If you’re offering a range of foods, make sure these are available."

14 of 20

Get Creative With Presentation

A donut wall with the saying "Love is Sweet" on the top — Rosanna U/Getty Images

Showcasing the menu in a unique way makes the event memorable. “Presentation is a huge deal,” explains Skaggs. “As there are fewer guests than at the wedding, singular items like takeout boxes, walls, etc. are easy to produce.”

The Ultimate Guide to Bridal Showers

15 of 20

Create a DIY Mimosa Bar

Mimosa bar with sign, jars of different juices, and bowls of fresh fruit — Tiffany Green/Getty Images

Create your own mimosa bar to instantly "wow’" your guests. Start with some jugs of fresh orange juice, fresh fruit for garnish, and then get a cooler for the bottles of fizz. Cheers!

16 of 20

Offer Mocktails

Pitcher of alcohol-free drink with fresh fruit and two glasses wit drink, fresh fruit and garnish — Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images

“Mocktails are a huge hit for those who choose not to indulge,” says Skaggs. “Alternatives like the Nojito, Cuddles on the Beach, Virgin Mary, and Bella Bellini provide the same flavor without the alcohol.”

17 of 20

Play Personalized Games

Basket with bridal shower games at outdoor event — Arianne Leach/Getty Images

It’s time to have some fun with the ladies. “Any game that takes everyone down memory lane is always fun—especially since your guests may know you at different stages of your life,” says Skaggs.

18 of 20

Book an Entertainer

Tarot card reader holding cards and surrounded by lit candles — Elizabeth Fernandez/Getty Images

If you'd rather skip the games, consider hiring a form of entertainment to keep guests engaged. Some ideas include a tarot card reader, a comedian, or a celebrity impersonator.

When hiring an entertainer, consider the bride-to-be’s personality and taste. What would she find engaging? Answer that question and go from there.

19 of 20

Decorate Desserts

Person holding beautifully decorated cupcakes — PixelCatchers/Getty Images

Another fun activity is having guests decorate their desserts. Each person gets a treat, such as a cake pop or cupcake, and is challenged with making it a showstopper. Of course, everyone gets to eat their sweet treat when it's done.

20 of 20

Serve Up Some Cake

Pink bridal shower cake on table surrounded by bowls of candies and favor boxes — TobinC/Getty Images

Let them eat cake! Finish off the day with a stunning bridal shower cake that matches the overall theme of the event. You can use this work of art as a focal point in the room or ask the staff to bring it out as a surprise.

The 15 Best Bridal Shower Decorations