7 Places to Have a Bridal Shower (2024)

Figuring out where to have a bridal shower can prove to be one of the most difficult decisions of the pre-wedding party planning process.

When searching through all possible bridal shower venues, you’ll have to take into consideration factors like the size of your guest list, your overall budget, and your ideal location.

To help you narrow down your options, we’re breaking down the seven most common places to have a bridal shower. As an added bonus, we’re featuring a step-by-step guide on how to choose the best venue to fit your needs.

Where to Have a Bridal Shower

Here are the top seven places to have a bridal shower (in no specific order)

1. Someone’s Home

By far the most traditional place to have a bridal shower is at home, whether it be the host’s home or that of another guest (typically a close friend or family member).

Holding the bridal shower at someone’s home is not only the most cost-effective option but allows you the most flexibility when it comes to planning the event.

2. Restaurant

If using someone’s home as a bridal shower venue is not an option, consider renting out a private room at a local restaurant.

While it may cost you to rent out the space, you will save money on supplies such as utensils and serveware. Not to mention, you won’t be responsible for any cooking or cleaning.

3. Hotel

When figuring out where to have your bridal shower, do some research into nearby hotels that have large conference rooms or lobbies.

This option could be especially convenient for out-of-town guests who are staying overnight at the hotel.

4. Community Club

If you or another guest is a member of any sort of community club (e.g. a country or yacht club), then using their clubhouse or restaurant as a bridal shower location is a great option.

While the rental fees may vary from place to place, you’re guaranteed a well-decorated and established venue.

RELATED: When Do You Have a Bridal Shower?

5. Winery or Brewery

As far as places to have a bridal shower go, both wineries and breweries are quickly climbing to the top of the list.

Not only do they come with all the drinks you’ll need, many of them either serve food or allow you to bring your own.

6. State or City Park

If you’re interested in throwing an outdoor event, one of the most budget-friendly places to host a bridal shower is a local state or city park.

Oftentimes the rental fees are substantially lower than other event spaces and you hardly ever have to worry about guest capacity limits.

7. Event Venue

Depending on your overall budget, you may have the means to rent out an actual event venue to host your celebration.

While their rental fees are much higher than other potential locations, these venues are by far the most well prepared for hosting such large events.

7 Places to Have a Bridal Shower (1)

How to Choose a Bridal Shower Venue

Still not sure where you should have your bridal shower? Go over this list step-by-step before making any decisions.

Calculate your overall budget

Calculating an overall budget and then figuring out how best to allocate it will help you in deciding where to have your bridal shower.

For example, if your budget is not able to accommodate a rental fee, then you’ll have to search for options that will allow you to host an event for free.

On the other hand, if you’re unable to avoid paying a rental fee, try to save money elsewhere by selecting a venue that provides supplies such as tables, chairs, serveware, and utensils.

Consider the size of your guest list

Aside from your budget, the size of the guest list will play a major part in finding the best place to have your bridal shower.

For example, if you have a large number of guests, you may not be able to get a reservation at a restaurant or winery.

On the other hand, if you have a small group of guests, you may not meet the requirement for renting a large venue space.

Consider the theme

You may have already decided on the perfect bridal shower theme, and this may factor into your location decision as well.

Going for a wine-themed bridal shower? Then a winery or restaurant may be the best choice.

Planning a boho bridal shower or a garden party? Then look for something with good outdoor space!

Determine your ideal location

If you’ve narrowed down the options based on budget and guest count, the last step is to pick the venue that falls within your ideal location.

For example, if the bride-to-be is torn between two venues, but one is 30 minutes away and one is 10, it makes sense to go with the closer one.

On the other hand, if the bride loves a venue that is an hour’s drive for her, but closer to the majority of the guest list, then that’s a perfect compromise of location.

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7 Places to Have a Bridal Shower (2024)

FAQs

Where are most bridal showers held? ›

A: Bridal showers can be held in various locations depending on factors such as budget, guest list size, and the bride's preferences. Common venues include restaurants, banquet halls, gardens, or even the homes of the host or bride's family.

Where is the bridal shower supposed to be? ›

Bridal showers are usually at the host's home. Yet, you can really host them anywhere. Book a favorite restaurant for brunch. Or, head to a brewery or winery, or arrange something at a local spa.

How do I make a bridal shower list? ›

The fail-proof bridal shower checklist
  1. Decide on a host.
  2. Choose a bridal shower theme.
  3. Set a date for the bridal shower.
  4. Pick a venue for your budget.
  5. Confirm the guest list.
  6. Design and send invitations.
  7. Plan food and drinks for guests.
  8. Organize bridal shower activities and games.

Who pays for a bridal shower? ›

In short, the host is the one who pays for the bridal shower—or at least some of it. Most commonly, this is the maid of honor, but the couple's relatives, friends or even the to-be-weds themselves can all pitch in to cover the cost of the wedding shower.

Who typically hosts a bridal shower? ›

The Traditional Bridal Shower Host

The maid of honor traditionally takes on the role of chief shower planner. But she isn't a one-woman show: She relies on the bridesmaids to help her with planning logistics. On the day of, the girls run the party, making sure everything goes smoothly and that guests are taken care of.

Who should not host a bridal shower? ›

Traditional etiquette dictates that the maid of honor—not the mother of the bride—should host the shower. Nancy is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Some etiquette rules were meant to fade away into oblivion, like the one about family members of the bride not hosting her bridal shower.

What is the average cost of a bridal shower? ›

According to CostHelper, a bridal shower costs $15 to $40 per person. That works out at $300 to $800 for a 20-person party but can go as high as $150 per person or $3,000 for a 20-person shower.

How do I make my bride feel special in the shower? ›

Include the bride's faves.

This is her day after all! For example, you could serve up her favorite foods and signature drink, decorate in (or wear) her favorite color or reference a film or book she loves in the theme and décor. It's a fun way to make the bride feel extra special on her big day.

What does bride say at bridal shower? ›

"A bride should thank whoever hosted or planned the event, whether it's her bridal party, sister or best friends," Chertoff says. "She may also take this time to thank her mom and her future mother-in-law."

What is the order of activities at a bridal shower? ›

1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.: The bride and guests arrive at the party, enjoy hors d'oeuvres, and mingle. 1:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Serve the main meal (if applicable) and bring out dessert, or continue mingling. 2:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.: Guests gather and play bridal shower games, like wedding mad libs, bridal bingo, or couples' trivia.

What food to serve at a bridal shower? ›

Fabulous Bridal Shower Finger Foods
  • Crescent Vegetable Appetizers. Quick & Easy Crab Dip. Veggie Dippers. Open-Faced Turkey Sandwiches.
  • Veggie Crescent Cups. Flower Fruit Kabobs with Luscious Fruit Dip. Watermelon & Blackberry Bites. ...
  • Mini Rainbow Fruit Kabobs. Fruit Jersey Cake. Balsamic Fruit & Cheese Kabobs.
May 19, 2023

How to throw the best bridal shower? ›

Seek her input as necessary to craft something special to her, but leave some element of surprise—and don't get too carried away. Something practical can be just as fun: For example, throw a honeymoon-themed party, where guests gift the bride with accessories, tools, and clothes fit for her first newlywed getaway.

How far away should a bridal shower be from the wedding? ›

Most bridal showers are usually held three weeks to three months before the wedding. The trick is not to plan it too far in advance or too close to the wedding date.

What percentage of brides have bridal showers? ›

Bridal showers are a joyful pre-wedding tradition—and with up to 72% of soon-to-be-married couples celebrating their upcoming nuptials with a wedding or bridal shower, chances are you'll attend or host one at some point.

Are bridal showers an American thing? ›

Though many cultures have events before the wedding, bridal showers are most common in the United States and Canada. In the United Kingdom, bridal showers have been described as a "consumerist American idea" with "limited acceptability".

What is the average time for a bridal shower? ›

Bridal showers typically last 2-4 hours and are not considered an all-day event. Although, depending on the type of shower you are hosting the time can vary. Most showers will either take place in the morning and serve as a brunch, or in the afternoon served with lunch or finger foods.

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