Calling all Maids of Honor! For this week’s focus on planning the bridal brunch, we sourced information from reliable sites and also interviewed a seasoned bridal brunch planner. We’re calling it a brunch instead of shower because, as other articles will tell you, brunch is in–now and for forever. We’re making that first decision for you.
Location & Vibe
For this gathering, as with all aspects of the wedding, establish who is planning it and where they expect to spend or not spend money. Typically, the Maid of Honor has a heavy hand in arranging this brunch–in addition to the bachelorette trip. The MoH should not be asked to spend all of their savings on these events, so think about appropriate locations that work within the anticipated budget. It’s also good to have conversations with close family members and other bridesmaids to see where and how the bill can be split (champagne adds up). Your selected location will likely affect the dress code; be clear about the expected atmosphere in your invites. By the way, printed invitations are a nice touch but not required! Creating a group chat could be all you need to do invite-wise.
According to Ashton, a 2020 bride who has planned many bridal brunches: “I always plan the theme based on the location and time of the event. If the location has the atmosphere you want then you can focus on themed foods, music, color palettes, etc. If your location is at a venue that you have the ability to set the atmosphere yourself then I get creative with what I want everything to be centered around…I never set a dress code! Again, it depends on where you pick to host your event and guests will dress accordingly. Typically, I want everyone to feel comfortable so I leave the dress code casual or personal preference.”
Food & Beverage Choices
To stay on-trend with the brunch theme, think about easy finger foods you can create–or buy. Have you seen these: Mini Chicken and Waffles Sliders? We suggest sticking with classics! Same with the drinks–you know what the classics are and which one the bride prefers.
We asked Ashton what choices she has made in the past regarding food and beverages, and she gave us this awesome advice: “I set the menu in advance. I typically handle my own menu and make the appetizers, drinks, etc. If it’s a morning/brunch event I have a mimosa bar and an array of breakfast foods to choose from. [For an] afternoon shower, in the past I’ve coordinated who brings what dish to ensure no one overlaps. If you don’t feel passionate about cooking everything yourself, I highly recommend catering the event that way you don’t have to worry about it at all!…The drink depends on the location/time of the event. Mornings are great for mimosas, bloody marys, coffee, and/or tea. If you are at a vineyard you, as the host, can buy a set amount of wine for the guests and then they are able to purchase more if they want too! I always think it’s a good idea to have water, soft drinks, etc. and then a main punch drink, sangria, or whatever fits the setting.”
Decor & Activities
As far as decor goes, you can snag a couple of bouquets and call it a day. Pinterest is filled with more ideas–DIY and for purchase–that you can pull from if you want to do more. There are no requirements for this category–just work with the selected space to make it light, pretty, and brunch-y.
Ashton mentioned how she has planned activities “such as cornhole, photo booths, and a gift table for the bride to open gifts at her leisure.” Since the gathering will likely last two to three hours, you only need a few go-to activities. For games: what about Prosecco pong? Be sure to think about the gift table, though! You will probably need to mention gifts in whatever form of invitation you choose, too.
We found this thorough Pinterest board that will undoubtedly help inspire your brunch plans:
Another Pinterest board that could assist your planning process is our “decor” board–with tons of sections to point you in the right direction for theming this celebration.
Check out “Wedding Specifics: The Engagement Party” for more tips. Happy planning!
Referenced Sites
- https://modernmoh.com/bridal-shower/brunch/
- https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/372575/how-to-plan-bridal-shower-brunch-with-donuts-claire-thomas
- https://porch.com/advice/how-to-host-a-beautiful-backyard-brunch-bridal-shower
- https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/entertaining/how-to-host-a-brunch-wedding-shower-pictures