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Tips for Budget Bridal Showers/Bridal Shower on a Budget: Bridal Shower Food on a Budget
An easy way to keep costs for a bridal shower down is to split the cost of the event.
For instance, if the bridal shower is held in a public place such as a restaurant, not during peak time, each attendee could cover their own cost of food and drinks, while the bride’s bill gets divided among all those present (or in the case of a bridal shower hosted at someone’s home, everyone can bring a drink and/or food to share along with their gift).
The easiest way to keep the cost of a bridal shower low is to have a simple event at someone’s home with inexpensive refreshments.
Most importantly, spend the bulk of your budget on things that are important to the bride. For instance, if the bride is not a big drinker, have an alcohol free event.
If the bride loves to go out, then maybe go out to a restaurant but ask if you can bring your own cake from home instead of buying it from the restaurant.
I mentioned above that another way to keep costs low is to not have one person foot the entire cost of the event. This can work if you are going out to say a restaurant, but can work too even if the bridal shower is held at someone’s home.
For instance, one person can be in charge of bringing all the decorations, while another can be in charge of providing games and entertainment, while yet another person can be in charge of bringing one part of the refreshments say salads, deserts, or drinks.
If the bridal shower is not held at a time where a full meal is expected, let’s say mid-morning or mid-afternoon, then you can cut down costs on what food is provided, i.e., snacks instead of a complete meal.
Another thing you can do to reduce costs of a bridal shower is to set the theme of the bridal shower based on what things you can already get for free. For instance, decorations you might have from a previous bridal shower or a free venue that you know is readily available.
Some bridal showers may call for traditional paper invitations, but in this era of digital everything, you can save costs on this item on your budget by using a free online invitation service. Chances are that you will find free templates online, all you will have to change are the details of the invitation, you can send the invitations and get RSVPs from all your guests without spending a dime.
I recently went to a very fun bridal shower, and what made it so fun? A good guest list of the bride’s closest female friends and family, as well as well chosen games to play that were essentially free.
Simply do an online search for bridal shower games, and you are bound to find lots of great ideas to keep the bride and your guests entertained for hours.
The key to having a low-cost bridal shower is to find a low-cost venue. Think of a place that has wonderful lighting, for photos, and good scenery or landscape. This will minimize the need for a lot of decorating to make the event feel fabulous.
Bridal Shower Budget: Average Budget for Bridal Shower/Average Bridal Shower Cost
According to CostHelper.com, the average cost of a bridal shower is US$15 – US$40 per guest (about US$300 to US$800 for a 20-person party) for simple refreshments at a host’s home followed by a low-key activity.
This can go as high as US$150 per person ($3,000 for a 20-person shower), for an elaborate meal and/or a fairly expensive activity — or both.
Bridal Shower Costs
The cost of a bridal shower can vary widely depending on factors such as location, the number of guests, the venue, and the level of detail and extravagance you want for the event. Here are some key factors to consider when estimating bridal shower costs:
- Venue: The cost of the venue can be a significant portion of the budget. If you choose to host the bridal shower at a restaurant, banquet hall, or other rented space, be prepared to pay for the rental fee.
- Food and Drinks: Catering costs will depend on the type of food and drinks you choose, as well as the number of guests. If you opt for a sit-down meal or a buffet, costs can add up quickly. Some hosts choose to have a potluck-style shower to cut down on food expenses.
- Decorations: Decorations can range from simple and inexpensive to elaborate and costly. Consider the theme of the bridal shower and allocate a portion of the budget for decorations, including flowers, banners, and table settings.
- Entertainment: Depending on your plans, you may need to budget for entertainment. This could include hiring a musician, DJ, or other forms of entertainment, such as games or activities.
- Invitations and Stationery: The cost of invitations, thank-you cards, and other stationery items can contribute to the overall budget. Consider whether you’ll be sending physical invitations or using digital options to save on costs.
- Gifts and Favors: If you plan to provide gifts for guests or favors for them to take home, factor in the cost of these items.
- Miscellaneous Expenses: Don’t forget about other potential expenses, such as transportation, parking, and any additional services or rentals you may need.
It’s important to establish a budget early in the planning process and prioritize your spending based on what is most important to the bride and groom. Additionally, consider collaborating with other members of the bridal party or family members to share the financial responsibilities. Keep in mind that there are ways to host a beautiful and memorable bridal shower on a budget by being creative and resourceful in your planning.
Photo Credits: Bridal Guide