Best Bridal Shower Menus

Bridal showers are a welcome opportunity to get together with friends and family to celebrate an upcoming joyous occasion. If you are the host, there are a few factors to consider when picking your favorite bridal party food ideas.

How to Plan a Bridal Shower

Whether you’re expecting a dozen guests or 50, having a checklist in place will help you stay organized and stress-free as you prepare for the shower. Here are some general guidelines:

Three weeks before:

  • Plan your menu. See ideas below, and check out tastefullysimple.com/recipes for even more!

Pro tip: Contact your Tastefully Simple consultant for suggestions and ideas.

  • Create a shopping list based on your menu.
  • Send out invitations by U.S. post, email or Facebook event invite.
  • Think about activities and the flow of the event: will there be games? When will food be served, and where (e.g., buffet, seated at a table)? How will seating be arranged? What serving pieces will be needed?

One Week Before:

  • Stock up on beverages. If serving cocktails, remember to offer non-alcoholic versions as well.

Hint: Tastefully Simple’s freezer drinks have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions and recipe variations.

  • Purchase party supplies (e.g., decorations, prizes for games).

 Two Days Before:

  • Make room in the refrigerator and freezer as needed for party food.
  • Shop for groceries.
  • Assemble décor and party favors as needed.
  • Prepare and freeze drink mixes.

One Day Before:

  • Set the table and/or other seating arrangements.
  • Bake desserts as needed.
    • Tip: Tastefully Simple’s baking mixes require the addition of only two additional ingredients at most.
  • Mix up any dips and pasta salads to allow flavors to blend overnight.

Two Hours Before:

  • Chill
  • Prep other menu items like tea sandwiches, skewers, bruschetta, etc.
  • Set out serving pieces.

One Hour Before:

  • Arrange sandwiches, skewers and desserts on trays; scoop salads into serving bowls, slice quiches,
  • Get ready to party!

Bridal Shower Food Ideas

When exploring bridal shower food ideas to add to your menu, consider the time of day your event will take place. A late morning or early afternoon shower might call for a brunch menu, while for a later afternoon shower, light refreshments like fruits, tea sandwiches, veggies and dip and lighter desserts fill the bill. Consider these categories of bridal shower foods:

  • Finger sandwiches: Sandwiches made with a variety of fillings, such as cucumber and cream cheese, chicken salad, or egg salad, are a classic choice for a bridal shower.
  • Appetizers: Small bites, such as bruschetta, mini quiches, or cheese and fruit platters, are another popular option.
  • Sweets: Desserts are a must at any bridal shower. Options can include cupcakes, macarons, mini tarts, or a dessert bar with a variety of sweet treats.
  • Beverages: Champagne, mimosas, or a signature cocktail can be served as a celebratory drink. Non-alcoholic options can include lemonade, iced tea, or punch.
  • Brunch items: If the shower is held in the morning or early afternoon, brunch items such as quiches, frittatas, or waffles can also be served.

What Are Finger Foods?

Finger foods are one- or two-bite-sized foods that can be picked up and eaten without silverware. Popular bridal shower finger foods include:

  • Mini quiches: These savory mini pies can be made with a variety of fillings, such as spinach and feta or bacon and cheddar.
  • Tea sandwiches: Finger sandwiches made with different fillings, such as cucumber and cream cheese, chicken salad, or smoked salmon and cream cheese.
  • Skewers: Skewers can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil, or grilled chicken and vegetables.
  • Caprese salad bites: These small bites are made with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, and are drizzled with balsamic glaze.
  • Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic is always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Fruit skewers: Skewers made with a variety of fresh fruits, such as strawberries, melon, and pineapple, can be a colorful and healthy option.
  • Mini desserts: Bite-sized desserts such as mini cupcakes, macarons, or truffles can provide a sweet treat for guests without being too heavy.

Best Bridal Shower Food Ideas

When you are ready to start building your bridal shower menu, consider these easy bridal shower recipes:

Fabulous Bridal Shower Finger Foods

Try these Crescent Vegetable Appetizers
Crescent Vegetable Appetizers
Try this Quick & Easy Crab Dip
Quick & Easy Crab Dip
Try these Veggie Dippers
Veggie Dippers
Try these Open-Faced Turkey Sandwiches
Open-Faced Turkey Sandwiches
Try these Veggie Crescent Cups
Veggie Crescent Cups
Try these Flower Fruit Kabobs with Luscious Fruit Dip
Flower Fruit Kabobs with Luscious Fruit Dip
Try these Watermelon & Blackberry Bites
Watermelon & Blackberry Bites
Try these Avocado Egg Salad Canapés
Avocado Egg Salad Canapés
Try these Mini Rainbow Fruit Kabobs
Mini Rainbow Fruit Kabobs
Try this Fruit Jersey Cake
Fruit Jersey Cake
Try these Balsamic Fruit & Cheese Kabobs
Balsamic Fruit & Cheese Kabobs
Try these Antipasto Kabobs
Antipasto Kabobs

Bridal Shower Brunch Favorites

Try these Spinach & Herb Bites
Spinach & Herb Bites
Try these Cinnamon & Bacon Pancake Bites
Cinnamon & Bacon Pancake Bites
Try this Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Quiche
Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Quiche
Try this Perfectly Potato Cheddar Quiche
Perfectly Potato Cheddar Quiche
Try these Cheesy Onion Onion Muffins
Cheesy Onion Onion Muffins
Try this Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Sour Cream Coffee Cake
Try this Cheddar & Spinach Egg Strata
Cheddar & Spinach Egg Strata
Try this Simply Salsa Chicken Quiche
Simply Salsa Chicken Quiche
Try this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Delightful Bridal Shower Drinks

Try this TS Whipped Coffee
TS Whipped Coffee
Try this Blended Bloody Mary
Blended Bloody Mary
Try these Rhubarb Strawberry Margaritas
Rhubarb Strawberry Margaritas

Super Bridal Shower Salads

Try this Spinach & Herb Crab Salad
Spinach & Herb Crab Salad
Try these Pasta Salad on a Stick
Pasta Salad on a Stick
Try this Creamy Spinach & Herb Potato Salad
Creamy Spinach & Herb Potato Salad
Try this Chicken Cherry Pasta Salad
Chicken Cherry Pasta Salad
Try this Creamy Balsamic Salad
Creamy Balsamic Salad
Try this Artichoke & Spinach Chicken Tortellini Salad
Artichoke & Spinach Chicken Tortellini Salad
Try these Tortellini Skewers with Marinara
Tortellini Skewers with Marinara
Try this Italian Pasta Salad
Italian Pasta Salad
Try this Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto Pasta Salad

Dynamite Bridal Shower Desserts

Try this Mexican Chocolate Cake
Mexican Chocolate Cake
Try this Berry Lemonlicious Trifle
Berry Lemonlicious Trifle
Try these Candy Filled Cupcakes
Candy Filled Cupcakes
Try these Almond Berry Surprise Cupcakes
Almond Berry Surprise Cupcakes
Try these Dreamy Strawberry Tartlets
Dreamy Strawberry Tartlets
Try these Chocolate Heart Snickerdoodles
Chocolate Heart Snickerdoodles
Try these Classy Chocolate Biscotti
Classy Chocolate Biscotti
Try these Absolutely Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Absolutely Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Try this Dessert Crostini
Dessert Crostini