Bridal Brunch Meal Etiquette?

What is a bridal brunch? A shower? I think anything you are inviting guests to should be hosted by the invitee.

If this is a bridal shower, I would side eye if I showed up and it was un-hosted. I don't feel like you should "host a shower" without actually hosting.

Guests should not have to pay at any hosted event.

Exception: I met with the members of the BP for the wedding I am in this year at a restaurant and expected to pay for my meal. I didn't have to, but it was just a casual brunch to get to know the other women.

ETA: Frankly if I received an invitation for something that said "no host" I would not go,

People showing up to a bridal shower shouldn't be expected to pay for anything in my opinion. Someone should be hosting. While appetizers is nice, drinks should also be included. You could put "appetizers and drinks will be provided" on the invite to give people the heads up.

Agree with MacToBe. I would be surprised to show up to a shower and for it not to be hosted - ie the person who is hosting didn't want to pay. And if it is being called a brunch then I would expect brunch, not apps.

Thanks ladies. So are only providing appetizers and drinks appropriate?

"No host is "no good."

Especially for a shower where guests are expected to bring gifts.

eta If you want to have apps and drinks, avoid mealtimes.

I agree I think the no host thing is a bad idea so I wanted to suggest apps and drinks? Thoughts?

No. Whether it's a shower or just a brunch, if you are inviting these people to join you for a brunch, the HOST must pay. It is rude to invite these people and then expect them to pay.

Good point! Thanks @sarah

OP you can do that as a non-mealtime option (between 2pm-4pm?)

@ELK so 2-4 with apps and drinks?

I think that's okay. It's not ideal, but it's okay. Do not give anyone the option to order a meal and pay for it though, that wouldn't be cool.

I would say 5-6 different apps with beverages is fine if it's at non-meal time such as 2-4pm. And obviously don't call it a brunch or lunch.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'll be sure to pass this on! I think 6 apps with beverages could be ok but she would need to make sure the restaurant does not have minimums or anything. Are there any other inexpensive bridal shower options? Our home isn't large enough to accommodate everyone. I thought about maybe suggesting a park facility rental and bringing in food trays, apps, beverages, etc but I'm not sure if that is any less expensive or more than the restaurant option.

Hosting it in someone's home and bringing in trays of food is typically the most inexpensive option. If that is not possible, then perhaps look at a party rooms in community centers or churches where you just pay a fee to rent the room and you can bring your own food.

Thanks @Emily! will pass on this suggestion as well.

UPDATE: Talked to my mom and she is paying for full meals and drinks for everyone!!!! Thanks so much! After talking to her and letting her know whats appropriate she is paying for a meal for everyone!!! SO HAPPY!

I never assume that someone is going to pay for my meal when I go to a party for someone. If it is my birthday or celebration for me that is another story. We are paying for our wedding so I know money can be tight at times. It's hard when you want to celebrate and bring people together for such a fun time and money is the only thing standing in the way

I'm glad it worked out!