Bridal shower food/menu ideas

I threw a shower for a friend but her's was during the brunch hour. It was fall themed but you could really make it work for whatever theme. This is what we had:

1. Bagel Bar (Panera & Selection of different spreads)

2. Mini Quiche (Sam's Club)

3. Cheese pin wheels (Sam's Club)

4. Veggie Tray (Grocery Store)

5. Mini Muffins (Grocery Store)

6. Cheese ball and Crackers (homemade)

7. Bacon & Sausage Skewers (Bought meat from Sam's Club)

8. Apple Cider

9. Lemonade

10. Water Bottles

11. Ice Tea

12. Cupcake Dress *pinterest*

13. Pumpkin Bars

We spent a total of about $250 on the food and about $60 renting tables and chairs. This was for 25 people. We had a lot of food left over. We could have easily cut the food budget down by about $70.

I've hosted/planned multiple bridal and baby showers. What time of day is the shower? Usually they are in the afternoon, around 1 or 2. I would suggest finger sandwiches/wraps - you can either make these yourselves or order them for relatively cheap from the grocery store. You can also just put together a tray of meats, cheeses, lettuce, tomato and rolls and have guests make their own sandwiches with condiments like mayo and mustard. I would suggest a lettuce salad with a few dressing choices, as well as pasta salad. I would also suggest a fruit or veggie tray (or both, if you opt to go without the lettuce salad), and some dips - for example, spinach-artichoke dip, crab dip, etc. Meatballs are also really common. Most women have some "go to" appetizer-type recipes that they make so don't be afraid to ask for help from the other BM. Also, have some kind of dessert- usually a cake! Wine, mimosas or an alcohol punch are usually served along with non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade or iced tea.

What are some of her favorites dishes? I am all about soup in the fall so my MOH and BM's all made different soups that were served with chicken salad sandwiches and cheese and crackers. Simple, yet so fun trying all the soups!

The last shower I went to they had mini sandwiches (chicken salad, turkey, etc) fruit, veggies & dip, chips & dip, and cupcakes. It was all finger food and it was great.