Inexpensive yet classy bridal shower venue ideas?

Park gazebo or shelter? Private room at a restaurant?

I would let the host of the shower decide, as the bride you shouldn't be involved in the planning. If all three women are jointly co-hosting then they will need to decide on a place that fits all of their budgets.

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Thanks - I understand that perspective too, but I know that my step-mother will over power the other 2 with her ideas. I feel like if I offer some ideas (they have asked), that it's more likely that all of them can have input.

Hi Kimberley,

Have you thought about a local nice hotel lobby? Have them rope off an area with drink/snack service.

Also, I noticed you are getting married near the Poconos, perhaps one of the event/resort spaces in the area would have a nice garden space.

My bridal shower is going to be in a private room of one of my favorite Italian restaurants in my hometown. I'm excited because I LOVE the food there, its minimal decorating for my bridal party, and everything is done for you as far as tables/chairs/food. We have it for 2 hours and I think its going to work out perfectly.

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That sounds wonderful!! great idea - there is a nice Italian place near me too that might work out well with an outdoor patio space.

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Thanks, Jay! The Poconos is a 90 minute drive for us and most of our guests, so it's somewhat of a destination wedding. A bridal shower in that area is going to be too far, but I appreciate the suggestion!

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We liked the restaurant idea because it takes all of the work out for you! My bridesmaids are bringing some decor and a cake. My sister is mailing invites and printed pretty menus to match the theme but still had the restaurants food on it, so it made it easy to just get there 30 minutes early, get it set up and get on with the party! It's in Nov. so I'll probably post a BAS!

Where are you located?

Do they live at all near each other? You could suggest a progressive shower. You start out at one person's home and have appetizers, move to the next home for lunch, then to the final home for dessert and gift opening. This would be for a weekend luncheon shower.

I think it is unnecessary to incur the expensing a venue or a restaurant meal.The moms may remember progressive dinners from past years.

The location is for your host(ess) to decide.

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As a guest I would not appreciate to be invited to an event where I would need to be relocating multiple times. It also becomes complicated on decorating and transporting the gifts (which is usually the focus of showers) as well as creating the need for a much longer event than needed.

Unless I was family, I would definitely be a hard no for this.

Showers I have attended:

On a golf club (multiple people hosting, about $40pp as far as I know) - they had brunch in a private room - I actually attended to two showers at this location and it was great.

Italian restaurant - private room, lunch time, then private room for brunch.

Showers I hosted:

Hosted a shower for a friend at a local restaurant (NYC): it was a brunch and they had outdoor area which was used as a "cocktail" area while guests where arriving, we were then moved indoors to a private room where we had a meal, drinks, and opened gifts.

My own house, this was for my MIL when she remarried, we were in about 10-12 people so it was very intimate. I had a mimosa bar, naked cake, passed apps (heavy ones), and dessert table. We did a lingerie game and chatted for hours.

My shower: was hosted at a local restaurant and was great. My hosts did a great job decorating, we had about 3 hours. Enough for mingling, meal, cake & gift opening.

ETA: as PPs have said, you should NOT be the one taking care of these details, but if they ask you for advice give the input, making peoples' job easier is always nice.

What about a brewery? We have a ton near us that let you bring in food/decor!

I am an hour from poconos too !! I say a reasutarunt with a private room . I feel like its done often . My fh friend had hers at a fire hall .. a nice house a pretty park .. banquet halls do showers too .. cost are much cheaper then wedding costs so dont be worried .. a bontanical garden

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I'm located in eastern PA - pretty much right in between Harrisburg and Wilkes Barre (they are an hour either direction)