25 Pretty Bridal Shower Food and Drink Ideas

women cheers with cocktails at bridal shower — Photo by Karena Dixon Photography

Traditionally a women-only event where family and close friends give the bride-to-be gifts for her new marital home, the modern bridal shower is a bit more updated. There’s no need to confine the guest list to one gender or to pick a theme that matches your wedding. There is, however, one tradition you’ll want to stick to: keeping guests full and satisfied with a tasty party menu.

“A bridal shower is a time to indulge in all the things the bride loves,” says Alexandria Hammond of Get Plated Catering and Events. “There’s going to be fewer people, and it’s more of a casual setting, so have all of your favorite things.”

Meet the Expert

Alexandria Hammond owns and operates Washington, D.C.-based catering company Get Plated together with husband and executive chef Keyon Hammond. A classically trained French chef, Keyon’s culinary background includes Platinum country clubs and global hotels.

Beyond serving what you love, what else should you know about bridal shower food and drink? Read on for Hammond’s expert tips.

Keep the Time of Day in Mind

Choose buffet-style or cocktail service with lighter passed bites and finger foods for a morning or lunchtime shower. Planning for the early evening? "Do something heavier because people are going to be expecting more of a full meal," says Hammond.

Elevate Your Favorite Plates

Want to serve your favorite comfort foods? Talk with your caterer; they’ll know how to up the ante by adding unexpected ingredients. “If you want to do tacos, make it the best taco bar that you possibly can,” explains Hammond. “It doesn’t have to be a traditional ground beef. It can be Korean-style short ribs with salsa or pickled veg. Making it more personalized will make it more delectable.”

Get Creative With How You Serve

There are plenty of ways to showcase a fun focal point for your bridal shower food. Go with a themed cart, like poke or burrata. Get Plated also incorporates interactive elements such as usherette trays (walking raw bars are popular) as well as interactive service elements, including a make-your-own ice cream sandwich bar. "It keeps the conversation going when guests might not know each other," says Hammond.

If you are going to do a stationary display, Hammond recommends not using the same type of vessel for each item. "Be a little more eclectic," she adds. "Use different textures and bowl sizes to give a more visual aspect to the event."

Skip the Dessert-Only Menu

“I am not a fan of all sweets for a bridal shower or any type of event,” says Hammond. “People need balance.” If you do have more of a sweet tooth, go for dishes that are sweet and savory at the same time. Hammond’s current favorite is a flatbread with whipped goat cheese, balsamic, and strawberries.

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Hometown Dishes Are a Great Start

A bridal shower is a celebration with family and friends, so food and drink options that make you feel like you’re back at home are a great way to thematically tie the menu together. For a recent D.C.-themed celebration, Get Plated served mini half-smokes with local beer flights, mini “jumbo” pizza slices, and, in a nod to the nearby Chesapeake, oysters. Added bonus: These dishes help out-of-town guests experience the best the area has to offer.

Be Smart About the Bar Menu

Alcohol isn’t necessary for a bridal shower, but it doesn’t hurt. “If you’re keeping it lighter in the day, having one or two signature cocktails, along with beer and wine, is totally acceptable,” says Hammond. “If you’re going more into the evening, a full bar is also appropriate.” Themed drinks are also a fun option. Love bourbon? Do a tasting. More of a gin and tonic type? Set out a bar with different types of syrups and citrus.

You’ll also want to have booze-free options on hand. “It doesn’t have to be a generic tea,” says Hammond. “Something more elevated, like a basil-infused watermelon lemonade, gives an interesting and refreshing taste.”

In need of some inspiration? Here are 25 delicious dishes, desserts, and drinks to serve.

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Cheese Board

spring charcuterie — PHOTO BY CATHERINE GUIDRY

Grazing boards are always a crowd-pleaser. Blend local cheeses with fresh fruit and grilled veggies so that guests can build their own plates.

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Raw Bar

For a seaside or coastal-themed summer soiree, set out oysters, clams, and lobster claws on a bed of ice and allow guests to dig in.

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Seasonal Veggie Tartlets

Eggplant puree topped with farm-grown tomatoes makes for a delightfully savory bite-sized snack.

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Charcuterie Board

A selection of cured meats paired with cheeses, olives, and various fruits works for every kind of bridal shower, from a Tuscan theme to a rustic fall celebration.

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Charcuterie Board Wall

Want to take your charcuterie board to the next level? Try setting up a charcuterie "wall" with a selection of yummy bites in easy-to-hold cones so guests can mingle as they enjoy a bite.

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Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Mini tomato soup with grilled cheese — Photo by Summer Street Photography

If your hosting your celebration in the fall or winter, warm up guests with a comfort food combo of grilled cheese and tomato soup. Keep portion sizes small to keep them as a fun hors d'oeuvre.

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Mini Lobster Rolls

Even if you can’t be on the water, you can instantly transport guests to summer on the coast with hot buttered buns and fresh lobster meat.

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Watermelon Bites

Celebrating al fresco? Watermelon is a refreshing treat in hot weather, and it pairs nicely with a variety of flavor profiles. Top the cubes with whipped cheese and balsamic for a savory bite.

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Salmon Crudo

Serve salmon cured with creme fraiche and roe for an upscale twist on a favorite brunch dish, or raw and drizzled with olive oil and fresh lemon juice for something more Italian-inspired.

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Smashed Pea Crostini

No garden-party bridal shower is complete without a few dainty crostinis. Fresh spring peas, mint, and ricotta make for a delicious spring twist on this classic passed app.

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Caprese Skewers

The easiest way to serve your favorite flavors together is to place them on a stick. Combine fresh veggies, fruits, and cheeses for a festive appetizer that’s also easy to eat.

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Seasonal Salads

An arugula salad with edible flowers and shaved parmesan — Photo by Karen Hill Photography; Catering by A Thyme To Cook

If your bridal shower will be a sit-down meal, start things off with a pretty plate of leafy greens. Dress with seasonal fruit, cheese, and even some edible flowers for a charming and fresh treat.

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Flatbreads

<p>flatbread with lemon and prosciutto</p> — Photo by Katie Parra Photography

Flatbreads are an excellent option to serve at your bridal shower. Offer a few options for vegetarians, meat-eaters, and vegans so your guests can all get a taste of this savory treat.

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Mini Pancakes

Pancake appetizers — Photo by Valorie Darling

If you're hosting a brunch party earlier in the day, pancakes are an excellent sweet and filling option for guests. Serve up mini stacks topped with fruit to make snacking even easier.

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Scones

For a tea-party style celebration, don't forget to serve baked goods. A selection of scones with berries and other sweet additions will be a hit.

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Tea Sandwiches

A tea-party themed celebration has to have tea sandwiches. Stack these on pretty plates to elevate the setup.

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Quesadillas

For a heartier appetizer, consider serving up quesadillas with tasty fillings and topped with pico de gallo.

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Bite-Sized Tacos

Wedged limes are the perfect way to display and serve mini tacos, which can be filled with everything from fresh seafood to braised short ribs.

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Macarons

This popular French dessert is available in almost every color, making it easy to match to any color palette or bridal shower theme. The fact that they are bite-sized makes them the ideal party treat.

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Churros and Ice Cream

Mini churros with ice cream on a tray — Photo by The Bold Americana

One tasty dessert option? Place mini churros cups filled with vanilla ice cream and caramel. These sweet treats are sure to have your guests wanting more.

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Donuts

Pretty in pink doughnut wall — Photo by Taylor Morgan Artistry

Dress up your favorite flavors with icing and toppings to match your shower theme, then serve them as a sweet treat towards the end of the event. Better yet, let your guests take them home as favors.

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Spritz Selection

drink tray at bridal shower — Photo by Karena Dixon Photography

For a daytime bridal shower, keep the cocktails light and fresh with a selection of spritzes. At this D.C. brunch, guests enjoyed fruity sangria, prosecco, and a non-alcoholic fizzy creation.

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Bloody Mary Bar

A bloody mary bar is a no-brainer for a brunch bridal shower. Let guests personalize their drinks with gourmet garnishes like pickled okra, hearts of palm, smoked mussels, and kimchi, or go the classic route with celery, bacon, and an assortment of stuffed olives.

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Rosé Slushie Pops

These boozy frozen treats double as dessert and will feel right at home at any shower with a pink color palette.

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Non-Alcoholic Options

It’s important to have booze-free options at any type of get-together, and you don’t want them to feel like an afterthought. Set out iced tea, lemonade, or fruit-infused water in pretty glass or acrylic dispensers so guests can help themselves whenever they get parched.

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