30 Bridal Shower Food Ideas Everyone Will Love (2024)

If you’re throwing a bridal shower to celebrate the bride-to-be before her big day, a mouthwatering menu is an essential ingredient for a successful event. Since friends and family will be commemorating the future bride for at least a few hours, substantial and delicious fare will satisfy guests’ appetites and provide proper fuel to keep the momentum going. Besides the functional, more obvious reasons to serve food at a bridal shower, each dish also has the opportunity to tie your aesthetic together, like Caprese skewers at an Amalfi-inspired affair, and tell a story about the woman of the hour, such as recreating the bride-to-be’s favorite appetizer at the restaurant she and her future spouse got engaged.

While food is an important part of any bridal shower, this doesn’t mean that you have to arrange a full sit-down meal with multiple courses (but you certainly can if that’s your goal). Arranging a buffet with a few different hors d'oeuvres or having servers carry trays of appetizers are other excellent options, especially for more casual functions that don’t take place at mealtime.

Meet the Expert

Alexandria Hammond is the co-owner of Get Plated, a catering company in Washington D.C. that serves weddings and events.

In terms of the type of food that you choose, you can be as creative and adventurous as you’d like, such as salmon crudo or caviar on chips, but we do suggest throwing a crowd-pleaser or two into the mix, so everyone is able to find something that suits their palate. Focusing on seasonal ingredients is also a surefire way to create a fresh, flavorful lineup.

Wondering what to serve at your celebration? Below, we share expert tips for selecting your menu, plus 30 bridal shower food ideas.

25 Sweet and Celebratory Bridal Shower Dessert Ideas

Tips for Selecting Bridal Shower Food

If you need a little help creating your menu, we asked Alexandria Hammond, owner of catering company Get Plated, to share her best tips.

Keep the Time of Day in Mind

For bridal showers that take place in the morning or early afternoon, Hammond suggests choosing buffet-style or co*cktail services with lighter fare and finger foods. If the celebration has a later start time, around dinner, the caterer recommends going for a heavier, more nourishing meal.

Try a Unique Take on Classic Dishes

To make the bridal shower as memorable as possible, consider elevating your fare. For example, if you’re serving tacos, Hammond advises swapping the traditional ground beef for something more unique, such as Korean-style short ribs with pickled vegetables. The sky’s the limit here, but of course, you’ll want to keep the bride’s preferences in mind.

Add Savory Options

Sweets can definitely be a part of your spread, but Hammond warns against serving only sugary options. Savory, more hearty cuisine will be more nourishing, especially for lunchtime or dinnertime soirées, so make sure to incorporate them.

Choose a Creative Presentation

The food itself is definitely the focal point, but the way each dish is presented will make the fare more enticing and the event more enjoyable. Instead of presenting a few trays of food on a table, opt for a food truck or a themed cart. Hammond also loves interactive stations, like a make-your-own ice cream sundae bar. “It keeps the conversation going when guests might not know each other,” she says.

30 Bridal Shower Food Ideas

Now that you have an idea of what type of fare to select, here are 30 bridal shower food ideas to inspire your menu.

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Cheese Board

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A cheese board with cured meats, gourmet cheeses, specialty crackers, and ripe grapes is an elevated take on a childhood classic that every guest will enjoy. Since these appetizers include a variety of flavors, not only will every person find something that suits their taste buds, but this option will also make the planning process more efficient for you since extra hors d’oeuvres aren’t required. We also love the versatility of this idea—it isn’t limited to a certain formality or theme.

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Sushi

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Sushi is a trendy type of cuisine that will make any bridal shower feel more current and alluring. Serve this Japanese dish as an appetizer on passed trays, accompanied by soy sauce, or as the main meal, served family style. Since not everyone likes raw fish, be sure to add California rolls or vegetarian options, too.

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Smashed Pea Crostini

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Relying on in-season produce to form the basis of your lineup will create a fresher, tastier, and more nutritious menu. If you’re throwing a bridal shower in the spring, peas are at their peak, so consider a dip mixed with smashed peas, spread on grilled bread and topped with burrata, for a sensory overload.

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Charcuterie Cones

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Charcuterie boards are having a moment in the entertainment space, but if you want your bridal shower food to really stand out, try an unexpected iteration, like the personalized charcuterie cones that this bride-to-be had at her bridal shower tea party in Maryland. Instead of presenting all of the contents on a large board, a single-serve option arranged on a wall will look extremely appetizing and photo-worthy. Plus, since it comes in pre-portioned servings, you’ll eliminate food waste.

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Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

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Throwing a bridal shower in the fall or winter? Opt for warming comfort foods, like tomato soup shooters and grilled cheese bites. If your celebration includes lunch or dinner, you can always serve this classic combination (in the typical soup-and-sandwich sizes) for your meal.

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Stuffed Zucchini

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If you’re on the hunt for nutrient-packed fare that actually tastes good, stuffed zucchini is a no-fail option. Besides being loaded with vitamins and minerals, this appetizer is prepared in a way that makes the vegetable look more palatable. Since summer is the prime season for zucchini, consider this light bite for a warm-weather pre-wedding party.

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Dumplings With Soy Sauce Droppers

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There are so many varieties of dumplings to choose from, whether it’s stuffed with pork and ginger, beef and cilantro, or cabbage and mushrooms. For your bridal shower food, stick with a protein-based filling for a heartier appetizer or ones made with vegetables for a lighter choice. Instead of serving soy sauce on the side, stick droppers of the condiment in the baked dough for a fun, impressive presentation.

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Raw Bar

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Seafood is a popular bridal shower food idea in the summer, especially at nautical-themed parties or outdoor functions by the coast. A raw bar with oysters, clams, shrimp, and lobster tails will set the scene. Just make sure to serve this cuisine on ice, so it stays as fresh as possible.

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Assorted Sandwiches

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Filling, versatile, and easy to serve, sandwiches are a great choice, especially if the shower is a luncheon. Select various types of breads and fillings, such as ham and cheddar on a baguette or turkey and Swiss on rye. You can also opt for more upscale options, like goat cheese and sun-dried tomato or apple and brie.

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Veggie Tartlets

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Tartlets filled with eggplant purée and garnished with farm-grown tomatoes and basil are refreshing, bite-sized snacks for a bridal shower in the spring or summer. These appetizers strike a balance between crunchy and juicy and sweet and savory, guaranteeing a burst of flavors in your mouth.

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Bite-Sized Pancakes

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For bridal shower brunches, breakfast foods are a must-have. While you can definitely serve stacks of pancakes on plates for guests to grab at their leisure, mini cakes and fresh berries on skewers are arguably more fun and presentable. You can even pair each stick with a shot of maple syrup.

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Bacon-Wrapped Dates

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Chewy, sugary dates wrapped in salty, crunchy bacon and topped with creamy, tangy goat cheese will give your guests a variety of flavors and textures to chew on. Whether you opt for passed appetizers or a buffet-style selection, these hors d’oeuvres will bring sophistication to your bridal shower.

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Quinoa Cakes With Smoked Salmon

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If you want to serve seafood that falls on the more filling side, consider including quinoa cakes topped with smoked salmon to your lineup. The mix of protein and healthy carbs will stick with you, providing long-lasting, slow-releasing energy. Garnish with heirloom tomato slices and dill to round out the flavors.

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Tea Sandwiches

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You can’t have a tea party bridal shower without mini open-faced sandwiches. Cucumbers layered with cream cheese, tuna salad topped with grape slices, and egg salad adorned with capers are classic choices for this themed soirée. To really bring your theme to life, display these dishes on a tiered stand with floral-printed china.

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Mini Tacos

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While you can certainly serve tacos as your main meal, mini versions make a great bridal shower appetizer. Choose any filling that you fancy, from pulled pork and chopped tomatoes to grilled fish and mango salsa. To enhance your display and add a tang to each bite, rest them on lime wedges.

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Seafood Salad

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A raw bar is one way to offer a variety of seafood, but you can also serve it in salad form. Toss shrimp with mango and cucumbers, garnished with an edible flower, for refreshing cuisine that’s ideal for tropical themes or locations. You can add these ingredients to one big bowl for guests to help themselves to or in pre-portioned servings.

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Flatbread

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There is absolutely nothing wrong with serving pizza for your bridal shower food, but if you’re on the hunt for a more deluxe iteration, consider flatbread. The toppings for these doughy dishes are endless: Prosciutto, arugula, and lemon are ideal for springtime fêtes, whereas Brussels sprouts and bacon are a better fit for winter.

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Salmon Crudo

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Salmon crudo is fish-based fare that’s perfect for an appetizer or light lunch at a more formal gathering. Serve cured salmon with crème fraîche and roe for an upscale twist on a go-to brunch dish, or choose raw fish, drizzled with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon, for an Italian-inspired version.

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Iced Pretzel Rods

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You might find icing-covered pretzel rods at the bridal shower dessert table, but you can definitely add this sweet-and-salty snack to your appetizer spread. If the event has a vibrant color scheme, these crunchy nibbles will reinforce your palette.

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Beef on Rice Crisps

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A bowl of beef and rice is a popular meal choice, but there’s no rule against turning it into an appetizer for the bride’s pre-wedding party. To effortlessly convert this dinner dish into a bite-sized snack, layer slices of beef on rice crackers, complete with a sprig of fresh basil.

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Creamy Risotto

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If you’re looking for a substantial entrée or side that will actually fill your guests up, risotto is a premium bridal shower food choice. Creamy mushroom risotto, sprinkled with cherry tomatoes and served in an elegant bowl, will complement formal functions that involve a sit-down dinner during the cooler months. Since this meal is on the heavier side, pair it with other lighter accompaniments, like a green salad, for balance.

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Stuffed Mushrooms

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Brimming with umami flavors and at its peak ripeness in the spring, mushrooms will bring a unique flair to a warm-weather affair. For a rich sensory experience, stuff each vegetable with camembert cheese, crispy polenta, and sage.

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Petite Avocado Sandwiches

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For a unique spin on avocado toast, distribute mini avocado sandwiches at your bridal shower brunch. Go for the classic version, or get creative with toppings, such as lox, feta, or tomatoes. You can even build a make-your-own toast bar for an interactive, engaging culinary experience.

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Caviar on Potato Chips

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Whether you’ve chosen a glitzy bridal shower theme or you’ve rented out a swanky hotel ballroom for your setting, caviar will exude luxury. While you can always make caviar the main focus of your hors d'oeuvres, you can also use it as a garnish. For example, top potato chips with the salt-cured roe.

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Pork Belly

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You don’t have to think of innovative ways to doctor up the food you serve at your bridal shower. Slabs of pork belly on skewers, sans garnishes, are all you need to satisfy guests’ appetites.

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Silver Dollar Crab Cakes

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Another bridal shower food idea for a summertime soirée is crab cakes. This is a strong candidate for Maryland-based events since the region is known for its crab, but any coastal state will have fresh, tasty options for your event. Serve them with monogrammed co*cktail napkins—whether it’s a single initial for the bride or combined initials for a joint wedding shower—for a personal touch.

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Seasonal Salad

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It doesn't matter whether it’s the main dish or a palate-cleansing side; salads are an appealing bridal shower food choice for a sit-down meal. For one, the options are limitless: Stick with a classic, like Caesar salad with parmesan and croutons, or select a seasonal creation, such as kale tossed with apples and pecans in the fall. Additionally, greens will energize you without weighing you down, giving you the necessary fuel to partake in the forthcoming games.

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Caprese Skewers

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Is your goal to transport the bride’s friends and family to an Italian coastal town? If you’re planning a bridal shower with an Italian-inspired theme, Caprese skewers will be an essential appetizer to offer. Cherry tomatoes and balls of mozzarella drizzled with pesto will set the scene and melt in everyone’s mouths.

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Watermelon Bites

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There’s nothing more refreshing than a juicy slice of watermelon on a hot summer day. For backyard bridal showers in high temperatures, watermelon cubes will keep everyone cool and comfortable. Add unique garnishes to upgrade this ripe fruit.

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Lobster Rolls

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For a bridal shower in a New England coastal town, hot, buttered buns stuffed with lobster meat will introduce out-of-town guests to its famous native sandwich. And if the bride’s hometown is in the Northeast, lobster rolls will give everyone a deeper understanding of her roots. Beachside bashes will also benefit from having this seafood-based dish on display.

30 Bridal Shower Food Ideas Everyone Will Love (2024)

FAQs

30 Bridal Shower Food Ideas Everyone Will Love? ›

If she's into an outdoor picnic or lunch, fill your spread with savory, light salads like our lobster roll pasta salad, our watermelon quinoa salad, or our Greek salad, then supplement with some special sweet sweets, like our berries & cream charcuterie board, our French macarons, and our strawberry shortcakes.

What is good food to serve at a bridal shower? ›

Fabulous Bridal Shower Finger Foods
  • Crescent Vegetable Appetizers. Quick & Easy Crab Dip. Veggie Dippers. Open-Faced Turkey Sandwiches.
  • Veggie Crescent Cups. Flower Fruit Kabobs with Luscious Fruit Dip. Watermelon & Blackberry Bites. ...
  • Mini Rainbow Fruit Kabobs. Fruit Jersey Cake. Balsamic Fruit & Cheese Kabobs.
May 19, 2023

What food is good for bridal shower picnic? ›

If she's into an outdoor picnic or lunch, fill your spread with savory, light salads like our lobster roll pasta salad, our watermelon quinoa salad, or our Greek salad, then supplement with some special sweet sweets, like our berries & cream charcuterie board, our French macarons, and our strawberry shortcakes.

Who pays for food at bridal shower? ›

Brides should not expect guests to pay for the shower. Generally, the bridal party, relative, or close friend will host the shower. If a group of people is hosting it, they will often split expenses among themselves for any decorations, food, games, and prizes.

How much should you spend on food for a bridal shower? ›

For example, a buffet-style catering service would cost less than plated meals. However, you'll need to spend more at a bridal shower if you want guests to have the best experience. A budget of $30 to $100 per person is reasonable.

Is there usually food at a bridal shower? ›

While food is an important part of any bridal shower, this doesn't mean that you have to arrange a full sit-down meal with multiple courses (but you certainly can if that's your goal).

What is traditional for a bridal shower? ›

At a bridal shower, guests will often bring gifts for the bride and her future spouse. These gifts are typically items that the couple will need for their new home together. The bride will open her gifts in front of the guests and often express her gratitude with a short speech.

What do you put on a bridal shower list? ›

The fail-proof bridal shower checklist
  • Decide on a host.
  • Choose a bridal shower theme.
  • Set a date for the bridal shower.
  • Pick a venue for your budget.
  • Confirm the guest list.
  • Design and send invitations.
  • Plan food and drinks for guests.
  • Organize bridal shower activities and games.

What should a bridal shower consist of? ›

During a bridal shower, guests come together to celebrate the bride and have some fun. The event usually includes activities, games, and sometimes even a theme. Essentially, it's an opportunity for the bride's closest friends and family to show their support and celebrate as she embarks on her journey to marriage.

Who should not host a bridal shower? ›

Traditional etiquette dictates that the maid of honor—not the mother of the bride—should host the shower. Nancy is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Some etiquette rules were meant to fade away into oblivion, like the one about family members of the bride not hosting her bridal shower.

What is the etiquette for the mother of the bride at the bridal shower? ›

Wondering whose responsibility it is to host the shower? Gottsman says the bridal party. "Under optimum circ*mstances, the attendants in the bridal party would host the shower," said Gottsman. According to Gottsman, the mother of the bride (MOB) should be a guest, but should not participate.

Does the mother of the bride pay for the bridal shower? ›

Although once upon a time it was expected that the bride's family would foot the bridal shower bill, modern society has changed the rules. Nowadays, the person (or people) hosting the bridal shower are responsible for covering the costs associated with the shower.

What is a good number of guests for a bridal shower? ›

I'm often asked how many guests should be invited to a shower, and I usually recommend keeping it to around 25 guests if possible.

How many people should be at a bridal shower? ›

How Many People Do You Invite to a Bridal Shower? Inviting between 30 and 40 people to the bridal shower is the sweet spot, with the understanding that some people probably won't be able to attend.

What is a normal amount of people at a bridal shower? ›

Bridal Shower Guest List Size. An intimate bridal shower for 15 people is perfectly normal, as is a 50-person coed shower that feels more like a co*cktail party. A variety of factors can influence the size of the guest list, such as: the shower location.

What are the most popular dining styles for showers? ›

co*cktail or Finger Food Style: This style is popular for more casual or mingling events. Small bite-sized foods, appetizers, or finger foods are served, allowing guests to socialize and eat at the same time without the need for formal seating. 5. Brunch Style: Brunch showers are becoming increasingly popular.

What to bring for finger food? ›

Best Finger Food Ideas on a Budget
  • Parmesan Bread Bites. Bake addictive parmesan bread bites for delicious finger food ideas. ...
  • Tomato Bruschetta Bites. ...
  • Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts. ...
  • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
  • Cheese Puffs. ...
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus.
May 20, 2024

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