Now that you have the location set for your bridal shower, the invitation list finished and all bridal activities planned, it is time to sit down and budget the bridal shower food, as well as planning the dining setting. Size will be a factor here. If you have a small gathering, table placement will be a good option for seating.

If you have a bigger occasion, the best method of food service is a buffet. This will allow for a pot luck style dinner, which allows guests to bring their own specialty dish. Or you can have the affair catered by the bride’s favorite restaurant. It depends on the bride’s likes.

It is advisable to have a plethora of different types of dishes, including vegetarian dishes or dishes that cater to certain food allergies. If need be, try to locate all known food allergies within the guest list and attempt to avoid using the item.

Desserts are always welcomed. Have a variety of sweets available. Cookies, cakes, pies and other sweets are best. If the party is going to be outside, bring desserts which can withstand outdoor temperatures. Chocolate sitting out in the middle of the summer will not last very long. In fact, a bridal shower is a great atmosphere for sweets, particularly anything chocolate!

Drinks should be of a variety as well. Water, sodas and fruit juices should be available for children and family members who don’t drink alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages should only be available if all parties do not oppose it.

There is always the option of having the affair catered, since preparing bridal shower food can be time consuming and daunting. If you have your bridal shower catered, you will need an accurate head count so the caterers can plan for the appropriate amount. Having guests bring dishes generally supplies more food than necessary, however, it is advisable to only ask guests to bring food if it is a family affair. Asking friends and co-workers to bring food may be a bit tacky.

Just make sure there is plenty of bridal shower food and make sure to have plenty of containers for guests to take home the leftover food. This will leave you less mess to clean up and gives guests a chance to take home their favorite bites of the afternoon.