Bridal Shower - HELP

JustLooking3

I am hosting my best friends shower and am thinking about throwing it as a Tea Party (she loves vintage china and girly things). I have been searching around and found someone who will come to my house and set up a Tea Party for the shower. She would bring everything we need (linens, vintage china, glassware, serveware, ect/) as well as tea, coffee, and assorted baked goods. She sets everything up and creates a beautiful tea party table scape and buffet and even puts together favors. I'm thinking this is a great idea, but as it's my first time hosting a shower I wanted to get some feedback; what do you think? Also, how much would you pay for a service like this? I'm trying to decide if her prices are reasonable or not (again - no experience here!). I was also thinking about making fascinators for all the girls to wear (an idea from the Royal Wedding) - any thoughts on this? 
Thanks in Advance!

RNred05

I think it is a wonderful idea!!!! I love it! I have no idea what I would spend because I have honestly never thrown a shower before! I think your friend will love it though! Good Luck with it!

nic9911

really like the idea. as far as expense it really depends on your area and how many ppl would be attending. i would pay about 1000.00 or so to host a shower if food was served for like 40ish ppl. i have hosted before and find that roughly to be the case. dont be afraid to negotiate too.

MOHofB2B

I think it is a fantastic idea!

I had a friend who picked a tea house for her birthday party one year.  I remember that the cost was about $20 per person.  I could imagine that having the tea party brought to you would cost more, especially since she provides everything, sets up everything, and even puts together favors for the guests.  I would imagine that $30-$40 per person would be quite reasonable for this extra convenience. 

If that is out of your price range, I would suggest putting together a tea party yourself.  If you don't already have fancy teaware, you could probably pick some up fairly cheap at thrift stores or consignment stores or even yard sales.  Another option would be to have each lady bring their own fancy tea cup (A BYOTC!).  Make a few tiny sandwiches, some cookies, and some other nice refreshments, buy a few different flavored teas from the supermarket or natural food store, and save a lot of money!  I'm sure it would be a great experience, either way. 

VaBch80

That sounds like a great idea!  Im sure she would love it! 

I also really like the idea of facinators for everyone.  Good luck!!

LEAH.E.KNAPP

I really like the idea. 

My recommendation is to keep your pocket book in mind. Yes pay for the tea party but the fascinators too?-no. I would encourage the girls to wear/bring their own in the invite, I found one for $25 on amazon. If you are still planning on feeding these ladies and giving gifts you could be looking to spend way more than you anticipated. 

If the tea is more than $20 per person I would personally not book them and go to a rental place to ask for their tea service and hit the stores to get a good mix of teas. I tend to be on the thrifty side.

Good luck!