Bridal Shower Help

athlete010688

I'm the MOH for one of my friends, and I told her I would like to give her a bridal shower.  As far as I know, no one has offered to give her one yet.    I think there will probably be about 15 invited, and I'm not wanting to spend a fortune on it since my DH and I don't have a ton of extra money.  What are some simple, cheaper food items that you all love to have at parties?  What are some other budget-saving tips to hosting a bridal shower?

Also, would people think it's weird if we had it at her house?  Her FI and her live in a big house with a HUGE yard out in the country (like 45 minutes from me).  Most of her family and people that would be invited live closer to her than to me, and our house isn't big enough to host a party.

Thanks!

MairePoppy

Ask the other bms if they would be willing and able to bring a dish to the shower. In the absence of bms, let the bride's close friends know that you are throwing a shower and looking for cohosts, if anyone is interested. If you get any volunteers, you should consult them when planning. In my circle the MOB and/or the MOG usually help out with the refreshments or expenses. You could ask them IF they would like to help.

Here are a few ideas: wine and cheese party -  each bm brings a bottle of wine and cheese to share,  ice cream social - each bm brings a topping and you provide the  ice cream and cake, dessert shower - everyone brings a dessert and you add cheese and crackers and a veggie/dip tray  to offset the sweetness, appetizer party - the bms bring their favorite appetizers and you provide punch and cake. If you are doing this by yourself, a punch and cake shower would be easy enough. Schedule the party for after lunch or dinner so no one will be expecting a meal and keep things simple. Don't worry about decorations and favors. Spend whatever you have on food.

It's fine to use the bride's house for the shower, if that's what works best for everyone. Just make sure the host (s) are listed on the invitations so no one thinks the bride is throwing her own shower.

athlete010688

Thanks!  Most likely, I am the only bridesmaid. I do like the idea of asking the MOB and/or MOG if they would like to help. 

getaclue44

We did a dessert shower for my sister and it was great!  I did the cake myself and then my mom and I made all of the desserts--then we did coffee, tea, and a champagne punch--it was from 2-4 so no one expected a meal.