Bridal shower garden brunch

What it is

A pretty, relaxed bridal shower held in a garden or conservatory over brunch. Guests mix their own mimosas, make flower crowns, and play light games that celebrate the couple. Ideal for mixed groups: friends, family and grandparents.

Plan ahead

• Four weeks before: agree the guest list with the bride and send invitations. Mention if there is a gift registry.
• Two weeks before: plan the menu and buy decorations, game printables and flower crown supplies.
• Two days before: order fresh flowers (gypsophila, spray roses, eucalyptus) from a florist or supermarket.
• The day before: make the quiche, granola pots and cake; set the table.

Set the scene

A long table with a floral runner, jam jars of flowers, mismatched vintage china and gold cutlery. A balloon garland in blush and white over the mimosa bar. A sign with the couple’s names and the wedding date.

Activities

Mimosa bar

Prosecco plus three or four juices (orange, peach, cranberry, pineapple) and fruit garnishes. Include an alcohol-free fizz.

Flower crown station

Make a base from floral wire bent to the head size and wrapped with floral tape. Snip flowers with 5cm stems and tape them along the base, overlapping as you go. Add ribbon ties at the back.

Games

• How well do you know the bride? 15 questions (her favourite food, where the couple met, who said “I love you” first). The bride answers in advance on video.
• Toilet paper wedding dress: teams design a wedding dress on a volunteer in 10 minutes. The bride judges.
• Advice cards: guests write marriage advice or date-night ideas for the couple’s first year.

Food and drink

• Mini quiches, smoked salmon bagels, fruit platters, yogurt and granola pots
• Pastries and scones with jam and cream
• Mimosa bar plus tea and coffee
• A naked cake decorated with fresh flowers

Tips

• Check with the bride before inviting anyone not on the wedding guest list.
• Keep the gifts list carefully for thank-you notes.