8 Tricks for Throwing a Bridal Shower on a Budget
Updated: Jun. 09, 2022Hosting a bridal shower is a great way to celebrate the bride-to-be, but they can be expensive. Follow our tips for throwing a bridal shower for less.
If you’re in a wedding this spring or summer, chances are, you’re hosting an event. Costs can add up when you’re in a wedding party from purchasing new clothes, to plane tickets, to gifts. But, hosting an amazing shower for your loved one doesn’t have to break the bank. We’ll teach you easy ways to save every step of the way—including purchasing grocery supplies for our favorite bridal shower recipes.
Print your own invitations
If you’re looking to save a little money, skip the stationery store. Instead, check out sites like Etsy for invitations you can print yourself. For under $10, you can download a pretty invitation, customize it and print out as many copies as you need. A quick search returns lots of results, but this kitchen-themed invite from Design Paperie Studio is just right for foodie brides.
Stay close to home
Booking venues or party rooms at restaurants can be pricey. Save your money and host the shower at your own home. If your home isn’t quite large enough to accommodate all those guests, don’t be embarrassed to chat with the family and friends of the bride—they’ll be happy to help!
And if your guest list is just too big, check out community spaces, like parks and legion halls, for the smallest fees.
Hit up the dollar store
Your local dollar store has a lot of the basics you’ll need for any party. For a few bucks, you can get the essentials like gift wrap, napkins and paper plates. Keep an eye out for other decorative items, too. Inexpensive vases and craft supplies will come in handy when you decorate. Chances are, you’ll find deals on staple ingredients for our best bridal shower appetizers.
DIY the decor
When hosting an event like a bridal shower, many people forget to factor in the cost of decorations. But, thanks to Pinterest, you can find cute projects that you can make yourself. First, pick a bridal shower theme. Then, scope out a few festive ideas to make the space pop. These cute balloons from Studio DIY only take a few minutes to create but are so darling.
Do your own baking and cooking
Ordering cake might be easier, but if you’re on a budget, you might just want to bake yourself! Better yet—invite other gal pals and bridesmaids over to help you assemble some great bridal shower eats and a festive dessert. We love these bridal shower desserts.
Create a signature drink
Instead of offering a lot of beverages (which can add up) consider offering a single signature drink, along with basics like water and coffee. You can set up a cute mimosa bar with a few bottles of sparkling wine and a variety of fruit juices, or give these bridal shower drinks a try.
Make the favors yourself
Many hosts have bridal shower favors for their party guests to take home to remember the day. You can certainly purchase small favors, but you can save your pennies by making these favors yourself. Bake up some tasty treats and pack them up in some adorable, affordable gift bags like these.
Be creative with your gift
Of course, purchasing essentials from a couple’s registry is always an option, but if you’re looking to save a little money, you might want to get creative with your gift. Consider gifting the bride-to-be a thoughtful handmade gift or something personal, like a framed recipe card featuring one of your grandparent’s heirloom recipes. Find a frame at your favorite shop, or get one custom fit from places like Framebridge.
