16 At-Home Bridal Shower Ideas on a Budget
A pink balloon arch with shades of pink and ivy accents from Karson Villanueva via Pinterest.
Wedding planning is super stressful. That’s why so many brides look forward to their bridal shower. It’s a time they can kick back and enjoy time with loved ones while being showered with everything they need to start their next adventure.
The Knot found that an average bridal shower venue can cost between $50-$100 per person. This means the budget can get out of hand really fast. The best way to throw a bridal shower on a budget is to host it at home!
Whether you host at your own home or the home of a family member or friend, you’ll be able to easily manage costs while still giving your favorite bride the shower of her dreams.
Here’s 16 ideas you can use immediately to plan the perfect at-home bridal shower.
Affordable Ways to Host a Bridal Shower At Home
Pick a Budget-Friendly Bridal Shower Theme
A good bridal shower theme turns any venue into the perfect setting. Choose a theme that your bride will love. Also consider one that’s easy to manage on your budget.
For example, color schemes, seasonal themes, such as some spring bridal shower theme selections, and motifs that fit your home’s design aesthetic will be easy to execute with limited funds.
Use the current season to guide your choices. For example, a great summer bridal shower theme is a lemon theme! Not only will your guests appreciate a seasonally appropriate theme, but you’ll easily find great decor options in stores.
2. Design your Own Digital Shower Invites
Stamps, envelopes, and printed invitations can take up a huge chunk of your budget. Cut this cost by designing your own digital bridal shower invitations on a free platform like Canva.
You can customize an existing template or start from scratch and craft the perfect shower invite.
You can easily share the finished product with guests via email or social media. Attach a QR code or link that leads to an RSVP Google form. Use this opportunity to gather dietary needs and other important information.
3. Get Creative With Your Event Time and Meals
A romantic floral themed table with thrifted accents from Ashley Norton Photography
Most bridal showers take place during the weekend around lunchtime. Think outside the box and save money by choosing an alternative time frame.
For instance, a bridal shower brunch is the perfect mid-morning event. These foods are much cheaper to purchase than dishes for a full sit-down meal.
Create a delicious breakfast bar with scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, and fresh fruit. Not only is it cost effective, but it’s a surefire crowd pleaser!
Mid-afternoon events , around 2-4 PM, are perfect for a garden party theme, like a Bridgerton-themed shower, full of bite sized foods and light beverages. Guests will enjoy munching on treats and your wallet will thank you.
Being creative with your event will help keep the budget in line so you can focus on stunning decor and accessories for your bride.
4. Craft Special Accessories for the Bride
As you plan your bridal shower, it’s important to plan touches that will help the bride stand out. If you’re on a budget and a little crafty, you can make themed accessories for your bride-to-be to wear during the event.
For instance, you can make a daisy chain headband for a daisy-themed bridal shower or create some butterfly hair clips for a butterfly-themed bridal shower.
Not only will you save some cash, but you’ll show the guest of honor just how much you care.
5. Thrift Fun, Themed Decor
A pink and butterfly themed balloon arch complete with a furry friend from @sophianicolette on Instagram
Decor is one of the most important aspects of your party. It helps to amplify your theme and helps guests really get into the party mood. But decor can add up quickly, especially if you are trying to transform a home into party central.
The best way to achieve the look you want is to get creative with how you source your party decor. Start by scouring thrift stores for statement pieces to sprinkle around the space.
Look for smaller trinkets that work as table decor. Don’t forget vases, bowls, and trays that double as serving pieces!
Reach out to family and friends to see if they have any items you can borrow. You can also make a post in a local buy-nothing social media group to see if anyone in your community has items to donate.
Sometimes neighbors will have extra party supplies they are looking to get rid of. This can really help keep you on budget!
6. Set the Tone with Mood Lighting
Lighting goes a long way to setting the mood of a bridal shower, especially if you are hosting indoors. Don’t rely on the existing lighting.
Bring in LED candles, fairy lights, and other alternative light sources to transform the space.
If you are hosting outside, you can still add fun LED lights and lanterns to add interest, especially if your shower will still be going on at sunset. Imagine how beautiful your yard would look with some fairy lights or glowing lanterns!
7. Ask Guests to BYOC (Bring Their Own Chair!)
Seating can be a challenge when hosting an at home bridal shower. And renting outdoor seating can cost a pretty penny.
You can save a lot of money by asking guests to bring their own chair if possible! Think camping chairs, folding chairs, or even alternative seating like bean bag chairs or picnic blankets!
Of course, you can still utilize seating you have on hand, but this will ensure everyone has a place to sit outside to enjoy the event!
8. Use a Wireless Bluetooth Speaker to Play the Bride’s Favorite Songs
Every event needs a good playlist! Skip the DJ and curate your own custom playlist that will put a smile on the bride’s face! Look for a combination of her favorite song and tunes that connect with your event’s theme.
Once you’ve put the list together on your chosen platform, like Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube, connect your device to a Bluetooth speaker and let it play away!
If you don’t have the budget to purchase one, ask to borrow one from a friend or family member.
9. Host a “Snack Bar”
A bridal shower charcuterie table with MRS letter trays from Izzi Stroup
Catering is the second biggest expense after venue rental fees, so choose to host a fun snack bar rather than a full meal. A make-your-own trail mix bar, doughnut wall, or a fun bridal shower charcuterie board are all trendy or cost effective ways to feed a crowd.
The key is to communicate this to your guests so they know what to expect.
Write “snack bar and beverages'' on the invitation and host in between meal times. That way, guests can eat beforehand.
10. Choose Low-Prep/Low-Cost Party Games
It’s important to keep your guests entertained at the bridal shower. Plan some fun wedding shower games that involve minimal prep and don’t cost a whole lot.
Minute to Win It games are super affordable and exciting. Cookie Face Race requires players to put a cookie on their forehead and contort their face to get it in their mouths.
Coin Stacks has teams competing to stack pennies with one hand. There are countless options to choose from.
If you want a game that centers on the bride-to-be, look for customizable printable game cards. You can play Bridal Shower Bingo, Bride This or That, get creative with bridal jeopardy questions, or a trivia game centered on the bride and her true love.
All these games require is a printer and some imagination!
11. Skip the Shower Favors
Let’s be real: most guests aren’t big on shower favors, especially if they aren’t functional. Not only that, they add a huge cost to your budget that would be better spent on decor or food.
So skip the favors and offer an unbeatable experience instead. Set up a cool photo backdrop or photo booth so guests can take photos with the bride to remember the event by.
12. Plan a Fun Themed Craft
A fun bridal shower crafting activity with florals and greenery from Kara’s Party Ideas
Crafts double as an activity AND a bridal shower favor, so you’ll really get a good bang for your buck! Choose a craft that connects with your theme.
For instance, a Taylor Swift themed bridal shower could have guests making fun friendship bracelets. A bridal shower flower bar allows guests to build their own bouquets, making it perfect for a spring or summer bridal shower.
13. Offer One or Two Signature Drinks
Alcohol costs can quickly add up, especially if you are trying to please a crowd. Instead, ask the bride to decide on one or two signature cocktails.
That way, you’ll only need to purchase ingredients for limited beverages and can manage costs. Of course, you can forgo alcohol altogether to really save!
14. Ask Guests to Dress on Theme
Sometimes it can be challenging to really immerse your guests in a theme when hosting at home. To avoid this, set a dress code and ask guests to dress on theme!
Have them wear a specific color or style to create a fun environment. For example, if you’re hosting a spring bridal shower, have guests wear floral dresses or flower crowns in their hair.
Of course, the bride will wear white and stand out in the crowd!
15. Save Money with Beverage Stations
An infused water station with citrus fruits, berries and cucumbers from The Inspired Home
Beverage stations are trendy, fun, AND cost-effective! For instance, an infused water bar looks extremely elegant but can be put together for pennies on the dollar.
Leverage at-home coffee makers and electric kettles to offer a hot chocolate bar, coffee station, or tea stand. All are very affordable yet impressive!
16. Break Out the Apron and Make Your Own Desserts
Guests will want a sweet treat, but bakery bites can cost an arm and a leg. Gather some fun recipes and make an array of baked goods with your own two hands.
If baking seems overwhelming, treats like sweet Chex mix, rice krispie treats, and candy salads are easy to assemble and sure to please!
Conclusion
Working with a budget can be challenging. But no matter how much you have to spend, you can easily plan a beautiful bridal shower at home. All it takes is a little creativity and some solid bridal shower ideas!
Remember to always circle back to the bride. Every choice you make should reflect her interests and preferences.
That way, she will feel like the star of the show! Use these tips to give her a bridal shower she will never forget!