If you’re anything like me (and most of the world it seems) you have become obsessed with all things Bridgerton. So when my friend got engaged, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to host a Bridgerton bridal shower for her! This post contains all the tips and tricks and items I used to bring the party to life.
This post is all about hosting the best Bridgerton bridal shower or party!
The Concept
For my Bridgerton obsessed bestie, I knew throwing an afternoon tea with all the trimmings was the perfect concept for the party. Originally this was going to be a garden party, but I live in North Carolina and this party was during our brutal summer. No one wanted to be outside in 95 degree weather! And while it ended up being completely lovely and perfect, I think this would also be amazing in the garden in the spring!
The first mission on the journey was making the perfect invite. I knew I wanted to incorporate the signature Lady Whistledown cameo on my invitation. Using Canva.com I was able to create and design an invitation that perfectly fit the theme.
If you are a creative sort and want to create your own, more power to you! But I also have listed the invitation and all my party materials (games, menus, etc.) that I created here if you’d like to use mine!
The Decor
When it came to decor there were so many different ideas of the things that I wanted to use. Here are the things I found that worked best for me and the vision I had.
For the Table
For the table, I wanted to have one long table that everyone could sit at. I was lucky that I have access to several long tables I was able to put together. But if you are doing it outside or need extra space inside, I recommend using folding tables like this one. Don’t worry, the plastic is easy to cover with a tablecloth. I used extra long tablecloths like this one to make sure that the table was covered and it flowed to the ground. For the table I used a combination of new products and things myself and my mom owned. So some of them are vintage or antique items we had on hand. Here’s what I used:
Taper Candles
For the center of the table I knew I wanted to have colorful taper candles. I was able to find these ombre style packs of taper candles. For my table I wanted to do a more cool summer color palette, so I chose to get 4 packs: one in Bridgerton blue, purple/pink, yellow/orange, and greens.
Candlesticks
For the candlesticks to house them, I was able to pull together a mix of materials (glass, silver, copper, etc) as well as different heights. Mine were a mix of vintage and new, so don’t be afraid to go thrifting for some fun ones. Here are some similar to the ones I used.
Vases
As with the candle holders, for the vases I also wanted to have a mix of vessels. I used some bud vases, some larger vases, and even some silver goblets my mother had. Finding a mix of sizes and heights allows for a more dynamic tablescape. Here are some similar to the ones I used:
Flowers
The flowers are such an essential aspect of the Bridgerton world, and I knew they would bring the same life to my table. For the flowers, I knew I wanted to use a mix of flowers and colors for a more dynamic feel. But I also wanted to keep the color palette in the Bridgerton blue realm, same as the candles.
I decided to source my flowers the day before from my local Trader Joe’s. But you can always get your flowers from a local farmers market or even a regular grocery store. When it came to making my selections I landed on tons of hydrangeas, peonies, roses, various greenery, and anything else I could find that fit the colors. Having a variety is so essential to being able to make a unique mix of bouquets.
Then, to fill all my vessels, I laid them all out and began to slowly add flowers to each, mixing and matching until they are all full. I usually start with the largest flowers and then add in some smaller accents and then greenery. The good news is, beautiful flowers will be beautiful. AKA don’t worry too much about messing them up!
Serving Dishes
For the Bridgerton tea, I knew I wanted traditional English afternoon tea food. This includes, savories, scones and sweets. so for about every 4 people, I had one tiered serving tray for them to share from. For my party I used some 2-tiered trays I already owned and put all the desserts together on a dessert table. But if you don’t have serving trays already, I recommend the ones below!
Place Setting
For each place setting I knew I wanted a plate, silverware set, napkins and menu. For the plates I used the everyday white ones I have. Same goes for the silverware. But I did decide that I wanted to tie in the color palette with the silverware set. To do that, I used white cloth napkins that I then tied with a Bridgerton blue ribbon bow. To tie the perfect bow I used this youtube video!
On each place setting I also added a menu so the guests knew what they would be indulging in. If this is something you are interested in using, I have a link to all of my material templates here!
For the Guests
For a fun Bridgerton Bridal shower, props for guests are essential! It’s the extra little things that make the party more fun and memorable for the guests. I was lucky to find some very cute props to use with the themed games I created!
Teacups
When it comes to an afternoon tea party, the teacups are essential! For my party I decided I wanted to use mis-matched teacups. I had a bit of a collection that I had started already, so I just added a few more so each guest could pick one! Some even got to find ones that matched their outfits. You can also use matching teacups from a set, or I bought most of mine from Home Goods, TJ Maxx or Marshalls. They have a shocking variety of individual teacups and saucers. I also suggest thrifting to find unique cups! If push comes to shove, there are also some very cute sets on Amazon like this one.
Hand Fans
Whether you’re having your party inside or out, I highly recommend having hand fans for your guests! They are practical, and oh-so-cute. These fans were the perfect props and fit my color palette!
Feather Pens
For the guests to channel their inner Lady Whistledown, they need their quill! These feather pens were an extra special touch for the guests use while participating in the shower games.
The Food and Drinks
For me, at every party the food is the number one priority. I want people to eat well! And this afternoon tea menu is extra special. Some of the dishes I decided to include are amazing recipes from other creators, and some I created myself. I will include the links to both!
Savories
Savories are all of the yummy salty dishes that round out the majority of the meal. In this case, I wanted to have a few hors d’oeuvres that were easy for guests to snack on while mingling and getting drinks and before sitting for the main. These are the dishes I served:
Veggie Tray with Dip
For this classic appetizer, my goal was really to make it as colorful and fun as possible. Rainbow carrots, rainbow cauliflower, cucumbers, celery, and grape tomatoes fill this colorful spread to the max. And when it comes to dip, my favorite is always a ranch dip (Hidden Valley dip packet in sour cream), but hummus is another alternative!
Steak Au Poivre Crostini
These steak crostini’s are as simple as they are elegant.
Spring Veggie Tartlets
When the spring and summer produce comes in, you want to display it! And this is another great way to do that in a fresh, yummy way. These also make a great passed appetizer because they are so grab-n-go.
Tea Sandwiches
There are SO many different tea sandwich recipes that would fit perfectly with the Bridgerton bridal shower meal. It really depends on your crowd and what you think will be a crowd pleaser. For my party I chose to do three different variations. Depending on your crowd, I recommend having one be vegetarian just in case, and a cucumber sandwich is a classic for a reason. Here is a post that has some of the recipes I recommend!
Scones
Scones with fresh strawberry jam and clotted cream is an absolute essential part of any good afternoon tea. For the scones and fresh jam, my favorite go-to recipe is from Fifteen Spatulas. These English Scones are so good and pretty easy to make! And while it may seem like an indulgence, one of the best parts about scones are the clotted cream. It can be harder to find but I recommend checking out World Market or Whole Foods, or buying it ahead on amazon.
Sweets
For the sweets, truly the world is your oyster! There are so many yummy sweet bites that would go perfectly with an afternoon tea. For mine, I decided to try my hand at making some French Macarons. But there are also ways to get the same effect with less effort. Costco, Trader Joes’s or local bakeries should have French Macarons and other tasty sweet treats. Just make sure you have a selection for your guests to choose from!
Mimosa Bar
Using their teacups, guests were encouraged to build their own mimosa at the mimosa bar. This bar included sweet and dry bubbly wine (mostly Prosecco) as well as peach, cranberry, and orange juice and lemonade.
The Entertainment
Bridgerton Playlist
Music can have such an effect on the energy of a party. So for this Bridgerton Bridal shower, I knew there was no better choice than a Bridgerton Playlist. Between the instrumental covers of modern songs and the original scores, there are hours of songs from Bridgerton that make perfect background music. Keep it soft enough that the guests can chat, but high enough that they can enjoy the thoughtful touch.
Guest Activities
Every good bridal shower seems to include some activities for the guests. For the party, I had guests participate in three different activities: Words of Wisdom for the Bride, Spill the Tea Bride Quiz, and the Dance Card Game.
For Words of Wisdom, each guest takes a moment to pen some advice or well wishes for the bride-to-be and leave them for her to read on her own. The Spill the Tea quiz is a list of questions about the bride so we can see who knows her best! Lastly, the Dance Card game involves each guest discovering their “Bridgerton name” to add to their dance card. They wear the dance card and as they mingle in the party, if they can get a guest to say “bride” or “wedding” they must fill in one of their dance card spots. First to fill their card earns a prize! If you want to use mine, all of these game materials can be found at this link!
Some easy prizes include all things Bridgerton themed, like this tea towel, tea set or puzzle.
I hope these tips, tricks and products will help you have the Bridgerton Bridal shower of your dreams!!
Have fun!
This post was all about hosting a Bridgerton bridal shower!
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