Throwing a bridal shower in someone’s backyard is a fun, affordable way to celebrate, but these at-home events still require careful planning. Don’t worry! We’ve prepared some tips to tell you what you need to know first and you’ll easily plan a cool backyard shower using them. Let’s begin!
Avoid The Hottest Time Of The Day
Your vision of an awesome bridal shower probably doesn’t include the guests sweating and fanning themselves. If temperatures usually soar at 3:00 p.m. in the area, start the party at noon and end by 3:00 p.m. or have an early evening cocktail party instead – no one wants to melt!
Be Aware Of Bugs And Noise
Research when mosquitos are most active in your area, then plan to be indoors before that time comes. Place citronella candles and lanterns around the backyard to keep the bugs away. Give your neighbors a heads up about the shower and kindly ask if they could avoid using lawn mowers and other ear-splitting equipment during those hours.
Add Some Decorations
Since the party is outdoors, you’ll want to direct guests to the bridal shower with proper signage. You could construct a sign from wood, burlap, or another natural material, or else order a pretty calligraphed version from a pro. Offer guests a drink as soon as they arrive—nothing says, “Glad you’re here” like a warm greeting and a beverage, whether it’s a lemonade or margarita.
It’ll demonstrate that something special is going to happen here. Choose a theme close to the bride’s heart or go with something classic, like a garden party vibe. Don’t feel limited to the wedding colors—this is a totally different party with a totally different personality.
Proper signage is a must for an outdoor bridal shower for people to know where to go.
You may give your sign a theme and colors of your bridal shower.
Make or order a cool sign to welcome your guests and let them know where to go.
Give your gals some favors, for example, cacti to grow love.
A pretty tablescape with pink blooms and stripes plus gold cutlery for a cozy shower.
A simple rustic dessert table of wood, all covered with eucalyptus, with lots of bold blooms and desserts.
A drink station with a touch of boho - a colorful stripe backdrop and lush greenery plus a mid-century modern sideboard.
A dessert table is a must for an outdoor bridal shower.
A boho backyard dessert table with a macrame backdrop and dream catchers, a crochet tablecloth and bold blooms.
A cozy vintage rustic table setting with lush centerpieces and colored glasses plus vintage chairs.
A cool table setting for an outdoor backyard bridal shower, fresh blooms and berries for decor.
A lovely bridal shower tablescape done with neutrals, dusty pink, gold cutlery and geometric touches.
An elegant drink cart with large paper blooms and a chic gold framed sign for a backyard garden shower.
Add decor to make your bridal shower feel special, style it according to the theme and colors you like.
Set Up A Buffet
A backyard shower most likely has a casual vibe, so serving food buffet style will feel right. To avoid one long line, set up each side of the table with identical dishes to speed things up.
A donut wall is a trendy idea not only for a wedding but also for wedding-connected parties.
A drink station with a simple crate and various types of soft drinks in tanks.
A gorgeous cake with a topper and fresh blooms is a must for every bridal shower.
A pink glazed cake with a large fresh bloom on top, a photo and a topper for a backyard shower.
A stand with chocolate covered and nut covered strawberries for a nice bridal shower dessert.
Make a dessert table with various sweets and yummies that you like and mark them with some pretty toppers.
Offer food of your choice but don't go too formal, backyard showers are about somethign casual.
Refreshing drinks are a must for any bridal shower, especially an outdoor one.
Style a buffet to feed the guests as a backyard shower is usually more casual.
You may also go for a cake plus donuts - the latter are a hot trend today.
Have An Indoor Backup Space
Rain happens and so do unusually chilly temperatures, so making a backup plan is crucial. You could put up a tent but if your budget screams “no” or you can’t borrow one, plan to bring the outdoors inside; obviously you’ll need to get the okay from the homeowners ahead of time. Ask if you can move some furniture out of the way to make room for guest table and chairs. Use the same decorations and serve the same menu, including summery cocktails.
Be ready to take the whole party indoors in case of rain, use the same theme and decor.