As a stationery designer I know I’m biased but there are ways to save on invitations and still send quality invites for such a special occasion. For less than $10 you can purchase an instant download and edit it yourself and then print at home on your printer. Amazon and Kraft Stores sell pretty paper and envelopes and no one will ever know you didn’t spend a lot! If you aren’t computer savvy, order a pre-edited jpg and send your invitation electronically using a service like Paperless Post.
Keep the Menu Simple
Plan the shower for a time between common meal times and don’t worry about serving a three course meal. Plan simple finger foods and keep it light. If you want to serve a meal, consider a bar-b-q with picnic style food. Pass on the caterer and enlist your co-hosts to help make the food and share the cost. No one will know, or care that you didn’t hire a fancy food service to cater the party.
Skip the Bakery
While a professionally made cake looks great in photos, a cake made at home or some other fun dessert will work just as well and can look just a pretty. DIY fancy cupcakes or dress up simple desserts with pretty dishes. A pretty presentation will make the food seem taste better and it costs way less!
Simplify the Decor
If you are throwing the shower at someone’s home, use regular household items to dress things up. No fancy decorations required. I personally feel like if you want to splurge somewhere then focus on the food or dessert table and keep everything else simple. Potted plants as center pieces, pretty vases with simple, single stems of greens or a single flower look just as lovely as fancy floral arrangements that can get pretty expensive. Add a focal point behind the food table with fun paper pom poms or paper fans like this fun set. I’m also loving these large crepe flowers.
Go Light on the Entertainment
No need to go overboard on entertainment. Cut up Pandora or IHeartRadio for some light music in the background while everyone is eating. Then consider a few, fun games to keep everyone engaged.
Skip the Fancy Prizes and Favors
Instead of spending a ton of money on game prizes and favors, consider wrapping up some tasty edibles like homemade chocolate chip cookies or DIY some pretty “cookies in a jar”. If that doesn’t speak to you, consider making the shower a “crafter-noon” where the group diy’s a wreath or other craft and that becomes their take-home favor. Have fun with this and plan it around the bride-to-be’s own interests to make it more personal.
I hope these ten simple tips have inspired you! Do you have a favorite or did you get some super amazing idea from these tips? If so, share them below. Do you have other money saving tips for bridal shower planning? Share those too!