Your Guide to Hiring Bridal Shower Venues in London
There’s no one way to host the perfect bridal shower. So whether you’re planning a luncheon at the bride-to-be’s favourite restaurant, a high tea at a traditional city hotel or a Hawaiian luau at one of London’s best rooftop venues, we can point you in the right direction. And the best part? We’ll do the legwork for you, so you can look forward to a no-stress, fun-filled party at one of London’s best bridal shower venues.
Popular bridal shower ideas:
- Themed bridal shower (travel, burlesque, glamping, etc.)
- A wedding shower tea party (1920s-style tea parties complete with champagne and pretty cakes are especially popular)
- Garden party bridal shower
- Wine tasting bridal shower (or, for a boho bride-to-be, why not host a craft beer tasting bridal shower?)
- Parisian-themed brunch
- Vintage-style kitchen tea
- Hamptons-inspired pool party
- Pancake breakfast
- Relaxed summer BBQ (this is a fantastic option if you’re on a tight budget)
- Cocktail masterclass or cooking class
- Couple’s shower
Bridal shower tips and tricks:
- Send a save-the-date email or invitations at least two months before the event
- Think about which location would be most convenient (a place in central London or somewhere further afield?)
- If you’re looking to save money, choose a venue that ties in with your theme and won’t require many decorations, or hire a cheap and cheerful minimum spend venue that you can style any way you like
- Decide what kind of food would work best (think about what you’d like to see on the menu and if you need the venue to supply catering)
- Organise some fun games to play (bridal shower bingo, toilet paper wedding dress, The Newly-wed Game with personalised questions, etc.)
- Think about whether you need to organise a wishing well or a place for gifts
- Decide what kind of favours you’d like to send guests away with as a way of saying thank you
Bridal Shower Games and Activities That Suit London Venues
The following ideas can elevate your celebration, regardless of the specific venue. These activities are designed to be adaptable, ensuring they can be incorporated into any London setting, from an elegant hotel in Mayfair to a trendy loft in Shoreditch.
Classic and Contemporary Bridal Shower Games
- Tea Tasting Contest: This game involves your guests blind-tasting and identifying various blends of tea. This activity nods to the British love for tea and can be a sophisticated addition to your shower.
- Hat Parade Competition: This contest is inspired by Britain's fascination with hats and fascinators. It lets your guests showcase their most creative or elegant headpieces, perfect for adding a touch of whimsy and British flair.
- Paint the Bride is a creative and sentimental activity in which your guests paint their interpretation of the Bride, offering a keepsake for the bride-to-be. This activity can be fun and reflective, especially in artsy venues or garden settings.
- Floral Crown Workshop: Let your guests make their own floral crowns, a beautiful and interactive way to incorporate natural beauty into the event. It's perfect for garden parties or any setting that emphasises natural elegance.
- Perfume Blending Session: Allow your guests to create their own signature scent, guided by a professional perfumer. This unique activity offers a personalised memento from the shower and can be a luxurious addition to any bridal shower.
- Designer Dress-Up Relay: This high-energy game involves teams racing to dress up a team member with a mixture of designer and quirky accessories, aiming to create the best bridal outfit. It's a nod to London's fashion scene and encourages creativity and laughter.
- Nautical Knot Tying Competition: This competition is suitable for a bridal shower on a boat or any venue with a maritime theme. It teaches and tests your guests on tying various nautical knots, adding an interactive and educational twist.
- Landmark Quiz: As your guests enjoy the views from a riverboat on the Thames or a rooftop in the city, test their knowledge of London's landmarks and history with a quiz. It's an engaging way to incorporate the essence of London into the event.
- Vintage Accessory Workshop: In venues with a vintage or retro vibe, host a workshop where your friends can create their own vintage-inspired jewellery or accessories, adding a personalised touch to their bridal shower fashion.
- Cook-off Challenge: Inspired by London's diverse culinary scene, your guests can team up to prepare signature dishes, maybe with ingredients sourced from famous markets like Borough Market. This activity is perfect for foodie brides and can be a delicious and interactive highlight.
- Market Treasure Hunt: This lively scavenger hunt through a local market or neighbourhood challenges teams to find specific items or ingredients. This game is adaptable to any London locale and encourages exploration and teamwork. It can also be done within the event venue. Work with the venue manager to hide the treasure.
- Classic Movie Marathon: Featuring romantic films set in London, this relaxing activity is great for a cosy indoor setting. It's a chance for your guests to unwind, enjoy some popcorn and themed cocktails, and celebrate the city's cinematic romance.
- Garden Scavenger Hunt: Tailored for outdoor venues near London's parks, this involves a hunt for nature-themed items or landmarks, which adds adventure and allows guests to appreciate the beauty of the location.
Incorporating these activities into your London bridal shower ensures a celebration of the bride-to-be and an immersive experience of the city's diverse culture and charm. You'll create a bespoke and unforgettable event when you select games that match the Bride's interests and the venue's ambience.
DIY Decorations for Your London Bridal Shower:
Creating DIY decorations and party favours for a London-themed bridal shower can add a unique and personal touch to the celebration. Here's a curated list of ideas inspired by the city's charm, perfect for making your event memorable:
Bridal Shower DIY Decorations
- Mini London Landmarks Centerpieces: Craft mini paper or clay models of iconic London landmarks like the Tower Bridge, Big Ben, or the London Eye to use as table centrepieces.
- Union Jack Bunting: Sew or assemble fabric bunting in the pattern of the Union Jack to string around the venue for a quintessentially British vibe.
- London Street Sign Table Names: Design table names after famous London streets or areas, like Oxford Street or Covent Garden, using makeshift signposts.
- Tea Tin Floral Arrangements: To add a touch of English charm, use vintage or new British tea tins as vases for your floral arrangements.
- Double-Decker Bus Photo Booth: Set up a DIY photo booth area with props inspired by London, including cardboard cutouts of a double-decker bus, black cabs, and red telephone boxes.
- Vintage London Map Backdrop: Piece together vintage maps of London to create a backdrop for photos or a focal wall.
- Fairy Lights and Rain Boots Display: Incorporate strings of fairy lights and arrange British-style rain boots filled with flowers for a whimsical touch.
FAQs about Bridal Shower Venues in London
How to book cheap bridal shower venues in London?
If you'd like to book an affordable bridal shower venue in London, here are some tips:
- Start planning early. Bridal showers are often planned as part of a larger wedding party or celebration, so it's important to get in touch with the host early on, then they can make sure they have enough space and time slots available for everyone.
- Look for venues that offer packages. Many bridal shower venues in London will offer packages that include decorations and even food options. This makes it easy for hosts to provide guests with everything they need without having to worry about finding different vendors or handling logistics themselves.
- Consider your budget before booking any venue. Most venues charge per person, per hour or per event, so if you're hosting a large group of people it might be more cost-effective to book the venue for the whole night instead of paying for each individual guest.
How much do bridal shower venues in London cost?
Bridal shower venues in London can cost anywhere from £50 to £3,000 per day. The venue you choose will depend on the number of guests you have, the time of year, and the type of event you would like to have. If you are looking for a wedding venue in London that is affordable but still has the right look and feel, then consider booking the catering hall at your local community centre or high school. These types of venues are often available for a minimal fee because they want to encourage people to come together and celebrate life. And if you want something more formal and upscale, then look into booking an event space at a hotel or restaurant. The cost will vary depending on how many guests will be attending and what kind of amenities they provide.
What are some great bridal shower themes?
A themed bridal shower is a great way to get your friends involved in the celebration by choosing a specific theme, such as "The Bride's Most Memorable Moments," or "Favourite Wedding Traditions." And if there's one thing everyone loves at bridal showers, it's food! Food-themed bridal showers will ensure that everyone has something delicious to eat while they're celebrating your upcoming nuptials. Consider having different stations featuring different types of food (cheeses, fruits and veggies,and sweets). This way, guests can choose what they're most interested in eating while still having fun together! Decorations are another great way to set the tone for your celebration. Consider having individual tables decorated according to their theme.
What are some party favour ideas for a bridal shower in London?
- Personalised Tea Blends: Package custom tea blends in small tins or bags with labels that read "Love is Brewing," perfect for a city known for its tea culture.
- Miniature English Rose Plants: Give guests potted miniature English roses as a living keepsake of the celebration.
- Handmade Soap Bars: Craft soap bars using scents like English Lavender or Rose, wrapped in paper featuring vintage London designs.
- Custom London Postcards: Create postcards using images of London landmarks or vintage London maps, which your guests can use or keep as souvenirs.
- London-Themed Keychains: DIY or source keychains featuring miniatures of red buses, telephone boxes, or black cabs.
- Bespoke Bookmarkers: Create some using heavy cardstock and iconic London imagery or quotes from famous British authors.
- British Sweets in Custom Packaging: Fill small boxes or bags with classic British sweets, like Cadbury chocolates or Jelly Babies, adorned with custom labels or stickers featuring London motifs.