So you’re planning a Bucks County bridal shower… 

According to Wikipedia, the bridal shower originated from the days when a dowry would have been expected and a family of less affluent means would call upon family and friends to raise money for the wedding and provide for the new couple’s matrimonial home. 

These days, it’s just fun to have a party to celebrate the couple. Gifts are optional especially since couples are getting married later in life and may already have all the home goods they need. In researching the best places in Bucks County to host a shower it got me thinking of my own experience as a bride. 

When I got married, oh so long ago, I took my close friends and family to a pottery painting place (mine was in South Carolina, but there are many in the area to choose from if that sounds like something you would enjoy) and in addition to the traditional games, snacks and drinks, they each made dessert plates for us to commemorate the occasion. With the rise of the DIY crafting parties, what better place to continue this tradition than the “best place to indulge your creative fantasies”?  

THE CRAFTERY 

Hands down one of my favorite places, The Craftery is the answer to your DIY dreams. The owner, Jess Jackson, is so warm and welcoming and she finds the coolest DIY projects for you and your gal (or guy) pals to come together and create. Workshops include: wood burned spoons, macramé hanging planters and slate cheeseboards just to name a few. What better way to celebrate than to relax and create? Plus, you and your guests get to take home a treasure that always reminds you of the happy occasion.

123 North Main Street, Suite 256B Dublin, Pa 18917 – thecrafterypa.com

THE DOYLESTOWN INN

This charming boutique hotel in the heart of historic Doylestown provides an eclectic backdrop to your party that will be sure to impress your guests not to mention catering from the full-service restaurant on property, The Hattery. “When we researched the property’s history we found that the building housed a Hattery, a cigar shop, served as an inn, and operated a speakeasy during prohibition,” quipped owner Todd McCarty . “We decided to celebrate everything that this property has been throughout its life,” added Todd’s wife Samantha McCarty. “It was important to all of us to build a destination for Doylestown that commemorates the town’s rich history. We even built a jug into one of the walls to pay tribute to the Jug In The Wall — a tavern that opened with the inn in 1902 and operated until the late 1990s.” 

What about those couple’s parties you keep reading about? Or if your bridal shower needs to pull double duty as an engagement party and Aunt Gladys would be seriously offended not to be included, you may need a place that will hold a few more guests comfortably for more of a mix and mingle kind of party, look no further than this gorgeous Doylestown Boutique hotel.

18 West State St., Doylestown, PA 18901 – hatterydoylestown.com

This next place is one near and dear to my heart because I worked there part time between leaving my Catering manager position at Rodale Catering and Events and launching my Wedding Planning business. Let’s take a trip a little north to Upper Bucks County…

THE SPINNERSTOWN HOTEL

One of my favorite places to recommend couples for their rehearsal dinner, The Spinnerstown Hotel is also a gem of a place for a bridal shower. With amazing food, warm atmosphere and possibly the friendliest event staff around, it’s sure to set the stage for a home away from home shower experience. John and Susan Dale have owned the “Hotel” since 1959 and have created a full-service restaurant full of warmth, graciousness and delicious seasonal cuisine. The amazing beer and wine selection also makes this place a must visit in Bucks County. For private events, the Hotel has an upstairs private dining room, a main dining room with cozy Mercer tiled fireplace and for events during the warmer months a great barn roofed deck. 

2195 Spinnerstown Road, Quakertown, PA 18951| spinnerstownhotel.com

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Finally, because the frugal brides are near and dear to my heart, it is possible to host your dream bridal shower in your own backyard! Here are some tips for making it easy and fun! 

Keep the décor simple with some great potted plants. Produce Junction typically has very affordable options and you can send them home with your guests after the party. 

Even if it’s lunchtime, there’s no need to serve a full meal. Think charcuterie (assorted sliced meats), veggies with dip, breads and spreads and a great fruit and cheese platter. Throw in your favorite sweet treats and you’ve got a lunch spread that will appeal to everyone. Tablespoon.com has a great how-to build a charcuterie platter here: Tablespoon Recipe

As for the bar, supplement your standard beer and wine with a champagne bar. Provide your guests with great mix-ins like strawberry or mango puree and fresh fruit. Beautiful Booze (yes please!) has a great article on building one here: Beautiful Booze

For affordable tableware with a sophisticated flair, check out Marry Me by Oriental Trading. I love the black and white stripes and some of the greenery pattered plates. Get your Marry Me set here

Thanks so much for reading this blog and for visiting I Do Bucks County. We hope all your wedding dreams come true! XOXO Hannah Rees – Thistle Lane Events

hannh rees, owner-thistle lane events