Luxurious Ideas for Your Dream Bridal Shower

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The bridal shower is an opportunity for the bride’s family and close friends to celebrate her upcoming wedding, give her a break from the planning stress, and get her excited about the big day. The name comes from the tradition of “showering” the bride with special gifts and attention. A shower can take place any time between the engagement and the wedding, but it’s usually closer to the latter to help build the anticipation.

Traditionally, it’s an all-female event, but these days, the bride’s close male friends are often included as well. Either way, it’s a chance for everyone to let their hair down and have fun with the lady of the moment. Since it includes the women in the family who wouldn’t be invited to the bachelorette, it can be a really special celebration. The event is usually planned by the maid of honor and wedding party, but nobody said you couldn’t have help from the team at our very own Bedford hotel.

Chic Opulence: Picking the Theme & Decor

A classic way to level up any event is to come up with the perfect theme. It can be something specific to the bride or leaning into a general aesthetic. Once you pick your theme, it can be the foundation for as much of the shower as you choose, from food to activities, but its main role is dictating the decor. Whether elegant or bold, the theme should reflect the personality and style of the bride-to-be.

Our Bedford hotel naturally evokes a range of themes, setting the mood from the moment that your bride and her guests arrive. For the outdoorsy bride, our greenery-lined patio and the breathtaking splendor of New Hampshire. For the romantic, the historic country house and light-strung fairytale gardens. Some strategic sparkle under the chandeliers brings out our glamorous side.

If you choose an indoor event, our immaculately-appointed rooms are chic but subtle enough to accommodate just about any theme. If you’re planning a big bash, our Charolais Room, which can seat up to 80 people, might be for you. If the bridal shower is an intimate get-together, we have a range of smaller event rooms that will be just the ticket. For example, the East and West Private Dining Rooms will transport your bride and her guests into an elegant bygone era with cozy intimacy, each accommodating up to 12 guests.

Picking the Perfect Bridal Shower Menu

Before you get to the fun activities and opening of gifts, you need to take care of the food. It’s not just about the practicality of keeping a room full of people from getting cranky – the food you choose is a part of expressing the tone and mood of the shower.

Some brides love being spoiled over a stunning high tea, complete with mouth-watering pastries and other delicacies to try. Hosting a tea adds a level of sophistication to any event. Not only does treating the bride and her loved ones with an array of treats feel indulgent in the best way, but it also keeps the menu light and effortless.

For a more contemporary touch, why not choose our chef-curated cocktail hour? At our hotel in Bedford, we’ll work with you to create custom cocktails inspired by the bride-to-be and her fiancé that everyone can sip as you watch the sunset. With a range of delicate, delicious hors d’oeuvres from Thai Chicken and Cashew Spring Rolls to the BLT Crostini to choose from, it’s a sure-fire delight.

The top three things to keep in mind when choosing your bridal shower venue are location, ambiance, and capacity. Let’s briefly unpack each one.

Location

The location of the venue is an important consideration for a few reasons. First of all, it must be accessible to the bride-to-be and her closest friends and family. An absolutely gorgeous venue that is an expensive flight away is a no-go – after all, what’s a bridal shower without the guests? If you’re choosing somewhere out-of-town, nearby or on-property accommodation, make it a winner. (Have you seen our gorgeous boutique suites?)

Ambiance

Naturally, you’d want to have your theme reflected throughout, but a baseline requirement is that arriving at the venue for the bridal shower and navigating to the event room should be a pleasant experience. From the moment the bride sets foot on the property, she should feel the specialness of the occasion. The Bedford Village Inn is designed to be not only luxuriously refined but exceptionally welcoming, treating every visitor and guest like a VIP.

Capacity

Before you book anything, sit down with the bride and review the guest list to ensure nobody has been left out. Only once you have a final number should you confirm your bridal shower venue. There’s nothing worse than an event feeling cramped because there isn’t enough room for everyone.

Of course, there will always be a certain amount of attrition – not everyone will RSVP yes or show up on the day – but be sure to err on the side of caution to ensure everyone is comfortable and happy. All the Bedford Village Inn & Grand Boutique hotel event spaces have clearly defined capacity numbers to make picking the perfect spot a breeze.

What to Look for in a Bridal Shower Venue

New Year's Eve Dinner at the Bedford Village Inn

Raise a Glass to the Bride-to-Be in Bedford

Once you’ve decided on your theme and decor, picked a venue, and finalized the menu, you’re well on your way to creating a beautiful, memorable bridal shower for your bride-to-be. A room full of beloved friends and family, a few fun activities, and, of course, plenty of gifts for the lady of the hour add the finishing touches.

Organizing a bridal shower shouldn’t be stressful. At the end of the day, it’s a happy occasion, a chance to celebrate “just between us girls” before the pomp and ceremony of the big day arrives. At our Bedford Hotel, we go out of our way to make your planning as smooth as possible. Get in touch for more information and to book your special event with us.

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NEW YEAR’S EVE

FOUR-COURSE PRE-FIXE DINNER

$110++ Per Adult

AMUSE-BOUCHE

CHEF’S SELECTION

APPETIZER

SMOKED SALMON MOUSSE

Crispy Capers, Dill, Shallot, Pumpernickel Crostini, Lemon

WAGYU BEEF CARPACCIO

Truffle Dijon Aioli, Pickled Shallot, Cornichons, Herbs, Potato Gaufrettes

LOCAL CHEESE BOARD

Chef’s Selection, Local Honey, Fig Jam, Apple, Walnuts, Crostini

OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER

New Hampshire Oysters, Herb Butter, House Sourdough Crumbs

ROASTED SQUASH RISOTTO

Mascarpone, Crispy Prosciutto, Sage

DUNK'S MUSHROOM BISQUE

Crème Fraîche, Pancetta Breadcrumbs

SALAD

BABY SPINACH

Jasper Hill Cheddar Cheese Crumbles, House Bacon Lardon, Brioche Croutons, Sherry Vinaigrette

WATERCRESS & SORREL

Fennel, Winter Citrus, Toasted Almonds, Strawberry Vinaigrette

ENTRÉE

GRILLED FILET MIGNON

Potato Gratin, Asparagus, Truffle Butter, Black Pepper Crispy Onions, Red Wine Demi-Glace

PAN SEARED NEW BEDFORD SEA SCALLOPS

Potato Rosti, North Country Bacon, Braised Escarole, Cipollini Onion Jam

CIDER BRAISED VOLCANO PORK SHANK

Creamy Polenta, Haricots Verts, Apple, Cider Jus

NOVA SCOTIA HALIBUT

Herbed Anson Mills Carolina Gold Rice, Garlic Savoy Spinach, Tomato Water, Confit Tomato, Basil

LONG ISLAND DUCK BREAST

Ricotta Cavatelli, Dunk’s Mushrooms, Pearl Onion, Roasted Cauliflower, Red Wine Gastrique

VEGETABLE LASAGNA

Eggplant, Zucchini, Tomato, Béchamel, Parmesan, Arugula, Basil

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FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE TORTE

Orange Curd, White Chocolate Mousse

Gluten-Free

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House Brioche, Toffee Caramel, Chantilly, Candied Walnuts

VANILLA BEAN CRÈME BRÛLÉE

Champagne Berries, Lemon Shortbread

Gluten-Free Upon Request (Omit Shortbread)

HIBISCUS GRAPEFRUIT GRANITA

Pomegranate Seeds, Edible Flowers

Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free

TIRAMISU CREAM PUFF

Chocolate Choux, Traditional Filling, Chocolate Sauce, Chantilly

CHRISTMAS EVE

FOUR-COURSE PRE-FIXE DINNER

$125++ Per Adult

$75++ Per Child (10 & Under)

AMUSE-BOUCHE

CHEF’S SELECTION

APPETIZERS

DUNK'S MUSHROOM TOAST

House Made Sourdough, Truffle Oil, Herbs, Frisée

PROSCIUTTO & PEA RISOTTO

Roasted Tomato Pesto, Basil

TEMPURA OCTOPUS

Fingerling Potato, Pickled Peppers, Castelvetrano Olives, Basil Aioli, Arugula

BLUE HUBBARD SQUASH BISQUE

Spiced Pecans, Herb Mascarpone

HUDSON VALLEY DUCK PASTRAMI

Pickled Shallot, House Dijon, Pumpernickel Crostini, Micro Greens

BLACK GARLIC FRENCH ONION SOUP

Gruyère, Focaccia Croutons, Chive

SALADS

BABY ROMAINE SALAD

Cherry Tomato, Shaved Pecorino Pepato, Herbed Focaccia Croutons, Lemon Peppercorn Dressing

ARUGULA & FRISÉE

Poached Pear, Buttermilk Blue Cheese Crumble, Black Pepper Walnuts, Red Wine Vinaigrette

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GRILLED FILET MIGNON

Horseradish Pommes Purée, Broccolini, Watercress, Red Wine Demi-Glace, Herb Butter

NORTH COUNTRY SMOKEHOUSE HAM

Bourbon Glaze, Sweet Potato Purée, Ham Hock Braised Collard Greens

PAN ROASTED BLACK SEA BASS

Lemon & Herb Carolina Gold Rice, Asparagus, Sun-Dried Tomato Butter

PORT BRAISED SHORT RIB

Fontina Polenta, Dunk’s Mushrooms, Haricots Verts, Port Wine Jus, Crispy Onion

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Dunk’s Mushrooms, Butternut Squash, Escarole, Toasted Hazelnuts, Tarragon Butter

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GRAND DESSERT BUFFET IN THE GREAT HALL

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FOUR-COURSE PRE FIXE DINNER

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 $75++ Per Child (12 & Under)

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PÂTÉ DE CAMPAGNE

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HARVEST SALAD

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BOSTON BIBB

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MISTY KNOLL FARMS TURKEY

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GRILLED FILET MIGNON

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Herb Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Garlic Haricots Verts, Puttanesca Sauce

DUROC PORK TENDERLOIN

Brown Butter Sweet Potato Purée, Braised Swiss Chard, Root Vegetable Chips, Cider Jus

STUFFED DELICATA SQUASH

Quinoa, Root Vegetable, Kale Chips, Pomegranate Gastrique

Vegan Upon Request

PAN ROASTED SWORDFISH

Herbed Anson Mills Carolina Gold Rice, Ratatouille Vegetable, Red Pepper Coulis

DESSERT

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Maple Anglaise, Chantilly, Candied Pecans

BUTTERSCOTCH BUDINO

Chantilly, Feuilletine Crunch

PUMPKIN TRAVEL CAKE

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SANGRIA SORBET

Candied Citrus, Micro Mint

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THREE-COURSE PRE-FIXE DINNER

$79++ for Adults and $42++ for Children 12 and Under

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LOCAL POTATO & LEEK SOUP

Chive Oil, Crème Fraîche, Chervil

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER

Traditional Recipe, Chives

POACHED PEAR SALAD

Arugula, Red Watercress, Crumbled Buttermilk Blue Cheese, Black Pepper Walnuts, Lemon Honey Vinaigrette

CRISPY TOMATO NAPOLEON

Herbed Ricotta, Arugula Pesto, Crispy Pancetta, Basil

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GRILLED TOURNEDOS OF BEEF

Roasted Garlic Pommes Purée, Spring Asparagus, Watercress, Crispy Onion, Red Wine Demi-Glace

NOVA SCOTIA DAY BOAT HALIBUT

Spring Pea Purée, Potato Latkes, Herb Roasted Baby Carrots, Tarragon Cream

SMOKED NORTH COUNTRY HAM

Green Bean Casserole, Potato Gratin, Golden Raisin Sauce, Herb & Cheddar Biscuit

BRAISED LAMB SHANK

Anson Mills Creamy Polenta, Dunk’s Mushrooms, English Peas, Mint Gremolata, Celery Leaves

VERNON FARMS STATLER CHICKEN

Cornbread & Andouille Stuffing, Dried Cranberry, Scallions, Haricot Verts, Glace de Poulet

HERB ROASTED CAULIFLOWER "STEAK"

Eggplant Caponata, Red Pepper Coulis, Asparagus, Kalamata Olives, Toasted Almonds

DESSERT

CARROT CAKE

Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting, Caramel Sauce, Candied Carrot

LAVENDER CRÈME BRÛLÉE

Lemon Curd Cookie, Chantilly

CRÊPES SUZETTE

Blood Orange Marmalade, Mascarpone Filling, Hot Fudge

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Raspberry Mousse, Raspberries, Chocolate Curls

PEAR CRISP

Brown Butter Oat Topping, Cardamom Anglaise, Chantilly