No-Fail Tips for Hosting a Backyard Bridal Shower

Whether you're the maid of honor, the mother or father of the bride, or some of the bride's besties, if you need to plan and host the bridal shower, we're here to tell you that there's no need to stress. Instead of renting out an expensive restaurant or cookie-cutter banquet space, why not host the bridal shower in your backyard? Not only is this an inexpensive way to celebrate the bride-to-be, but it will allow you to plan the event exactly how you want, full of personal touches she'll cherish forever.

If you're ready to start planning, we've got a quick guide to help you get started. But first thing's first: Just because the party is in your backyard, doesn't mean you have to do everything yourself. In fact, with a membership to Sam's Club, you can get everything you need for a celebration, from decor to spruce up your space to tasty bites, gorgeous flowers, and even serving utensils, steam pans, dishes, cutlery, and tablecloths — it's a one-stop-shop so you don't spend your time in the kitchen or at tons of shops trying to find all the catering supplies. With these no-fail tips, creating an idyllic backyard bridal shower is simple — so that when the day comes, you can eat, drink, be merry, and spend your time doing what's most important: making the bride feel extra special.

The beauty of hosting the shower in your backyard, as opposed to a busy restaurant, is that guests don't have to stay seated at one table for the entirety of the event. Allow them to mix and mingle beyond the buffet with a portable hammock, pairs of lounger chairs for chatting, and perhaps a canopy or two set up in different spaces for different games and activities.

If you have a specific color palette in mind, be sure your florals match. Go for a custom arrangement or DIY the bouquets yourself. Maybe you go rustic with fragrant eucalyptus, stay on the garden-party theme with bright colored blooms, or go classic bridal with white roses. (If you're able to sneak a peek at the bride's floral plans for the big day, it can't hurt to stick to what you know she loves.)

As for the rest of the decor, try to stick to a single theme. For a garden party vibe, we love garlands along the buffet table, cute succulents as parting gifts, and sunglasses and hats for attendees (stored in cute wicker baskets). For a boho bride, pick a neutral color palette with pops of rust and sage. Make creating flower crowns one of your activities, and think romance at every turn. If the theme of the wedding is more glitz and glam, go for bold colors, oversized balloons, and glitzy favors that will transform your backyard into a party worthy of the rich and famous. If the bride loves a good beach lounge, think nautical colors, a few oversized umbrellas for shade, and pearlescent beach balls to transform your backyard.

Instead of serving a formal meal, allow guests to nibble, mix, and mingle with an assortment of hand-held bites. The Member's Mark collection has everything you need, from bacon-wrapped scallops to shrimp cocktail to prime rib sliders with buttery brioche buns. If you do want some stationary snacks, order a few charcuterie boards to place next to the drinks station. (Yes, they have alcohol, too.)

As for sweets, you can never go wrong with custom cakes (we're all about a nostalgic sheet cake) or cupcakes — or even serve a crowd-pleasing cookie cake.

From rainy weather to mosquitos, there are some things you simply can't control when it comes to planning an outdoor event. That being said, try to pick a time of temperate time of year and always come prepared with bug spray or a handy bug-repelling lantern. A few backup heat lamps can't hurt either, especially if the celebrations take you into the evening — which with all your other plans, we hope they do.