There are many great ways to celebrate the bride-to-be before her wedding, but few are classier than hosting a proper tea party bridal shower.
Before you say it, no, we’re not talking about the pretend tea parties you might have had with your stuffed animals back when you were a small child.
We’re talking about the time-honored British tradition of Afternoon Tea and High Tea.
Since the United States was formerly a British colony, there has historically been an interest in this custom here as well.
And like so many old traditions, Afternoon Tea has a deeply fascinating history and is a lot of fun to partake in.
What Exactly Are Afternoon Tea and High Tea?
Afternoon Tea, as we mentioned, is a tradition began in the United Kingdom, and that’s where it’s most known.
But you’ve probably seen it in movies before, especially if you like British period dramas based in the Victorian era.
To summarize briefly, you can think of Afternoon Tea as a snack between lunch and dinner, normally served around 4pm.
The foods that accompany the tea are generally snacks and sweets, such as scones and cakes.
High Tea
The easiest way to understand it is that High Tea is essentially exactly the same as Afternoon Tea, except that it includes more substantial foods and is effectively a meal.
It’s not necessarily a full meal, the way that lunch and dinner are.
However, it could be a replacement for lunch or dinner, depending on the type and quantity of food being served.
The Rules
Don’t be alarmed; things aren’t as strict as they were in the old days, and America is a more casual culture than the UK by default.
However, even though things are more relaxed now, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any rules.
And it’s important for you and everyone present to understand the important ones because they don’t exist without reason.
Order of Operations
You don’t just eat everything all at once.
It’s customary to start with the savory items first, such as sandwiches.
After that, you eat the scones, which are sweet but not the sweetest thing on the menu.
Lastly, you eat the actual sweets, such as the cakes and candies.
Basically, you’re progressing through orders of sweetness, starting with the least sweet and ending with the sweetest.
Traditional Table Etiquette
This includes things like not putting your elbows on the table, as it could cause things to fall or the table itself to tilt.
It also includes things like not talking while you have food in your mouth and holding your teacup in a particular way.
Additionally, when you stir something like sugar into your tea, you don’t swirl it around but instead move your teaspoon in the cup gently forward and backward to avoid spilling anything.
The Plan
Once you’ve gotten yourself and everyone else familiar with the rules, you can start with the actual planning.
Fortunately, there isn’t too much that goes into this because you’re probably either going to a place that serves Afternoon Tea, or you already have most of the things you need to serve it at home.
And whatever you don’t have can easily be purchased either at a store near you or online.
1. Make Sure You Have Everything You Need
The first step is to gather your supplies.
This means utensils and equipment.
For example, if you’re going to go traditional, you’ll need things like small plates and teaspoons.
You can also get 2-tiered or 3-tiered cake stands if you want to have a very authentic look and experience.
And, of course, you’ll need all the equipment and appliances needed to make the tea and snacks.
If you’re going to need a toaster, be sure to have one already before the day arrives.
It helps to make a checklist and check items off as you acquire them.
2. Gather Your Ingredients and Recipes
The sorts of snacks served as part of Afternoon Tea are small, but sometimes delicate and intricate.
They can be anything from simple finger sandwiches to complex cakes and pastries.
Whatever it is that you want to serve, ensure that you have a good recipe for it and that you’ve purchased all the ingredients and cooking utensils you’ll need before the day of your tea party bridal shower.
Alternatively, arrange with a local baker or get to the bakery early to ensure that you get an adequate supply of everything you’ll want to serve.
Pro Tip: Test each recipe ahead of time by trying it out to verify that it’s as good as you think it will be and that you can successfully make it.
3. Make Any Necessary Reservations
If you’re not planning to host your tea party bridal shower at home, then you’ll probably need a reservation somewhere else.
The downside to this is that you may have less privacy, and your time may be more limited based on the reservation.
However, the upside is that you don’t have to do anything yourself other than learn the rules of etiquette.
This is optional, though, as just about anyone can host Afternoon Tea at home with only a little bit of preparation.
Reservations are only for if you simply don’t have time to prepare, or you happen to know a place in town that can’t be missed.
Enjoy Some of The Simple Pleasures of Life
At the root, Afternoon Tea is about taking a break, relaxing, and savoring the simple things.
It might seem like a complex social ritual on the surface, but that’s just because it originated among the upper classes of Victorian England, a society famous for its complex social rituals.
It’s only as complicated as you want to make it.
The most important thing is to slow down, remove distractions, and enjoy something simple and small with some of the people close to you.
A sip of tea, something sweet and crunchy on your tongue, a gentle breeze, a pleasant aroma, and the supportive company of those you care about.
FAQ: Tea Party Bridal Shower
What is a tea party bridal shower?
It’s a themed celebration that mixes classic tea service with sweet treats, floral décor, and vintage touches. Guests enjoy tea, finger foods, and a relaxed atmosphere.
What do you serve at a tea party bridal shower?
Popular options include scones, mini sandwiches, macarons, petit fours, fresh fruit, and a mix of herbal and traditional teas. Many hosts add a signature mocktail or cocktail.
What should guests wear to a tea party bridal shower?
Most people choose light dresses, soft colors, and comfortable flats. A simple sundress or smart casual outfit works well. Some showers encourage hats or floral accessories for fun.
How can you decorate for a tea party bridal shower?
Think vintage teacups, fresh flowers, lace tablecloths, soft pastel colors, and tiered dessert stands. Garden-style centerpieces and mismatched china add charm.
Who typically hosts a tea party bridal shower?
It’s often hosted by the maid of honor or close friends, but family members can step in as well. The bride helps set the tone and guest list.
Do you play games at a tea party bridal shower?
Games are optional. Many hosts choose light activities like advice cards, a tea tasting, or a themed trivia quiz.
How long should a tea party bridal shower last?
Most last two to three hours. It’s enough time for tea service, food, a few activities, and opening gifts if the couple chooses to.
