From May to October, the wedding season is in full swing in Chicago. The downtown skyline shares the stage with couples out taking engagement photos, and neighborhoods like River North, Lincoln Park, and Logan Square welcome guests from all over the country coming to celebrate the impending nuptials.
A key component of the wedding experience is the bridal shower, and if you're tasked with organizing this important event, it's good that you've found Giggster. We curate a comprehensive list of all the best brunch spots, dining rooms, homes, and event spaces ideal as bridal brunch locations in Chicago.
When a semi-private dining room isn't what you're after, peruse the many listings perfect for various events involving food like this one. Our venues in Chicago are easily accessible via the app or website, and you'll find locations in all styles and for every budget. Start your search today to find the perfect spot for a fantastic bridal brunch.
We only showcase the best bridal shower locations in the city. Here is a sample of the sizes, features, and styles you can rely on when you choose a Giggster venue in Chicago.
We cover all the top Chicago neighborhoods. Find restaurants and other dining spots everywhere from Wicker Park to downtown to the Loop. Plus, if you're feeling more of a suburban vibe, book something on the outskirts in Addison, Skokie, Deerfield, or Western Springs.
Typically, a bridal brunch is a smaller affair, but with the Giggster app, it doesn't have to be. We offer venues of all sizes to suit your guest list. Choose a tea room with space for up to 45 attendees, or go big and rent a posh Washington Park restaurant that will accommodate 200+.
Decor is an important bridal shower element. Matching the theme to the wedding is fun, but so is doing something entirely different. Book a dining space decorated in rich jewel tones with comfortable furniture to match or a modern bar/restaurant with high ceilings, concrete floors, and exposed ductwork.
Reserve a dining room with air conditioning to beat the summer heat or brunch on a shaded restaurant patio if being outside is important. Giggster's venues ensure you have beautiful place settings, room for games, and the flexibility to create something memorable.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a Giggster venue like Elegant Event Space in Historic 1886 Firehouse helps set your event apart from the rest. With a total of 405 options for indoor or outdoor dining and spots with extravagant decor to minimalist spaces, you'll always find the perfect bridal brunch spot in Chicago to match your ideas.
Hassle-Free Booking: When you search using the Giggster app, all the info is given up front. Rates, which start at just $24/hour, all the included amenities, guest capacity, and availability are obvious. If they aren't, it's a breeze to message the site hosts for clarification. Plus, use the filter and search functions to narrow down the list and save time.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: What happens if you need to change your plans? With Giggster, for venues booked a minimum of 48 hours in advance, you automatically benefit from free cancellation during the first 24 hours after you receive your booking confirmation.
Platform Protections: When you like to have complete peace of mind, take advantage of our optional coverage for everything from extra free cancellation time to damage to liability. Book with confidence knowing that you're protected if something unexpected happens.
Is the Windy City the ideal choice for this event? Is it convenient for guests and in line with your budget? Review these pros and cons to confirm that Chicago meets your needs:
Advantages
As a major city, Chicago's venues tend to exude style. And with the Giggster app, you have access to rooftops with Lake Michigan views, historic event spaces, and posh homes all over the city.
Chicagoans love brunch, and as a result of this strong brunch culture, many brunch restaurants already offer preset menus or private dining rooms for events like this.
In Chicago, the festivities don't have to end after brunch. The city is full of amazing sightseeing opportunities and fun experiences.
Disadvantages
Traffic is a definite issue here. When planning to visit multiple locations or just making sure everyone can arrive on time and get parking (another challenge), you might be better off in a less popular city.
Other Midwest cities are cheaper for everything from venues to catering to photographers to entertainment. If you have a limited budget, you may need to plan the bridal brunch elsewhere. Imagine how much farther your budget could stretch in nearby places like Toledo, Detroit, or Milwaukee.
Since the window for a conventional brunch is typically on weekends from late morning to early afternoon, competition in this busy city for venues and caterers can be fierce. Book as early as possible to get the location you want.
Of course, our 405 locations include lots of restaurants, but that's not the only way to celebrate a bridal brunch with your wedding party.
Rooftop Decks – Impressive Views. Treat your guests to some appetizers and mimosas on a lakefront deck with panoramic views. These rooftops are filled with comfy tables and chairs, and even flowers in the right season.
Restaurants – Classic Dining. Restaurants are by far the easiest choice for your bridal brunch in the city. Pre-existing menus, easy serving, and dedicated bar areas complete the picture.
Homes – Historic or Modern. Depending on your preference, a Chicago home can be sleek and modern or charming and historic. Serve tea in a Queen Anne-style dining room, then move out to the garden for dessert. Or put out a fabulous buffet in the gourmet kitchen or a contemporary mansion.
Banquet Halls – Total Elegance. Need space, air conditioning, existing staff, and fancy decor? Choose a Chicago banquet hall as your brunch spot and make the most of all the space with games and even live music.
Beauty Bars, Boats, and Studios – Unconventional Choices. If a restaurant or dining room feels too traditional, opt to cater the event at an art-filled studio, aboard a luxury yacht, or get pampered in a gorgeous beauty bar. The guests will be talking about the unique experience for years to come.
With any event, a little planning goes a long way, and that's also true for bridal showers. Get the details right, and you'll have an unforgettable event with minimal effort on the day.
Set the Date and Time – Decide whether you want to be conventional or do something different. The obvious choice is a Sunday between 10 am and 2 pm, but nowadays, there are really no rules. Consider what works best for the bridal party and any out-of-town guests, who might prefer a Saturday for more travel flexibility.
The Menu is Key – Determine who is handling the food. You can do it yourself, go the food truck route, or hire an expert culinary team. Many restaurant options will have an existing menu, which can help save time. If you're starting from scratch, add in some local favorites like deep-dish quiches (a nod to the city's famous pizza) and don't forget to toast the bride with a mimosa, beer, or wine from a local winery.
Get Personal – Since this event is directly aimed at your closest family and friends, plan a few personal touches to set the shower apart. Play bridal bingo to keep everyone entertained, set up a table with everyone's favourite desserts, and plan a goodie bag as a thank you that contains breakfast or brunch-themed items like locally made jam or honey.
Yes, you can absolutely achieve bridal brunch elegance without a hefty price tag. All you need is an affordable venue from the Giggster app and these tips to really keep costs manageable.
Potlucks can be fun.
Asking everyone to bring their favorite dish is a great way to add variety to the menu while keeping the food budget low. As the host, you could handle an important component like the eggs or chicken and waffles and ask guests for things like croissants, fresh-squeezed OJ, fruit platters, or even a cheese board. You'll save a ton on catering costs.
Intimate gatherings save money.
If you can keep the guest list for the bridal shower down, the costs will come down, too. You'll need less food, fewer drinks, and can even rent a smaller space that will also cut costs. As a bonus, when the event is smaller, everyone has a better opportunity to connect with each other.
Book off-peak.
Brunch restaurants and other venues will be cheaper if you can book outside of the popular times. By nature, midday is when most want to have brunch, so can you host on a weekday? While this isn't always possible, you can also consider scheduling the bridal brunch as far away from the busy summer season. You'll get a better deal in early spring, late fall, and winter. Lastly, earlier in the morning with more of a breakfast vibe can also be more cost-effective.
Whether you want a contemporary brunch space, a traditional private dining room, or something with a great Chicago skyline view, the Giggster app has what you need. Share a delicious meal with your loved ones in a truly memorable location and kick off the wedding festivities in style! And, remember the app for your receptions, rehearsal dinners, and ceremonies.
