For the bride-to-be, a bridal shower boasts a time of gift giving, silly-but-you-kind-of-like-them games, and a celebration of the life to come as an “M-R-S.” But for the hostess or hostess committee, it can also mean slaving away in the kitchen on pastries and quiches, serving the group as a waiter, busser, and clean-up crew, not to mention refereeing family politics. Why not help the hostess lessen her load of roles with an all-inclusive venue eager to take over the grunt work? Be U Weddings dishes up the scoop on showers according to the legendary Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises restaurant group.
Photo courtesy of Lettuce Entertain You
With 48 restaurants and 35 unique concepts, Lettuce Entertain You is Chicago’s colossal culinary power house. And according to Melissa Miller, marketing manager for parties and special events, a power house of planning private affairs, such as bridal showers, with ease and elegance. Before your hostess begins to compile the guest list for a quiet, at-home brunch, encourage her to consider one of your signature Chicago lunch spots or a venue you’re aching to try for a shower with Lettuce Entertain You poise and your personality.
Take Your Prenuptial Pick: Whether you’re a Windy City native whose family has been stopping in R.J. Grunts for soup and sandwiches since its inception in 1971, or a tapas connoisseur coveting the small plates of the bustling Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, Lettuce Entertain You appeals to a variety of tastes. You could even coordinate a chic gathering in one of the hottest locales to date – RPM Italian, the brainchild of entertainment personality Giuliana Rancic and husband, entrepreneur Bill Rancic, and the infamous Melman brothers. In the words of G, sounds pretty amaze-balls, right? View their list of renowned restaurants here.
Photo of RPM Italian courtesy of Lettuce Entertain You
Bring On the Bridal Treatment: Even if your favorite LEYE resto isn’t typically open for lunch, don’t rule it out: All of the locations can accommodate the event, even dinner-only venues offering exclusive use for showers. Sounds like your bridal brunch just raised the bar – and the scene! “We can customize the menu, decor, cocktails, entertainment, and florals,” Miller notes. “What sets us apart is the highest level of food and service! Some of our restaurants offer options such as punch bowls, mini martinis, even a complimentary manicure for the bride and goodbye gifts for the guests!” So if you’re praying the Parisian theme your mother’s friends are concocting doesn’t pan out a la Bridesmaids, trust that the LEYE team will reflect a certain je nais se quoi in every petal and plate.
Photo of Paris Club courtesy of Lettuce Entertain You
Spend Wisely: Whether it’s you and your groom, your parents, or a combination, there’s no doubt that whoever is fronting the majority of the big day bill is (rightfully) taking a close look at each expenditure. Lettuce Entertain You lets the bride and co. indulge in delicious fare in elegant settings at a price that won’t produce sticker shock; most packages run around $17.95 per person! Couple this with the peace of mind your host or hostess will receive from working with special events team member to map the morning or afternoon with ease, and consider a bridal breakdown averted. And, if you act now and book an event to take place between July 1st and August 31st with a $1,000.00 minimum food and beverage total, you can earn a summer fun gift package, such as lunch for two at Hub 51, two tickets to a Cubs game, and dinner for two at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Learn more.
Photo of Mon Ami Gabi courtesy of Lettuce Entertain You
Whichever restaurant you choose, Miller recommends selecting a space with lots of light and room for mingling and a gift table. A lighter fare menu is always best. And we recommend you check out Lettuce Entertain You’s Annual Bridal Fair, a showcase of LEYE’s fabulous food combined with vendor displays for additional wedding elements, from linens to invitations — peruse the Be U Weddings photo gallery from this year’s March event here!
What’s your bridal shower style? Is there a special, signature menu or classic venue choice? We’d love to hear your thoughts on how the day will be memorable for you!
My shower was at Zed451 and it was awesome. I knew I wanted the girls to enjoy themselves and I think they did
[...] Lettuce Entertain You, Bride-to-be! [...]
[...] and plenty of room. While we recently sang praises of LEYE’s shower-scheduling skills here, it’s worth mentioning that this restaurant can accommodate up to 30 in a private room and [...]