Bridesmaids' Breakfast: Delicious Ideas For The Big Day Morning

It's important to keep the bridal party well-fed and hydrated while they're getting ready for a wedding. This can help to keep energy levels up and ensure everyone is happy. It's also a good idea to provide a variety of food and drink options to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements.

Some people recommend providing a continental breakfast, including pastries, fruit, and mimosas. Others suggest a heartier breakfast spread with bagels, cream cheese, peanut butter, muffins, and yoghurt. If you're short on time, you could opt for a grab-and-go option like granola bars, or delegate the task of providing food to someone else.

If your bridal party is getting ready during lunchtime, you might want to provide a light lunch such as finger sandwiches, wraps, or a charcuterie board. It's also a good idea to have plenty of water available and to avoid too much caffeine or alcohol, which can lead to jitters or a hangover.

Mini meals and snacks

It's important to eat a variety of foods throughout the day to keep energy levels up and ensure you're not left feeling hungry. Here are some mini meal and snack ideas to serve your bridesmaids while they're getting ready:

Mini Meals

• Protein bars – these are a great option to keep everyone feeling full and satisfied.
• Sandwiches – offer a variety of options, such as turkey, chicken salad, tuna, egg salad, cream cheese and lox, or vegetarian. If possible, ask for them to be pre-cut and wrapped to make them easier to eat.
• Wraps – similar to sandwiches, wraps are a great option and can be filled with turkey, chicken, lettuce, tomato, and mustard.
• Flatbreads – a lighter option than traditional slices of pizza, flatbreads are easier to eat, especially when cut into small pieces.
• Quiche – a savory option that can be made bite-sized or miniature to avoid mess. Try a spinach, mushroom, and goat cheese quiche, or swap in your preferred vegetables and cheese.
• Yogurt parfaits – a go-to option that's easy to eat and packed with protein and nutrients. Add in some fresh fruit and a bit of granola for texture and flavor.
• Avocado toast – a classic option that can be dressed up with your favorite vegetables or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Ricotta toast – another toast option that combines carbohydrates and protein. Add figs and honey for sweetness or tomatoes and salt for a savory version.
• Sweet potato – packed with fiber and antioxidants, sweet potatoes are a perfect addition to any wedding breakfast. Add in some chicken sausage and a poached egg for extra protein, or spinach for fiber and iron.
• Mini doughnuts – a great mid-morning treat that won't make a mess.

Snacks

• Fruit – a simple and refreshing option that's easy to digest and customize. Offer a variety of seasonal fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe, berries, bananas, and apples.
• Nuts – a great snack or complement to a meal, offering a quick energy boost.
• Trail mix – a mix of nuts, raisins, and chocolate is a perfect snack to have on hand.
• Veggies – cut up some peppers, carrots, and cucumbers into small strips and serve them with a delicious dip.
• Cheese – offer a variety of cheeses alongside crackers, fruits, and meats for a filling snack.
• Muffins – a quick and easy option that can be enjoyed on the go.
• Bagels – set out a variety of bagels with cream cheese, butter, jam, lox, tomatoes, and onions so everyone can build their own sandwich.
• Croissants – a flaky and buttery option that can be enjoyed plain or filled with sweet or savory toppings.
• Granola bars – a shelf-stable option that's perfect for grabbing on the go.
• Fruit and nut bars – another portable option to keep on hand in case hunger strikes.
• Chips – a crunchy and salty option that can be paired with salsa or dip.
• Dips – offer a variety of dips such as hummus or yogurt-based dips to enjoy with veggies or chips.
• Crackers – a simple and neutral option that can be paired with cheese, dips, or enjoyed on their own.
• Cucumber slices – use cucumber slices as a vessel for a variety of bites, such as raw salmon, avocado, or hummus.

Drinks

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• Water: It is important to stay hydrated, so make sure there is plenty of water available. You could also provide mini bottles of water, which can be easily transported and will come in handy throughout the day.
• Fruit Juice: Juice can be a good way to get some extra vitamins and keep energy levels up.
• Coffee and Tea: Caffeine will be a welcome boost for many, but be careful not to overdoo it, as it can cause jitters and anxiety.
• Healthy Smoothies: A great way to get some extra nutrients and keep everyone feeling healthy.
• Cucumber-Lemon Water: A refreshing twist on plain water, this drink will keep your bridal party feeling fresh.

Alcoholic Drinks

• Mimosas: A classic drink to sip while getting ready, mimosas are a fun and festive choice. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much alcohol can lead to an unwanted buzz or headache.
• Bellinis: Similar to mimosas, bellinis are a fun and fruity option.
• Champagne: Popping open a bottle of champagne is a great way to celebrate with your bridesmaids.
• Beer or Seltzer: For something a little different, offer your bridal party a beer or a refreshing seltzer.

Remember to provide a variety of drink options to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. It is also a good idea to have some snacks available to help soak up the alcohol and keep everyone feeling their best.

Breakfast foods

It's important to keep the bridesmaids well-fed and happy while they're getting ready for the wedding. Here are some breakfast food ideas to keep energy levels high and ensure the day runs smoothly.

A continental breakfast is always a good option, with pastries, fruit, juice, coffee, and muffins. You could also provide a build-your-own sandwich bar with an assortment of lunch meats, cheeses, and breads, alongside some fruit. If you're looking for something more substantial, you could provide bagels with cream cheese and peanut butter, or even a full English breakfast.

For those who prefer a lighter breakfast, yoghurt and granola parfaits are a good option, or you could provide a selection of nuts, trail mix, and fresh fruit. If you want to include a hot breakfast item, avocado toast is a classic option that can be cut into small bites for easy eating.

If you're looking for a fun twist on breakfast, why not try a mimosa bar? Provide a selection of juices and fruits to mix with champagne for a festive morning pick-me-up. Just remember to offer some non-alcoholic beverages as well, such as coffee, tea, and plenty of water.

• Mini pancakes topped with fresh berries
• Tea sandwiches (tuna, egg salad, cucumber, cream cheese, and lox)
• Croissants
• Ricotta toast with figs and honey, or tomatoes and salt
• Quiche (spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese)
• Shakshuka (a delightful eggs-and-tomato bake)
• Smoothies with fruit and vegetables

Lunch options

It's important to keep the bridesmaids well-fed and happy while they're getting ready for the wedding. Here are some lunch options to consider:

Sandwiches

Sandwiches are a popular choice for feeding the bridal party, as they're easy to eat and can be ordered in or catered. You can go for a variety of different options, such as tea sandwiches, bagels, or baguette sandwiches. If you're looking for something more substantial, try a deli meat sandwich or a panini. For those who want a lighter option, there are also finger sandwiches or build-your-own sandwich trays.

Salads

Salads are a refreshing option, especially if you're looking for something on the healthier side. You can go for a classic chicken salad or a caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. For a more unique option, try a shakshuka, which is a delightful eggs-and-tomato bake that can be paired with toast.

Wraps

Turkey wraps or tortilla wraps with various fillings are a great choice, as they're easy to eat and can be made in advance. You can fill them with chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mustard, and wrap them in plastic wrap to be stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

Fruit

Fresh fruit is always a good option to have on hand, as it's easy to eat and can be a great source of energy and hydration. You can cut up watermelon and cantaloupe, put together mini cups of berries, or simply offer bananas and apples.

Charcuterie

A charcuterie board is a beautiful and versatile option that can be tailored to your group's preferences. Include a selection of meats, cheeses, breads, nuts, and fruits to create a filling and satisfying lunch. For a more portable option, you can even create individual charcuterie cones for each member of the bridal party.

Quiche

Quiche is a savory option that can be made in advance and served at room temperature. Go for a traditional spinach and mushroom quiche, or get creative with your favorite vegetables and cheese. For a lighter option, opt for bite-sized or miniature quiches.

Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences your bridesmaids may have and try to include a variety of options to suit everyone's tastes.

Avoiding messy foods

When it comes to food for the bridesmaids while they are getting ready, it's important to avoid anything that could cause a mess and potentially ruin hair, makeup, and outfits. Here are some tips for avoiding messy foods:

Firstly, it's crucial to provide a variety of mess-free, easy-to-eat options that will keep the bridesmaids energised and satisfied throughout the day. This includes foods that can be picked up with fingers or eaten with a fork, such as finger sandwiches, tea sandwiches, wraps, or small-cut sandwiches. Avoid anything that requires a knife, like large sandwiches or burgers, as these can be tricky to eat and increase the risk of spills.

Secondly, opt for bite-sized or miniature versions of foods. For example, instead of a regular quiche, go for bite-sized or miniature quiches. This makes it easier to eat and reduces the chances of any mess. The same goes for other foods like pancakes, flatbreads, and even doughnuts—miniature versions are ideal.

Thirdly, steer clear of greasy foods. Traditional pizza slices, for instance, can be greasy and messy. Instead, opt for simple flatbreads or small, pre-cut pieces. Meatballs are another food item that can be messy, so if you're serving them, make sure they are on skewers for easier, less messy consumption.

Additionally, it's a good idea to provide foods that are not only mess-free but also nourishing and filling. This will ensure the bridesmaids stay energised without having to eat large portions. Examples include protein-rich foods like nuts, hard-boiled eggs, or chicken skewers. You can also offer yogurt parfaits with fruit and granola, avocado toast, or charcuterie cones filled with meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers.

Lastly, don't forget to provide plenty of drinks, but be mindful of potential spills. While beverages like mimosas and other alcoholic drinks can be fun, it's important to limit the number served to avoid any accidental spills. Offer a variety of drinks, including water, juice, and perhaps some coffee and tea. Just remind everyone to be cautious while drinking around the bridesmaids' hair and makeup!

Frequently asked questions