What to Ask Before Booking a Bridal Shower Venue
Bridal showers are often planned by someone other than the bride, such as a mother, sister, maid of honor, or aunt, and usually on a tighter timeline than the wedding itself. Venue tours for a shower tend to be quick, so it helps to walk in knowing what to ask.
Here are the questions that matter most, with the answers for Fleur de Lis Event Center in Mandeville.
1. Will We Have the Space to Ourselves?
Many restaurants offer a “private room” that turns out to be a sectioned-off corner of the main dining room, where other diners pass through and the noise carries. For a shower with toasts and gift opening, that makes a real difference.
At Fleur de Lis: Most showers are held in our Private Restaurant, which is booked as a completely private event space. It has its own entrance, restrooms, bar, front courtyard, and covered patio. No other diners share the room.
2. How Many Guests Will It Comfortably Hold?
Bridal showers in South Louisiana often include both families, the bridal party, family friends, and coworkers. Get a realistic count before you tour.
At Fleur de Lis: The Private Restaurant holds up to about 100 guests, and most events there have 20 or more. There’s no formal guest minimum. For a very large shower, the Jazz Ballroom works for roughly 50 to 300 guests.
3. What Are the Food Options, and Can We Bring Dessert?
Ask whether the venue has set menus, whether outside food is allowed, and how desserts are handled.
At Fleur de Lis: The Restaurant has several menu and package options rather than one set price, so ask for current menus. Commercially prepared desserts, such as a cake, cookies, or a dessert display from your favorite bakery, can be brought in.
4. Can We Serve Mimosas or a Signature Drink?
Brunch showers and mimosas go together, and many hosts like a signature cocktail named for the couple.
At Fleur de Lis: Yes. Signature cocktails and nonalcoholic or mocktail options are available. All alcohol is provided through Fleur de Lis under our liquor license, and outside alcohol isn’t permitted.
5. What Décor Is Allowed?
Showers often involve balloon garlands, floral centerpieces, and themed tables. Ask what you can bring and whether anything is prohibited before you buy supplies.
At Fleur de Lis: Confetti isn’t allowed, and glitter is restricted. Balloons are fine as long as they don’t contain confetti. If you’re planning something larger, such as a hanging or ceiling installation, ask ahead so we can confirm it fits the space.
6. Is It Easy for Every Guest to Get There and Get Around?
Showers bring grandmothers and great-aunts along with college friends. Parking, walking distance, and stairs matter.
At Fleur de Lis: We have free on-site parking for 175+ vehicles, plus adjoining overflow parking. Our primary event spaces are accessible without requiring second-floor access. Please contact us about specific accessibility needs. The building is also fully climate controlled, which helps from May through September.
7. When Can We Tour, and How Far Ahead Should We Book?
Showers usually take place a month or two before the wedding. Saturday and Sunday daytime slots are popular, so ask about availability early.
At Fleur de Lis: Tours are available on weekdays and on Saturday mornings. Virtual tours are also available, which helps when the host lives out of town.
If the Wedding Is Also at Fleur de Lis
Holding the shower at the same venue as the wedding gives family members a chance to see the building and learn the drive before the wedding day. Keep in mind that the shower is a separate booking from the wedding, with its own date, menu, and contract.
Schedule a Visit
Bring your estimated guest count, a few possible dates, and whether you’re leaning toward brunch or an afternoon shower. Call 985-626-9118
