Colette Grand Cafe is a Bride-to-Be’s Dream Venue

Being a bridesmaid is a big commitment, but the honour also means you’ve got a relationship that means a lot. You’re willing to jump through any hoops that are thrown at you just to make your bride-to-be happy. And if you’re the maid of honour, well, that usually means a bigger load of responsibility… But the fun responsibilities like throwing great parties.

We’ve already equipped you with a list of totally Instagram-worthy venues to throw the perfect pre-wedding event, and now we’re giving you the deets on how you can plan the perfect bridal event at one of the prettiest spaces in Toronto, Colette Grand Cafe.

Step 1: Booking the Venue

Booking space at Colette is easy, you just need to make sure you book your preferred space ahead of time. And for an event this important, it’s best to err on the side of caution – especially since Colette is quite a popular venue. All you have to do is head to Chase Hospitality Group’s website, give them the who and what’s of your party, and wait for their event manager to contact you. Once Chase’s event manager gets back to you, they’ll offer you room options based on the size of your party. Other questions you should be prepared to answer include the date, the preferred start time, and your budget.

For the bridal shower I threw, I chose Colette’s Cafe which accommodates 36 seated guests or 50 standing. For a Saturday event slot running 4 hours, the minimum spend was $1600.

Step 2: Picking the Menu

Colette offers a variety of menu items that changes with the seasons. The team allows you to create your own menu up to three weeks ahead of the event. Depending on the nature of your party, you may want to choose entrees from the restaurant menu, hor d’oeuvres or a combination of both. They’ve also got an expansive dessert menu that offers macaron towers, cakes, tartlets, and more. Once you’ve decided on plates and bites, they’ll customize a menu setting for each of your guests.

Oh, and don’t forget the drinks! A mimosa bar at brunch is always a crowd pleaser.

Step 3: Decorating

The upside of picking a beautiful venue like Colette means you can keep your decorating costs at a minimum. Keep things simple with a couple of framed hashtags or instructions, balloons and floral arrangements. Colette offers floral arrangements (at an extra cost) or you can bring your own.

Step 4: The Gifts

Depending on your budget, you can offer your bridal party guests a gift to remember the special day. In my opinion, handmade gifts make the best takeaways. Think fragrant soaps or mouthwatering jams. If you opted for one of Colette’s macaron towers, the staff can even pack up the treats for your guests to take home.

Step 5: The Games

Let’s be honest, bridal shower games aren’t always the best. Keep things simple and stick to one game, and allow the guests to eat and mingle for the rest of the time. I suggest a ballot game, where guests are asked a question and write their answers down. The bride-to-be then picks her favourite answer and the winner goes home with a special takeaway.

Step 6: Putting it all Together

Before the big day arrives, make sure to confirm all the details with Chase’s event manager. This includes the time you are to arrive to set up and any extras you’ll need (think tables for gifts and desserts). From there, Colette’s team will handle everything else and you’re able to sit back and relax.

RELATED LINK: The Best Places to Throw a Bridal Shower in Toronto

Where else would you throw a bridal shower in Toronto? Let us know in the comment section or tweet us at @ViewtheVibe.