Bridal Shower Wollongong

Most bridal showers are daytime gatherings for close friends and family, and the Wollongong options split three ways: lunch somewhere with a view, a hands-on session where everyone makes something, or a styled set-up at someone's home.

For lunch out, Lu Mare is an Italian restaurant on Wollongong Harbour with an open-air courtyard and a separate function room, each for about 30 seated, and group set menus from $67 per person. The whole restaurant takes 60 seated if the list grows.

For something to do, Clay Wollongong runs private Wine & Clay handbuilding sessions on Keira Street for groups of 10 to 40, from $50 per person, with BYO drinks and nibbles. Further south, Soul Clay Studios in Gerringong takes private pottery bookings in a purpose-built studio, and its Friday Night Clay Date is a two-hour BYO wine session.

For a shower at home, the styling suppliers do most of the lifting:

• Owl and Pussycat Events – silk floral styling and ready-to-order packages from $700, with delivery, setup and pack down included.
• Stylish Outdoor Weddings – peacock chairs, greenery walls, lolly buffets and refreshment stations.
• Balloons – Balloon Expressions (from $150) for organic garlands and a gold hoop backdrop, or Bunches Balloon Boutique (from $120) around Kiama and Shellharbour.
• Fresh flowers – long-table pieces from Pepe's Garden, or tablescapes and hanging pieces from Mrs Gibbons Flowers.

See paint and sip for more hands-on sessions, or event stylists to dress a lounge room or garden.