13 Places to Host Your Upcoming Wedding Shower in Tampa, Florida
There are plenty of award-winning bridal shower venues to host your nearest and dearest ahead of your big day in Tampa, Florida. Not only is the area jam-packed with scenic locations thanks to its proximity to water, but the fact that its a vacation hot spot means that many top chefs and event planners have settled there to flex their hosting skills. In short: it's a dream spot for all special events from wedding showers to wedding ceremonies.
When picking an event venue in this Florida town, you'll want to make sure you're taking into consideration the time of year you've selected as an event date (some oceanfront areas may close down during hurricane season or have reduced staff during the tourist off-season) and how accessible it will be for guests: those beachfront celebrations sure are picturesque but they're not easy for everyone to get to.
Tampa has everything from high-end country clubs to artistic venues that offer unique touches you just can't find anywhere else. Here are 13 of our favorite gorgeous venue picks from this part of The Sunshine State that'll ensure your wedding shower you're planning shines. And to get even more ideas, peruse The Knot Marketplace for wedding shower venue inspiration.
Tru by Hilton in St. Petersburg, Florida
This downtown St. Petersburg hotel venue offers your bridal shower guests an elegant venue where they can celebrate your pending nuptials. With Tru by Hilton you'll be able to choose between a selection of event spaces that can accommodate varying sized guest lists within the 500-square-foot space. Also, those who book with Tru will be able to use some of their online services to aid in event planning, including an attendee website and virtual planning amenities that will help you make sure all of your i's are dotted and your t's are crossed before you guests begin to show up. Since this is a hotel, it's also a great option if you have lots of bridal shower attendees coming in from out of town.
Screaming Goat Taqueria in Sarasota, Florida
This Sarasota-based eatery serves up authentic Hispanic favorites with a contemporary edge. The brains behind the Screaming Goat Taqueria has been in the kitchen since he was a child, and he's put all of that training to good use. If you like Latin Street Food, you'll love what they're cooking up here. The Screaming Goat can seat 100 of your closest friends, bridesmaids and family members for your event where menu options will include some of their signature menu items include beef barbacoa, traditional cochinita pibil, vegan chorizo and more.
Apollo Beach Wine Bar in Apollo Beach, Florida
The wine lovers in your life will get a kick out of your bridal shower if you host it at the Apollo Beach Wine Bar. The tasting venue is located in Apollo Beach, Florida, and is furnished with neutral decor that creates a clean backdrop so you can easily bring any wedding shower theme to life. There are sommeliers on staff who can help you pick the perfect bottle of vino for your occasion (or help you host a tasting for small groups of up to eight people) and walk you through various pricing options. The venue can seat up to 50 people and also has a variety of gourmet pairing options if you want to add a food spread.
Clear Sky on Cleveland in Clearwater, Florida
If you're looking for rustic decor for your bridal shower, look no further than Clear Sky on Cleveland in Clearwater, Florida. The historic Global Bistro is located in the Cleveland Street District. Menu options include some of the area's finest sushi and oysters, plus non-seafood offerings like tacos, burgers and a selection of other foods from all around the world. Celebrate your special day in The Garden Room, a brightly colored banquet hall that can accommodate up to 70 guests. The space includes Mediterranean decor and a water feature that'll serve as a picturesque backdrop to your wedding shower.
Ybor City Wine Bar in Tampa, Florida
Ybor City is known as a happening spot for nightlife (worth considering for a wedding reception after-party), but by day it's a great place to host special events like a bridal shower. The Ybor City Wine Bar is located in the center of Ybor and brings plenty of different wines from around the world to its Tampa location. The interior features Miami-chic decor and offers a bar and patio space that can accommodate up to 100 guests. If you book your shower here you'll have access to a sommelier and their delicious selection of over 200 bottles of wine. Your guests will be able to fill their stomachs with some delicious food pairings and sip on items expertly chosen by the wine bar's staff.
Trattoria Pasquale in Tampa, Florida
Inspired by the hospitality and cuisine of northern Italy, Trattoria Pasquale offers a wedding shower location that will instantly transport guests. With two different private event areas—The Big Night Room seats up to 22 people at a single table or 40 at separate tables, or the DiDi's Lounge which can fit up to 100 guests—there are plenty of options to make the space work for your event. The dining options vary, but normally feature mussels marinara, spaghetti puttanesca and beef medallions. There are also bartenders on staff to help you pick the perfect wines and cocktails to pair with your entrees. Chances are you'll love this spot so much that you might even consider returning for another prewedding special event—the rehearsal dinner.
The Mill in St. Petersburg, Florida
Nestled in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, The Mill offers a private event space that will take your guests out of the fine-dining eatery and transport them inside of an industrial masterpiece. The decor at The Mill has been designed by local artist Istvan Torok to incorporate many pieces of retired mills into a cohesive work of art. The Mill can comfortably seat up to 60 guests who can expect to be wowed by more than just architecture. Some of the food packages available for events include charcuterie boards and sliders—great if you're thinking of a brunch shower.
Bascom's Chop House in St. Petersburg, Florida
Another St. Petersburg-area eatery, Bascom's Chop House is known for its gorgeous interior spaces and menu selection. The chop house has multiple private rooms that can accommodate groups small groups up to 20 and even larger groups up to 120 guests. If you need more space, you can also rent out the second-story banquet area which can seat up to 200 people. Your shower guests can expect to eat some of the foods the steakhouse is known for—like their hand-carved prime rib—and enjoy wine and cocktails prepared by their first-rate bar staff.
The Sunset by Gulf Drive Café in Bradenton Beach, Florida
Enjoy some of those stunning early evening views The Sunshine State is known for while celebrating your upcoming wedding at The Sunset by Gulf Drive Café. The oceanfront venue is located at the south end of Anna Maria Island. Your guests will get to take in the sparkling sand and soothing ocean sounds of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Sunset Tiki can serve up to 150 guests in the open-air banquet spot and the Seaside Tiki is perfect for groups of 25. If you want to take your celebration indoors you can rent the Gulf Drive Café Restaurant's inside dining room which seats up to 50 guests.
Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club in St. Petersburg, Florida
If you're looking for a little extra wow factor for your wedding shower, consider checking out Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club. This space is located on an island within the Boca Ciega Bay which means your guests will be able to look out over the glittering waters from almost every vantage point. The Boca Ciega Ballroom can seat up to 250 guests and there is a private dining room for more intimate affairs that can seat up to 60. The expert staff and chefs will assist with event planning and make sure that your shower experience is one-of-a-kind with the gorgeous venue's large range of menu options and drinks.
Spain Restaurant and Toma Bar in Tampa Bay, Florida
Delight in some of the best culinary and visual delights from Spain by scheduling your event at Spain Restaurant and Toma Bar. The restaurant is run by the Castro family, who emigrated to the Tampa Bay area back in 1980. When they arrived here they brought their favorite tapas and meals from the Galicia area of Spain.
These Mediterranean dishes can be enjoyed by you and up to 50 of your closest friends and family members as you celebrate your wedding shower. The location also has the added bonus of being located near the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, making it easy for guests to find.
Sunburst Yacht Charters in Tampa Bay, Florida
If you've selected an event date during the warmer months, take your prewedding fete to the high seas by hosting your bridal shower with Sunburst Yacht Charters. The luxury yacht company is located in downtown Tampa Bay and yachts are docked at Harbour Island Marina. This unique shower experience is better suited for smaller and more intimate gatherings, as it can only accommodate parties of 12. Those revelers will be treated to scenic views, cocktails and an indoor saloon where a sit-down meal is served with staff. Stay docked or hit the water and take your party for a tour of coastal Florida.
Parkshore Grill in St. Petersburg, Florida
Located in St. Petersburg, the Parkshore Grill has an award-winning wine list and trendy cocktail options that are sure to be a hit with your guests. The venue fits up to 100 people who will be delighted to have an opportunity to enjoy food prepared in a kitchen led by Chef Tyson Grant. The meals, which include luncheon options, are made using sustainable meats and fresh produce. There are two private rooms to choose from when planning your big celebration, each option providing its own separate ambiance which can help you achieve the vibe you want for your big celebration.