Around here Sunday brunches cost about $18-22pp. My aunt and cousin are throwing my shower for me as they insisted. My BMs (I only have 2) will probably be helping with setting up or something like that, but won't be contributing $ wise. We also always do a spiked and non spiked punch so there is no need for an open bar. Did anyone else in your or you FIs family offer to throw a shower for you? If they did maybe you can just have your bridemaids help out with the other stuff so they don't have to spend so much. Otherwise, what if you just picked a restaurant with a private room and ordered appetizers, cake or dessert and had pitchers of soda, beer and/or wine for drinks. That should keep the cost per person down since you won't be having an elaborate meal and you should still be able to find a place that is architecturally what you prefer?