Planning a bridal shower that feels personal, elegant, and stress-free starts with finding the right venue. At The Preston Barn at Old Drovers Inn in Dover Plains, we’ve hosted countless showers for guests from Westchester, Connecticut, and what hosts tell us consistently is how much the flexibility and all-inclusive approach changed the planning experience. If you’re looking for a spot within easy reach of Westchester that gives you beautiful spaces, full-service catering, and a team that customizes every detail to your vision, here’s what makes this Hudson Valley barn the right fit for your celebration.
The Preston Barn offers Westchester hosts a flexible, all-inclusive venue for bridal showers with customizable floor plans, in-house catering, and scenic outdoor spaces. The 11-acre property and climate-controlled barn provide a charming, destination-like feel just 90 minutes from Westchester, making it a stress-free location for a memorable event.
A Venue Designed Around Your Bridal Shower
You have the entire barn and 11 acres to work with. The Preston Barn accommodates up to 220 guests comfortably, although most showers we host range from 30 to 100 guests. Hand-hewn beams, vaulted ceilings, and barnwood floors provide a warm, rustic backdrop without sacrificing comfort. Year-round climate control means whether you’re planning a spring brunch or a winter afternoon tea, your guests stay comfortable.
Our floor plan is fully adaptable to your event. We’ll guide you through seating options that best fit your program, whether that’s long farm tables for a cozy brunch, round tables for a formal plated lunch, or a combination that creates both lounge-style and dining areas. The venue includes 10 farm tables, 14 round tables, wood cross-back chairs with cushions, linens with your choice of napkin colors, plus flatware, china, and glassware for up to 220 guests.
Outdoor Moments That Begin the Celebration
Cocktail hour or mingling happens on our 40 by 50 foot Vermont stone patio, where guests can sip champagne, take photos on the lawn, and enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres before moving inside for lunch or activities. The outdoor arrival creates a natural flow that helps guests settle in and reconnect before the formal program begins. Our 11 acre property with open lawn and mature trees provides the perfect backdrop for those candid moments and group photos that the bride will treasure.
If the weather turns, we have a tented area and lawn space ready as backup. The historic Old Drovers Inn building on-site adds visual interest for portraits, and many hosts take advantage of the grounds for photos before or after the meal.
All the Essentials for a Smooth Bridal Shower
The Preston Barn handles setup coordination, floor plans, and cleanup of venue items. You remove your personal decor and gifts at the end, and we take care of the rest. Our board of health approved commercial kitchen with grill area, cold prep stations, and walk in cooler and freezer means every dish is prepared fresh on site.
Full audio is built in for background music during brunch or microphones for toasts. TV screens and a live feed device are ready if you're planning a slideshow or have virtual guests joining remotely. WiFi is available throughout the barn, which is helpful if you're streaming the event or guests want to share photos in real-time.
Catering That Reflects the Bride
Old Drovers Inn provides all catering, and you work directly with our chef to select your menu, using local and fresh ingredients. Service styles include buffet, family style, or plated. For showers, we often see one salad or three stationary hors d’oeuvres to start, then two entrees with sides. Popular combinations include a baby spinach salad with strawberries, gorgonzola cheese, pecans, and honey balsamic dressing, followed by herb-grilled chicken with charred lemon and shallot vinaigrette, and eggplant parmesan.
Every package includes penne alla vodka, fingerling potatoes, seasonal vegetables, freshly baked cookies, and a coffee station. From a simple champagne toast to signature cocktails or a full open bar, our flexible bar service lets you choose what best fits your bridal shower. Soft drinks and water are always included. If you want a mimosa bar or champagne wall for arrivals, we’ll coordinate it. The chef can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice, ensuring every guest has appropriate options.
Close to Westchester, Feels Like a Destination
Dover Plains sits in the Hudson Valley about 80 miles north of New York City, making it an easy drive from most of Westchester, typically about an hour to 90 minutes depending on your starting point. The location is close enough for guests to reach comfortably, but far enough to feel like a destination worth the trip. The barn was constructed from reclaimed Hudson Valley barns, so the materials and architecture have a genuine connection to the region rather than feeling generic.
Local wineries and hiking trails are nearby if you’re planning a whole weekend with out-of-town guests or want to suggest activities for early arrivals. Parking is available across from the Inn, with attendants on duty for the first hour. We also have handicap parking adjacent to the barn, along with a golf cart shuttle available if needed.
Conclusion
If you want a bridal shower that feels thoughtful, elegant, and entirely yours, without the stress of coordinating vendors across three counties, The Preston Barn provides the space and the team to make it happen. See the barn, walk the patio, and let’s talk through your vision. Call 845-442-3053 or email helene.rosenkranz@olddroversinn.com to schedule your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Westchester hosts choose The Preston Barn over local venues for bridal showers?
The hour to 90-minute drive gives guests a destination feel without the hassle of overnight logistics. You get 11 acres and a climate controlled barn with hand hewn beams. The all inclusive setup means wood cross back chairs, linens, china, glassware, and an on-site coordinator who handles logistics so you can focus on celebrating the bride. Floor plans and menus are fully customizable to your vision.
Can we use the outdoor patio and lawn for photos and mingling before the shower starts?
Absolutely. The 40 by 50 foot Vermont stone patio works beautifully for champagne arrivals and passed hors d’oeuvres while guests gather. The 11 acre property with mature trees and the historic Old Drovers Inn building provides natural backdrops for group photos and candid moments before moving inside for the meal.
What does the custom catering process look like for a bridal shower?
You work directly with the Old Drovers Inn chef to select your menu using local and fresh ingredients. Most showers start with one salad or three stationary hors d'oeuvres, then two entrees, such as herb-grilled chicken or eggplant parmesan with penne alla vodka, fingerling potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, followed by cookies and coffee. Add a champagne toast, a mimosa bar, or a full open bar, based on your vision.
What’s included in the venue fee, and what are typical add-ons for bridal showers?
The venue fee covers barn rental, farm and round tables, wood cross back chairs with cushions, linens, flatware, china, glassware, setup coordination, and cleanup. An on-site coordinator handles planning and day of logistics. Built-in audio, TV screens, and WiFi are included. Typical add-ons include champagne toasts, signature cocktails, mimosa bars, upgraded bar packages, and additional passed hors d'oeuvres or dessert displays.