When a couple is planning a wedding, they are typically the most excited about the day they will walk down the aisle and be pronounced married for the first time. As much as we love wedding days and all of the joy that occurs on that day, a wedding day is also symbolic of the journey the couple has taken together. Part of that journey is their engagement season and all of the events that happen to honor the couple in various ways leading up to the day they say, “We do!”
With that in mind, we thought we would highlight one of the events that’s hosted in honor of the bride – her bridal shower. We believe it’s far easier to plan the details once you have a theme in mind, just like it’s easier to plan the florals, food, entertainment, and attire for a wedding once a venue is chosen. The same goes for bridal showers, and so we wanted to dedicate this article to a selection of bridal shower themes to inspire you to plan a stunning soiree for the bride-to-be!
Creative Bridal Shower Themes & Ideas
From ideas for foodies to relaxed backyard fetes and wine tastings, let’s dive into 15 bridal shower themes she, you, and your guests will surely enjoy!
1. Fiesta Theme Bridal Shower
When we think of tacos, we think of gathering. And that’s the perfect theme for a bridal shower! The food will be at the center of this bridal shower, so consider creating a DIY taco bar. Add margaritas, piñatas, and plenty of bright colors if you want to up the ante on the fiesta! And of course, send fiesta-themed bridal shower invitations to set the vibe. This is definitely one of the most fun bridal shower themes to choose from.
Photo credit: LaFeteCreations
2. Tea Party Themed Bridal Shower
If you’re leaning toward elegant bridal shower themes, hosting a bridal shower that features hot tea and tea sandwiches is always a crowd favorite. If you’re hoping to infuse a new element or a unique twist into a bridal shower tea party, consider serving iced tea. It’s an appreciated drink during the summer when temperatures are high.
Photo credit: chicvintagebrides
3. Travel Themed Bridal Shower
If the bride loves to travel, this theme is for her! Offer a peek into where the bride-to-be will travel next. You can even get creative with some travel-themed bridal shower games to ask guests to guess where the couple is going on their honeymoon! If the bride and her partner are registered with a honeymoon registry site, highlight their desire for experiences over traditional gifts.
Photocreds: ajetsetjourney
4. Vintage Theme Bridal Shower
When it comes to elegant bridal shower themes, vintage is a popular choice. Rather than simply planning an event that’s meant to highlight older pieces, consider incorporating family heirlooms from parents, aunts, and grandparents. It helps to share the bride’s story and offer a newfound heartbeat to the event.
Photo credit: theknotshop
5. Backyard Bridal Shower
Hosting a bridal shower at a venue is welcomed, but sometimes the most special and comfortable spot for a bridal shower is in a loved one’s backyard. The décor and details can be kept simple and you can even serve barbecue for lunch. Consider including balloon letters or a balloon arch and completely transform the entrance to the yard or space. Even including balloons on the bridal shower invitations will be adorable.
Photo credit: katkakoncal
6. Foodie Theme Bridal Shower
When it comes to bridal shower themes, there are plenty of options for foodie brides-to-be. Consider welcoming food trucks to the bridal shower to offer a varied food experience. Think about turning the bridal shower into an interactive event by hosting it at a cooking studio. Your group will cook the menu with a chef for a unique alternative to a traditional shower.
Photo credit: karenadixon
7. Wine Tasting Bridal Shower
If the bride loves wine, consider hosting everything at a local winery. Wineries often host weddings and other gatherings, so there should be a private space to host the shower. Plus, there’s the added element of a wine tasting! This is perfect for a non-traditional bride who isn’t into the classic bridal shower games.
Photo credit: cherrytreeinn
8. Brunch Theme Bridal Shower
When it comes to the best bridal shower themes, we think that brunch takes the cake! Plan to serve brunch favorites with innovative recipes that place eggs, pancakes, waffles, and parfaits on display. And don’t forget to add a mimosa or Bloody Mary Bar! Add different types of juices, like mango and strawberry in addition to orange, and let guests get creative by making their own drinks.
Photo credit: hadleycourt
9. Boho-Bridal-Shower-Theme
Think of neutral color palettes mixed with fresh flowers and greenery for good measure. Consider incorporating palm fronds into your styling, and offer guests succulents as a favor before they depart from the event.
Photo credit: Tyshawna
10. Garden Party Bridal Shower
Flowers offer plenty of color and style inspiration, and a garden party is typically one that will be hosted outside in an actual garden. As another way to incorporate florals, consider creating a DIY flower bar. Guests can create their own mini bouquets to take home. Add some string lights as decor if the event goes into the evening hours for a magical ambiance.
Photo credit: annadelores
11. Baking-Themed Bridal Shower
A baking theme offers another chance to get creative! Make sure to serve the bride’s favorite sweets, or ask guests to bring a dessert they love. You can also work with a pastry chef who can come and teach a class about how to bake a specific dessert or even how to decorate cakes or cookies.
Photo credit: drluxy
12. Color-Themed Bridal Shower
If you want your shower to have a theme that’s a bit looser, consider turning to colors. This can be fun to do if the bride’s shower is happening during a different season than her wedding. You can also look to her wedding color palette for inspiration. Plan all of the details around these colors and get creative!
Photo credit: sugarandcloth
13. Ice Cream Bar Theme
Host a party filled with yummy treats! Display an icecream bar filled with the bride’s favorite ice cream flavors and toppings. Pinks and blues will be displayed as the party’s color scheme with light florals and ice cream themed decorations.
Photo credit: sparrowphotography
14. Breakfast at Tiffany’s Bridal Shower
A Breakfast at Tiffany’s is classy, elegant and so much fun! Decorate the party area with lots of blues, blacks, and diamonds to stay on theme with the movie. Look here for a post by the BudgetSavvyBride for more Breakfast at Tiffany’s ideas!
Photo credit: weddingomania
15. Tropical Bridal Shower Theme
A tropical-themed party is great for the colorful and vibrant bride-to-be. Tropical fruits like pineapples and coconuts will be the perfect addition to any shower. Bright colored flowers and greenery decorated throughout the party with colorful place settings and glassware.
Photo credit: weddingomania
16. Elegant Bridal Shower Theme
An elegant party for the classy bride. Simplistic is key to pulling off the bridal shower of her dreams. Clear glassware with light-colored flowers delicately scattered. Whites and golds are the colors of choice.
Photo credit: sarahgawler
17. Disney Theme Bridal Shower
Calling all Disney lovers! A Disney-themed bridal shower is possible with endless possibilities. Simply decorated Mickey ears will go along perfectly with the theme. Whether lots of colors or a classic shower, Disney can be incorporated beautifully! Don’t forget her favorite Disney princess. Another idea for a Disney bridal shower would be to have everyone take a “Which Disney Princess Are You?” quiz. Just make sure you have a tiara for everyone!
Photo credit: mikylacreates
18. Rustic BBQ Bridal Shower
Host an “I do” BBQ for a fun and casual bridal shower. Provide the bride’s favorite barbecue foods and desserts to create an experience for the guests. Purchase “I do” themed decorations from places like Amazon or Etsy.
Photo credit: fun365
19. Disco Theme Bridal Shower
A disco-themed bridal shower with all things glitz and glam! Shiny decorations like disco balls will cover the party with everyone in their favorite disco outfits. Disco-themed showers are popular these days with different decorating options and purchasing.
Photo credit: poppyandwattle
20. Painting Theme Bridal Shower
A relaxing and simple way to host a bridal shower is to have a paint party! Guests can choose what they paint or provide a specific picture to base their painting on. Provide the canvases and paints, neatly placed for everyone, and have fun!
Photo credit: dreamingofhomemaking
21. Lingerie Shower
As the bride becomes a wife, new lingerie is a must-have! Allow the guests to purchase the new lingerie she and her future spouse will greatly enjoy. The bride can create a list of her favorites for the guests to pick from.
Photo credit: Lulus
22. Beach Themed Bridal Shower
Host a party in the sand, sticking to a beach theme for a shower! Blues and whites will complement the theme with matching utensils and place settings. Simply decorate, allowing the beach to be the main attraction. Put seashells in a vase as table centerpieces on top of a navy runner. Added bonus if you can incorporate anchors or nautical ropes.
Photo credit: kateaspen
23. Fall Themed Bridal Shower
For the colder months, a fall-themed bridal shower is perfect. Darker colors with hints of rustic will complement the shower beautifully. Provide blankets and heaters if the party will be colder and outside. Set up a hot cocoa bar for an extra dose of cozy!
Photo credit: minteventdesigns
24. Pink Bridal Shower
A girly bridal shower with a pink color scheme throughout the party! The color pink can be incorporated in every aspect of the shower. For decorations or tableware, pink will be the star of the show. You can serve pink cupcakes, cotton candy, pink lemonade and even watermelon depending on the season!
Photo credit: lovejenmarie
25. Pajama Party Bridal Shower
A cozy night in calls for a pajama party! Play games and watch a movie for the ultimate party in the comfiest (and cutest) outfits! Make sure to include popcorn on the menu! Whatever season the shower takes place, pajamas will be a perfect theme.
Photo credit: juliadags
26. Spa Theme Bridal Shower
Host a spa day for the bride and guests to relax and prepare for the wedding day. Provide robes and spa treatments for an experience they will never forget! Finger foods and mimosas will fit into the theme perfectly.
Photo credit: dreamtimes
27. Black Tie Bridal Shower
For the classier bride, she will love a black tie themed bridal shower. Allow guests to dress the theme in their fanciest dresses with the bride in white! Glass tableware complemented by black decorations is classy yet inviting.
Photo credit: katherine anne rose
28. Camp Out Bridal Shower
Host a casual bridal shower with a campout! Canvas tents are great for photo ops, along with s’mores for dessert. Pillows and rugs signify a cozy night under the stars with all her best friends.
Photo credit: alicia mink
29. Charcuterie Bridal Shower
Charcuterie boards have been in trend lately, serving as a grazing table for guests to snack on throughout the party. Fruit, dessert, or meats, and cheeses can be placed on charcuterie boards keeping the brides and guests happy and full!
Photo credit: the fashion to follow
30. Yoga Bridal Shower Theme
An activity for the bridal shower will keep guests entertained throughout the party. Yoga is a slow-moving event that allows people to get a workout while having fun with their friends! Provide snacks and drinks afterward for a nice incentive.
Photo credit: the cannons photography
31. Picnic Theme Bridal Shower
Whether outside in a field or in a home, picnics are possible! Let the decorations be simple, focusing on the picnic itself. The food can be classic finger foods for guests to take as they please, adhering to everyone’s food desires.
Photo credit: just a tina bit
32. Couples Shower
Make sure to invite all of the attendees’ partners so the groom. This type of shower will have more of a “gathering” feel, which we love, especially if it’s hosted in a backyard. A home is a space where many feel comfortable and relaxed, and one way to up the ante is by incorporating backyard games.
Photo credit: sergio sandona
33. Paris Theme Bridal Shower
Ooh la la. A Paris theme is a tres chic. You may be miles away from the Eiffel Tower but you can bring the French charm stateside with macarons, champagne and crepes. Decorate with black and white table runners, accented with soft pinks paying ribute to CoCo Chanel. See if any of your guests is the proud owner of a French Bulldog and make sure you invite him or her too!
Photo cred: Aloha Zoe Photography
34. Butterfly Themed Bridal Shower
If the bride to be loves butterflies, throw her a butterfly themed bridal shower. Decorate with pastel colors, butterfly garlands, and floral arrangements. Include butterfly motifs in bridal shower invitations, table settings, and even the cake or cupcakes. Offer activities like a DIY craft station. Serve light, airy foods such as tea sandwiches, macarons, and a variety of teas or lemonade to complete the enchanting experience.
Photo credit: saralukecreative on Etsy
35. Nautical Bridal Shower Theme
For a nautical-themed bridal shower, decorate with navy and white colors, anchors, and seashells. Set up a beach or seaside atmosphere with sand centerpieces and striped tablecloths. Invitations can feature maritime motifs, while guests can enjoy seafood appetizers, beachy cocktails, and a dessert table with anchor-shaped cookies. Offer activities like a message in a bottle station where guests write wishes for the bride. For added fun, incorporate beach games or a DIY nautical craft station to complete the theme.
Photo credit: KatzCornerBoutique
36. Taylor Swift Themed Bridal Shower
For the Swiftie bride, we can’t forget to include a Taylor Swift themed bridal shower. Celebrate the bride to be’s Bridal Era with a sparkling soiree. Make sure to include lots of lyrics references, heart hands, and Easter Eggs to delight the bride. Invite guests to dress in their bride’s favorite Eras. This might be the pinnacle of shower themes in our book, and any Swiftie Bride is sure to have The Best Day!
Photo credit: HouseofHoneyGoods
Other fun ideas to incorporate into any Bridal Shower:
Any bridal shower theme can easily incorporate other fun ideas into the party planning. Some hostesses require guests to bring their favorite recipe on a recipe card to present to the bride at the end of the shower. Others create fun bridal shower games that break the ice, this is especially helpful if you are bringing several circles of friends together from both partners. And finally, you can always pare down the drink menu by making a signature cocktail or simply serving champagne!
Common Questions About Bridal Showers
Do bridal showers need to have a theme?
Bridal showers don’t have to have a theme. A theme is a great way to focus the decor, food and venue. Themes can be decorative in nature or they can be focused on the type of bridal shower. For instance, you can throw a couples shower and both partners can be invited along with their couple friends. You can also host a shower specifically around stocking their bar or a linen shower. These type of showers help guests know exactly what gift to bring from the registry.
How long should a bridal shower be?
Typically bridal showers last anywhere from two to four hours. Depending on the time of day and around what food will be served. If you are hosting a brunch or light finger food then hosting a two hour shower in between meals is the perfect amount of time. However, if you plan on serving a full dinner then you may want to extend the time frame.
What should the budget be for a bridal shower?
Just like a wedding the budget revolves around the amount of people you tend to invite. More people means more money especially if food and drinks are involved. When budgeting for a shower start at the beginning and make sure you include the cost of invitations & postage. Decide if you want to pay for a venue or if you will host it at someone’s home. Food and decor will be your biggest line item. You also want to make sure you include a gift for the bride! Typically, the hostess splits the cost of a larger registry item with other guests to gift to the bride, along with throwing the shower.
Who throws the bridal shower?
People that love the bride and groom are the ones that throws a shower. The maid or matron of honor should enlist the help of the other bridesmaids to host a shower. The mother of the bride or groom usually do not throw a shower per etiquette but they can assist with other family members like aunts or cousins. Co-workers and close friends who aren’t in the wedding may also throw a shower if they feel so led. There are really no rules if you want to shower your friends and celebrate this exciting time in a couples life then so be it!
The Best Bridal Shower Themes for a Pre-Wedding Party
We hope this roundup of wedding shower themes has inspired you for future bridal showers! There are many cute bridal shower themes to choose from to make the party unique and fun. It’s also important to note that bridal showers do not need a theme – they can just be an excuse to get together to celebrate the bride! But for future brides who desire a themed party, we hope the ideas above have gotten your creative juices flowing.
If you’re still stumped on finding the perfect bridal shower theme for the bride to be in your life, join us in our community to share your ideas for unique bridal shower themes!
