Here comes the bridal shower! These days, every party has a theme, and there's no reason a celebration for the future Mrs. in your life shouldn't get the same treatment. Whether you're the maid of honor, mother of the bride or best friend, a bridal shower is your chance to celebrate the bride-to-be with shower gifts, as well as some of their favorite things.
Be it afternoon tea, karaoke, candy, wine, puppies, or even Paris, we've come up with some amazing party ideas for you. Even something as simple as her favorite color can lend itself to a super cute theme. You can even go off script and make it a co-ed affair. Or bring back the days of surprise bridal showers and let the woman of the hour off the hook for even knowing when her event is taking place (because she already has enough on her wedding planning to-do list!).
No matter what direction you go in, we highly recommend fully embracing your theme in all elements of the party, from the invitations and decorations to the food and drink. And we propose leaning into all of the irresistible puns that come with it. She found her lobster! (A Friends theme for a friends-only party is basically a must.) Love is brewing! (For the coffee aficionado.) He popped the question! (A balloon theme, naturally.) These ideas don't have to break the bank either — you can go as all out or DIY nearly all of it.
So, do we accept the challenge of presenting you with the best bridal shower themes you probably haven't thought of? We do.
1
Build-a-Bouquet Party
Nothing says bridal like a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Guests can build their own while the bride mingles — and then take their creations home as party favors.
2
Take Me to Paris
If she can't go to Paris, bring Paris to her! You'll need macaron towers, croissants and an Eiffel Tower background for an epic photo booth.
3
Puppy (Love) Party
Hear us out: Puppies as plus-ones! That's it, that's the theme. Serve Puppy Chow (or Muddy Buddies, depending on where you're from) and Greyhound co*cktails (grapefruit juice and gin!) if you really want to commit.
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4
Ice Cream Party
Who doesn't scream for ice cream, really? Set up an ice cream bar with all the toppings the bride's heart desires. Stay on theme with the decorations too.
5
Double Date
While usually taboo for a bridal shower, we love breaking the rules. Invite significant others to join in on the fun at this couples gathering. Play games in pairs and set up a photo booth to commemorate the occasion.
6
A Bridal Sprinkle
You've heard of a sprinkle for second (and so on) pregnancies, but what about for a no-fuss bride? Skip the over-the-top decor and lavish gifts and get everyone she loves together for a low-key meal at her favorite restaurant.
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7
Bridal Bake-Off
Heart-shaped cookies, red velvet cupcakes...the best on-theme baked good, according to the bride, wins! Have to-go boxes ready for guests to take home a little bit of everything.
8
Love's a Picnic
Celebrate the bride al fresco. Decorate with festive blankets, pillows and fresh flowers. Fill picnic baskets with the bride's favorite sandwiches, fruit and pastries. Don't forget a bucket of bubbly!
9
Paint Party
An artistic bride-to-be will enjoy a day of painting (and sipping) with all her favorite people. You can pick one painting for every guest to try their hand at or let everyone come up with their own creations.
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10
He Popped the Question
Balloons everywhere, because he popped the question! Greet guests with a balloon arch, set up a balloon photo wall and, of course, get a required "Bride" balloon.
11
Shower the Bride With Love
The theme's right there in the name: bridal shower. Embrace it by decorating with raindrop confetti, serving blue "cloud" cotton candy for dessert and sending everyone home with umbrellas as favors.
12
Dessert First
Skip the savories and instead serve every delicious dessert imaginable: cupcakes, cake pops, doughnuts, cookies, the works. Pro tip: Make sure there's coffee for anyone who needs a break from the sweets.
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13
Mother-Daughter Day
Invite guests to bring their moms (or aunt! or grandma!) for a multigenerational soirée. Ask them to write their best marriage advice for the bride in a guestbook — because mothers know best!
14
Love Is Brewing
Is the bride a coffee aficionada? Hire a professional barista — or enlist the coffee expert in the group to take charge — to make guests' favorite coffee drinks. Lean into the puns, because why not? Love is brewing! Where has he bean all her life? The perfect blend!
15
She Found Her Lobster
If your friend's big shower is in her hometown with family, throw her a friends-only bash — and make it Friends-themed. Don't forget a "The One Where [Insert Her Name Here] Gets Married" banner and a guitar (à la Phoebe!).
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16
A Black and White Affair
Have everyone dress in black — except for the bride, of course — for super-sophisticated, Instagram-worthy photos. Stay on theme with the decor too. And for dessert? Vanilla and chocolate everything!
17
All White Affair
Or (if the bride doesn't shudder at the idea) have everyone dress in white. Keep the flowers and food white(ish) too. Think: cheese and crackers, snowball cookies, white chocolate-covered treats, vanilla cupcakes, and more.
18
Afternoon Tea
Serve dainty finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and jam, then go the extra mile with sophisticated teacups and saucers. Want to keep it a bit more casual? You can hardly tell these cups are paper.
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19
co*cktail Party
Create themed co*cktails based on everything the bride loves, like her favorite color, television show, place to visit — you get the picture. Ask everyone to dress in their best co*cktail attire.
20
Fun and Games
Let the games begin! They don't have to be your typical bridal shower games (though those are fun too!), try a scavenger hunt or a co*cktail-making competition.
