Your bestie is getting married, and it’s time to celebrate! If you’re in charge of planning the bridal shower, you’re in for more than just sparkling mimosas and cute but corny party games. There are decorations to source, a menu to plan, invites to mail… where to begin?
Our number one piece of advice for bridal shower is to pick out a theme in advance, before you search for venues, or even make a rough draft of the guest list. Once a theme is decided upon (hint: the bride must be consulted), you’ll be surprised to find how easily most details will fall into place. Order a set of decor from your fave party shop, a cake to match, perhaps a set of adorable favors, and you’re well on your way to planning a stylish celebration.
Of course, there is the matter of deciding on a theme. Don’t know where to begin? These 10 bridal shower theme ideas are sure to inspire!
Harry Potter Magic:
If the bride loves all things Harry Potter, this one’s sure to excite! Be sure to deck out the venue with whimsical, Harry Potter-inspired decor and include Harry Potter-themed games. Bonus points for sectioning the room into houses (Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin). Stay on-theme for food and beverages, offering Butterbeer (of course!), chocolate frogs, pumpkin juice and a sweets trolley.
Butter Brew candle from My Weekend is Booked
House Pride candle collection from My Weekend is Booked
Rose Gold Romance:
Who doesn’t love a touch of glamour? Etsy is filled with gorgeous rose gold decor pieces at affordable price points, so feel free to go all out: rose gold tablecloths, rose gold photo booth backdrop, rose gold cake topper and more!
Rose gold “Almost Mrs.” cake topper from HappilyEverEtchedInc
Desert Dreaming:
This one is for the brides who think that Coachella should be a national holiday, and is especially fitting if the wedding will have a bohemian flair. There are a couple of routes you could take with this theme: moody bohemian, with flower crowns, vintage decor pieces and a whole lot of tassel fringe, or desert chic, with a cactus-shaped cake, succulent favors and a festival-inspired dress code.
One for the Books:
As book lovers, this theme is one of our faves. If the bride’s fave book ever is Jane Austen or The Great Gatsby, consider opting for a theme based on one book. If she’s a general bookish babe who reads everything from sci-fi to historical fiction, go for a literary-inspired bash that even the non-reader guests will find delightful, featuring library card invites, book page flowers and bookish candles from My Weekend is Booked for the tables (or as favors!).
Book-themed bridal shower invitations from FreckledFoxPrints
Garden Tea Party:
High tea is the place to be! Who doesn’t love finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and orange pekoe tea served in vintage teacups? If you really want to be *extra* host the bridal shower at a botanical garden, or an English tea house.
Secret Garden soy candle from My Weekend is Booked
Color Coordination Station:
A color-coordinated party is one of the easiest to pull off, and certainly packs a visual punch. We suggest using the same palette as the wedding, and be sure to go all out- guest outfits, decor, even drinks!
Love Sweet Love:
Leave your keto diet at the door! Celebrate sweet, sweet love with well… sweets! A giant dessert bar and vibrant candy-colored decor are sure to delight guests (and the bride-to-be, of course!).
Donut wall from TheHendersonsCo
The One With the “Friends” Themed Bridal Shower:
A Friends-themed TV show is so easy to put together, you don’t even need to have a pla to make it work (if you didn’t get that Friends reference… Hint: Pheobe). Serve Toll House cookies, as well as drinks in Central Perk cups, but do skip the English trifle! As far as decor and games go, head to Etsy to check out their selection of all things Friends-themed for pre-wedding parties.
Friends quote vinyl glass decals from BespokeBrideShop
Palm Springs:
You don’t need to purchase plane tickets to Cali for this one to work. Use mid-century modern decor and a vintage dress code to set the tone, and blast a fun retro summer music playlist. Bonus points if the venue is an Airbnb rental with a pool!
Winter Wonderland:
Celebrate during the most wonderful time of the year with a white palette with silver accents. For the Christmas-obsessed bride, pay homage to the holiday season with a Christmas cookie bar and spiked eggnog.
Table runner from StyleWeddingUA
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