6 Inspired Bridal Shower Themes
Often overshadowed by its sister event, the bachelorette party, bridal showers are pigeonholed as being drab events featuring tasteless tea biscuits and a mountain of kitchen gadgets on the gift table. But no more! Since we’re already modernizing our bridal showers, why not kick it up a notch with inventive themes to suit our 21st-century tastes?
Whether you’re planning the shower yourself or just offering ideas, these 6 unique bridal shower themes are guaranteed to impress.
Travel theme
This theme is perfect if the bride-to-be is about to embark on a destination wedding or is planning an exotic honeymoon. The point of a bridal shower is to “shower” the bride with gifts. So guests can cater their gifts for the couple’s trip, like the versatile sarong, or a Lonely Planet travel guide for the adventurous gal and her soon-to-be hubby.
Imagine invitations resembling boarding passes or postcards and vintage globes as centerpieces for the tables—what’s not to like? Part decorative and part functional, disposable cameras can be littered around the space so that guests can take photos of the festivities. Remember to collect them all at the end of the event so you can develop the negatives and make a collage for the bride!
In terms of food, it may be fun to create authentic dishes from the destination of choice. If the food is too exotic for the bride’s taste, mix in some familiar food fares to round out the menu. Keep it classy, though—no McDonalds!
Mad Hatter’s tea party
If the bride-to-be has a taste for tea but would appreciate a gallymogger twist, why not plan a Mad Hatter’s tea party? While most tea parties have the finger foods already laid out on the table, if you’re hosting a bridal shower that has full meals, it could be a great way to incorporate Eat Me and Drink Me menus.
The Mad Hatter’s tea table is pretty messy, but that just means there are a lot of items to play around with when decorating your table! Zany clock decorations, seating cards using tea tags, towers of mismatched teacups, and scattered playing cards can bring your tablescape to the next level. Alternatively, you can string the playing cards and cutouts of keyholes on twine for some bunting if the tables become too cluttered.
For activities, why not set up some flamingo croquet—just don’t invite the Queen of Hearts if you want a fair game.
Beach Themed
There are two ways to bring the beach theme to life. The first is to actually go to a beach! It can be a chance for the bride-to-be to catch some rays and get that sun-kissed glow before her big day. If she’s the athletic type, beach-friendly activities such as volleyball, Frisbee, and capture-the-flag, will win over her heart.
If you can’t go to the beach, make the beach come to you! Use blue, sandy brown, and white colors with pops of sunshine yellow to create a beachy vibe for your party. Décor ideas include seashell tea saucers, message-in-a-bottle seating cards, and starfish cookies.
Having exclusive access to a pool can be even better than a beach in some ways—no screaming kids to interrupt festivities, and you can break out the mimosas!
Parisian Theme
There’s nothing more sophisticated than a Parisian-themed bridal shower. Hire a sommelier to guide a group wine tasting and have him or her recommend cheese pairings. Throw in some macarons and madeleines to add some variety to the table if the cheeses don’t tickle your fancy.
For décor, stick to a romantic and elegant theme. Repurpose old wine corks by cutting slits into them and inserting the name cards into them. To make sure they stand, slice off a sliver along the side of the cork to stand the cards up straight! Mini Eiffel towers can be centerpieces along with black and white vintage photos, and don’t forget the flowers! They will not only brighten up the sophisticated black-and-white palette, but also add a floral scent to the space.
Cooking Party
If the Parisian theme is too strong for the bride-to-be’s taste, approach with the subtler French theme à la Julia Child’s The French Chef.
Consider hiring a chef to come and teach a lesson. Everyone will learn how to whip up a delicious appetizer or dessert and be able to enjoy it right there! Or, for a bride who loves competition, turn the party into a cook-off, with the bride (and groom, if he’s invited) as the judge.
For a more personalized approach, the bridal shower can be a potluck. Guests can bring in their favorite dishes along with recipe cards so you, the host, can compile a cute recipe book for the bride. Whatever type of cooking party you choose, decorations should conjure images of the kitchen. How cute are these centerpieces of herbs and garnishes? Perfect for use during the party. Favors can also add a little whimsy to complement their function such as engraved spoons or these adorable heart whisks.
The Roaring ‘20s
Guests should break out the Chanel No.5 and show up in flapper dresses, Mary Janes, cloche hats, and headbands. The lively times of the ‘20s was fueled by glitz, glam, and a couple cocktails. Have a make-your-own cocktail bar with recipes popular during the ‘20s, as well as the bride’s favorite drinks.
