From elegant tea parties to the casual bonfire, plan your perfect party with 40 bridal shower themes for the modern couple.
The bridal shower is a celebration of the bride-to-be that welcomes both family and friends to the party. Traditionally it's been a girls-only event, but many modern couples are opting to plan a joint couple's shower. Of course, you're welcome to extend a bridal shower invitation to anyone you'd like to celebrate your upcoming wedding.
One of the first steps of planning a bridal or couple's shower is choosing your party’s theme. There’s no end to theme opportunities, and you can plan any activity or decor you like. (Just keep in mind that this isn’t the bachelorette party and that your grandmother may be there, so keep things PG.)
From tea time to beach bash, check out all 40 bridal shower theme ideas below.
Elegant Bridal Shower Themes
Adventurous Couple's Shower Themes
Laidback Wedding Shower Themes
Other Bridal Shower Themes
Elegant Bridal Shower Themes
An elegant bridal shower is perfect for the classic couple who wants to celebrate with a beautiful and traditional party. The entertainment is food, conversation, and maybe some light party games, and the decor is chic and simple. If you’re interested in an elegant celebration, browse these bridal shower themes below:
1. Garden Gala
Start with a beautiful venue and host a garden party as everything’s beautiful and blooming. Light snacks, co*cktails, and some fun games are all you need to make this party a hit. Nothing is simpler or more classy than a garden party.
2. Tea Party Time
Tea parties are a bridal shower classic and a great way to include everyone on your guest list. Rent or thrift adorable teaware, then gather some fresh flower bouquets for your tables, and voila—your decor is pretty much finished! Simple and sweet pastries and a collection of teas to sample is all the entertainment you need with good company at your wedding shower. (You could even send home personalized tea bags as bridal shower favors!)
3. Minimalist Mixer
Minimalism is super trendy and a great way to gather reusable decorations. When it comes to bridal shower decorations, less is more! Choose small centerpieces like lanterns and succulents, and place signs with simple calligraphy on a plain or acrylic background. A beautiful venue will carry most of the weight for a minimalist party.
4. Party in Paris
Ah, Paris—it’s everything classic romance and makes for a sophisticated party theme. French stripes, signs in French, and Eiffel Tower statuettes are easy, go-to decor. And, of course, what's a French shower without French food. Plenty of pastries, macarons, and a charcuterie board are delicious snacks that will elevate the party—and don’t forget wine to pair!
5. Lovely in Lemon
Fruit themes are hugely popular, and lemons may just top that list. They’re bright, refreshing, and so fun for a party. Decorate with yellow and white flowers with plenty of greenery, and of course lemons themselves. Host a lemonade and iced tea bar with a variety of flavors — lemon cupcakes and cookies are a must (and make for great take-home party favors!).
6. Boho Bash
Bohemian themes and decor are perfect for the casual couple. The best part of a boho bash is that there are plenty of opportunities to use thrifted and repurposed decor, so you can save some money and stay eco-friendly. Grab some decorative frames for signs, boho pillows for seating, and plenty of wildflowers for a flower crown and the centerpieces.
7. Vintage Soiree
8. Flannel and Frost
Decorate your party with evergreens, flannel fabrics, and Mason jar lanterns for a warm and inviting atmosphere for everyone. Cider drinks and spiced cookies are the perfect treats, and your guests will love playing group games and mingling.
9 Glitz and Glamor
Plan a more sophisticated evening party with glittered co*cktail attire and hors d’oeuvres. Host a wine tasting as entertainment and decorate with a simple floral arrangement, candles, anything that sparkles, and a few gold accents for a glam party with your friends.
Adventurous Couple’s Shower Themes
If you’re looking for a unique bridal shower theme, engaging games, and an energizing party atmosphere, then these adventurous themes are for you. These bridal shower themes are great for representing you as a couple and celebrating the things you love most:
10. Tropical Luau
A tropical bridal shower is the perfect way to bring fun, sun, and the tropics to your party. Plan a party by the pool with fruity drinks, beach decor, and fun inflatables that double as photo props. Pool parties are great for large guest lists and as a theme for a couple’s shower.
11. Happily Ever After
What’s better than a fairytale party for your happily ever after? Greenery, fairy lights, books, and some nods to your favorite fairytale stories will bring this theme to life. You can go with a bridal shower theme around the master of happily ever after—Disney. Choose your favorite Disney stories and characters and get creative—set each table with a different centerpiece theme, or dive in with a costume party and dress as your favorite Disney couple.
12. Karaoke Lounge
Take a break from wedding planning and plan a karaoke party at home or out at a lounge — either way, you’re sure to have a good time. Prepare challenges with your favorite songs in a draw bag, or choose a genre to build your theme around. Push the theme further and ask your guests to come dressed as their favorite artists and perform to a music video.
13. Travel-Themed Bridal Shower
Celebrate life’s big adventure with a trip around the world themed shower. Luggage, globes, and maps are all great decor pieces that are easy to find and use. Serve international favorites with their national flags, and include global monuments in your decor—like the Sphinx, Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, or the Taj Mahal.
14. Mexican Food and Fun
If the bride is a Mexican cuisine enthusiast, then a Mexican-themed fiesta could be the perfect option for a bridal shower. Create a build-your-own taco bar and pair the food with refreshing margaritas (frozen or one the rocks—bride’s choice!).
15. Drama and Dancing
Dress up and get to dancing! Have everyone dress their best and decorate with rich jewel tones and dramatic lighting. The most important part is the perfect playlist everyone will enjoy, so take suggestions from your guests leading up to the party. Prepare fun co*cktails and plenty of snacks, and you’re ready to go.
16. Under the Sea
If you’re all-in on the mermaid aesthetic, this may be the theme for you. Cool color palettes and some iridescent or silver metallics are your theme’s core. Gather seashells, glass pieces, and simple greenery arrangements for centerpieces. This is a great chance to repurpose wine bottles as candlestick holders with sand and shells inside—then let guests take home the marine-themed decor as bridal party favors.
17. Beach Bash
Beach themes are a bridal shower favorite. Subtle colors, seashells, and elegant candles can really elevate this theme if you’re looking for something more sophisticated or romantic. Of course, you can always plan a beach party with a pool, fun shades, and plenty of games.
Laidback Wedding Shower Themes
These laidback shower themes are for the casual couple looking to host a great party all of their friends and family can enjoy. Find 10 bridal shower themes and trending party ideas that are all about you and your guests, instead of heavily themed decor and entertainment:
18. Rustic and Cozy
Rustic-themed showers are having a moment. Whether you go with rustic farmhouse BBQ (think DIY mason jar flower arrangements, gingham linens and napkins, and homemade sweet tea), or a more comfy, cozy cabin vibe (think enjoying hot cocoa in pajamas in front of the fire while you play bridal shower games), this bridal shower theme is sure to appeal to brides that are more country than city.
19. Game Night
Game night is perfect for a night in with your friends, and everyone will warm up to each other quickly. Bring your favorite games and snacks, and get the party started. Decorate using Jenga pieces as a guest book for your friends and family to sign, and candy dice to top cupcakes.
20. Brunch and Bubbly
The bridal brunch is simple and welcoming to all of your guests, and gives plenty of opportunity for the couple’s family and friends to get to know each other. The menu is full of brunch favorites, like waffles and scones—and, of course, you stock the bar with champagne, juice, and other mimosa bar staples. Light floral arrangements and simple table settings are all you need to host a nice brunch.
24. Backyard Bonfire
The best way to relax with your favorite people is around a bonfire with s’mores, tunes, and drinks. Make sure you have plenty of seating and snacks, and this party is good to go. If you want to build decor, collect old tins and trays to display the snacks and place lanterns and string lights around the party to add to the vibe.
Other Bridal Shower Themes
Some themes just don’t fit in a box. If you’re still looking for the perfect party idea, try one of these creative and trendy bridal shower theme ideas:
21. Candy Crush
Celebrate your engagement to your crush with candy! Sweet, delicious, and super aesthetically pleasing, candy is an affordable and easy way to cover decor and favors for your guests. Arrange gumball bowls, giant lollipops, and macaron towers as centerpieces, and serve colorful and bubbly drinks for a great summer fun party theme.
22. Sock Hop
Go back to the ‘50s with a fun sock hop themed party. Bring circle skirts and polka dots back for a night, and prepare a rocking playlist that will have everyone dancing. Retro signs and glass co*ke bottles make for fun decor, and malt milkshakes are the perfect dessert.
23. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
What’s more glamorous and classic than Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Decorate with Tiffany blue, or even get some Tiffany’s gift boxes and candles as centerpieces. Channel your inner Holly Golightly with a little black dress, and gift pearls and sunglasses as themed favors to your guests.
24. Fair Food
Everyone loves the fair, and even if you’re not into rides, how can you say no to fair food? The carnival aesthetic is a lot of fun to play with — saturated colors and novelty lights can take you a long way, and a Ferris wheel statue would be great. Of course, the centerpiece of this theme is the food! Rent decorative machines if you can, and serve cotton candy, caramel corn, corn dogs, and more.
25. Bold and Bright
Fill your party with bright colors and bold decor to bring a ton of energy and fun to your party. Choose a handful of your favorite colors, or cover everything in rainbows. Either way, you’re setting yourself up for plenty of photo-ops and unlimited possibilities.
26. Fruit Fest
Fruit themes are fresh and fun and bring a bright tropical vibe without the need for grass skirts. Vibrant fruit arrangements are great centerpieces by themselves, but some flowers and decorative trays wouldn’t hurt. Don’t forget the fruit co*cktails, coconuts, and novelty straws — this party is all about the drinks.
27. Winter Wonderland
Snow and ice are nature’s glitter, so embrace the sparkle and celebrate a winter wonderland. Glitter centerpieces and warmth from candlelight are sure to set the mood. Pinecones and frosted evergreens are great for adding texture and colors, too.
28. Classic Hollywood Chic
You can still have a glam party in the winter with a throwback to the silver screen. Decorate with jewel tones and gold accents, and centerpieces of pearls and ostrich feathers. Roll out the red carpet to a photobooth with props of faux-fur boas, beads, and other vintage accessories and a vintage-inspired photo backdrop.
29. Potter Party
30. Trim the Tree
Invite your guests to help you trim your holiday tree with DIY ornaments. Collect some craft instructions for your guests and gather supplies to create keepsake ornaments for you and your partner. Cookies and eggnog are sure to get everyone in the festive spirit. (You could even have guests wrap bridal shower gifts in holiday paper!)
Whether you’re hosting a throwback bash or a comfortable night in, your guests will be happy to receive their invites, so choose the bridal shower theme that suits you best. Once you have your theme and decor ideas, the fun (and the countdown to the big day can really begin! So get to planning, add some fun printable games or activities, and enjoy your perfect party.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in party planning and event organization, I can provide you with valuable insights and ideas for your bridal shower. With my extensive knowledge and experience in this field, I can help you choose the perfect theme for your celebration. Let's explore the concepts mentioned in the article and provide you with more information on each one.
Elegant Bridal Shower Themes
- Garden Gala: A garden party is a beautiful and traditional choice for an elegant bridal shower. It involves hosting the event in a picturesque garden venue, serving light snacks, co*cktails, and organizing fun games. The decor is chic and simple, with an emphasis on the natural beauty of the surroundings.
- Tea Party Time: Tea parties are a classic bridal shower theme that allows you to include everyone on your guest list. You can rent or thrift adorable teaware, decorate with fresh flower bouquets, and serve simple and sweet pastries along with a variety of teas.
- Minimalist Mixer: Minimalism is a trendy theme that focuses on simplicity and reusable decorations. For a minimalist bridal shower, choose small centerpieces like lanterns and succulents, and use simple calligraphy signs on plain or acrylic backgrounds. The venue itself can contribute to the overall minimalist aesthetic.
- Party in Paris: A Parisian-themed bridal shower exudes classic romance and sophistication. Decorate with French stripes, signs in French, and Eiffel Tower statuettes. Serve French food such as pastries, macarons, and a charcuterie board, and don't forget to pair the food with wine.
- Lovely in Lemon: A lemon-themed bridal shower is bright, refreshing, and fun. Decorate with yellow and white flowers, greenery, and of course, lemons. Host a lemonade and iced tea bar, and serve lemon-flavored cupcakes and cookies as take-home party favors.
- Boho Bash: A bohemian-themed bridal shower is perfect for a casual couple. Embrace thrifted and repurposed decor, such as decorative frames, boho pillows, and wildflowers. Encourage guests to dress in boho attire and provide flower crowns as accessories.
- Vintage Soiree: Throw a party inspired by a specific decade, such as the '70s, and repurpose old furniture and decor. Collect vintage frames, funky bottles, and fabrics for tables and tapestries. Encourage guests to dress in attire from the chosen decade.
- Flannel and Frost: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with evergreens, flannel fabrics, and Mason jar lanterns. Serve cider drinks and spiced cookies, and organize group games and mingling activities.
- Glitz and Glamor: Plan a sophisticated evening party with glittered co*cktail attire, hors d'oeuvres, and a wine tasting. Decorate with floral arrangements, candles, and anything that sparkles, and incorporate gold accents for a glamorous touch.
Adventurous Couple's Shower Themes
- Tropical Luau: Bring the fun, sun, and tropics to your bridal shower with a tropical theme. Plan a poolside party with fruity drinks, beach decor, and fun inflatables. This theme is suitable for large guest lists and can be adapted for a couple's shower.
- Happily Ever After: Create a fairytale-inspired bridal shower with greenery, fairy lights, and nods to your favorite fairytale stories. Consider incorporating Disney themes and characters, and encourage guests to dress as their favorite Disney couple.
- Karaoke Lounge: Take a break from wedding planning and host a karaoke party at home or at a lounge. Prepare challenges with your favorite songs, and ask guests to come dressed as their favorite artists.
- Travel-Themed Bridal Shower: Celebrate life's big adventure with a trip around the world-themed shower. Incorporate luggage, globes, and maps into the decor, serve international favorites, and include global monuments in your theme.
- Mexican Food and Fun: If the bride is a Mexican cuisine enthusiast, a Mexican-themed fiesta is a great choice. Create a build-your-own taco bar, serve refreshing margaritas, and incorporate vibrant colors and decorations.
- Drama and Dancing: Host a glamorous party with rich jewel tones, dramatic lighting, and a perfect playlist for dancing. Prepare fun co*cktails, snacks, and encourage guests to dress their best.
- Under the Sea: Embrace the mermaid aesthetic with cool color palettes, iridescent or silver metallics, seashells, and simple greenery arrangements. Repurpose wine bottles as candlestick holders with sand and shells inside, and let guests take them home as party favors.
- Beach Bash: A beach-themed bridal shower is always a favorite. Use subtle colors, seashells, and elegant candles to create a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere. Consider hosting the party at a beach or pool, and incorporate fun shades and games.
Laidback Wedding Shower Themes
- Rustic and Cozy: Rustic-themed showers are popular and can be tailored to a farmhouse BBQ or a cozy cabin vibe. Incorporate DIY mason jar flower arrangements, gingham linens, and napkins for a farmhouse feel, or enjoy hot cocoa in pajamas in front of a fire for a cozy cabin vibe.
- Game Night: Host a game night with your friends, featuring your favorite games and snacks. Use Jenga pieces as a guest book and candy dice as cupcake toppers for added fun.
- Brunch and Bubbly: A bridal brunch is simple and welcoming, allowing guests to get to know each other. Serve brunch favorites like waffles and scones, and stock the bar with champagne, juice, and other mimosa bar staples. Keep the decor light and floral, and focus on creating a nice brunch atmosphere.
- Backyard Bonfire: Relax with your favorite people around a bonfire, enjoying s'mores, tunes, and drinks. Provide plenty of seating and snacks, and create a cozy and inviting atmosphere with lanterns and string lights.
Other Bridal Shower Themes
- Candy Crush: Celebrate your engagement with a candy-themed bridal shower. Use candy as decor and favors, arrange gumball bowls, giant lollipops, and macaron towers as centerpieces, and serve colorful and bubbly drinks.
- Sock Hop: Travel back to the '50s with a fun sock hop-themed party. Encourage guests to dress in '50s attire, prepare a rocking playlist, and serve malt milkshakes as the perfect dessert.
- Breakfast at Tiffany's: Channel the glamour and classic style of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" with Tiffany blue decor, gift boxes, and candles. Encourage guests to dress in little black dresses and provide pearls and sunglasses as themed favors.
- Fair Food: Embrace the fun of the fair with a carnival-themed bridal shower. Use saturated colors, novelty lights, and serve fair food favorites like cotton candy, caramel corn, and corn dogs.
- Bold and Bright: Fill your party with bright colors and bold decor for an energetic and fun atmosphere. Choose a handful of your favorite colors or cover everything in rainbows for unlimited possibilities.
- Fruit Fest: Incorporate vibrant fruit themes into your bridal shower for a fresh and tropical vibe. Use fruit arrangements as centerpieces, serve fruit co*cktails, and provide novelty straws.
- Winter Wonderland: Celebrate a winter wonderland with glitter, sparkle, and candlelight. Use glitter centerpieces, pinecones, and frosted evergreens for decor, and create a cozy and magical atmosphere.
- Classic Hollywood Chic: Host a glamorous party inspired by the silver screen. Decorate with jewel tones, gold accents, pearls, and ostrich feathers. Set up a vintage-inspired photo booth and encourage guests to dress up.
- Potter Party: Invite your witch and wizard friends to celebrate with a Harry Potter-themed bridal shower. Serve butterbeer and chocolate frogs, provide DIY wands and house badges as gifts, and incorporate Hogwarts-inspired activities like movie marathons and trivia games.
- Trim the Tree: Host a holiday-themed bridal shower where guests help you trim your holiday tree with DIY ornaments. Serve cookies and eggnog, and wrap bridal shower gifts in holiday paper.
Choose the bridal shower theme that suits your style and preferences, and enjoy planning your perfect party!
