8 Bridal Shower Theme Ideas

There’s always a little bit of pressure for those hosting a bridal shower. Your girl friend has entrusted you to throw a fabulous party that is original, fun and in good taste. We’re all familiar with the usual bridal shower games…toilet paper bride, bride and groom trivia and the clothespin game are classics but let’s face it, they’re not going to impress.

Spa showers or destination showers are posh and exciting, but may not be feasible for large groups or parties that include multiple generations. Not to mention, they can be pretty expensive. Themed bridal showers are a great way to introduce fresh ideas that don’t require spending big bucks.

A bridal shower gives us the opportunity to ‘shower’ the bride with warm wishes, good advice and fanciful gifts. Modern and traditional showers alike embrace this spirit. A bridal shower should celebrate the bride's unique personality and style. Your theme should be inspired by her passions. If she loves the outdoors, consider a picnic or BBQ at the park. A city gal might love afternoon tea with finger sandwiches and mini scones. Whatever the theme, help your guests get into the spirit by sending invitations that tie in with your theme. It’s all in the details, so coordinate your decorations and party favors for a complete look

8 Memorable Bridal Shower Themes:

Stock the Pantry

This is our personal favorite. For a bride who loves to cook or perhaps one who can use a little help in that department, this theme is perfect! Ask each guest to bring her favorite recipe along with any non-perishable ingredients as well as special tools that the recipe might call for. As the hostess, bring a recipe box for the bride to help her get organized in the kitchen. A potluck works great with this event. The bride and all the guests will have a chance to taste each recipe!

Stock the Bar

For this cocktail party theme, guests are asked to bring their favorite alcoholic beverages or mixers to help the bride and groom stock their bar. This is a fun couple’s shower idea. Provide the equipment and ask guests to make their signature drinks for everyone to sip. Then send them home with mini cocktail shakers as shower favors.

Tea Party Shower

It’s always a treat to get your girl friends together for afternoon tea. Even preparing the tasty little sweets, crust-less sandwiches and tiny scones can be a fun event to share. To make your event a little different, ask each guest to dress up and don hats for the get-together. For favors, send guests home with a heart-shaped tea infuser tied with a pretty ribbon.

Around the Clock

This classic theme asks guests to get creative! Assign an hour of the day to each guest and have her bring a gift appropriate for that hour. Of course they have to come prepared to explain why their gifts are useful during the times they’re assigned. Serve "hours" d’oeuvres that represent each meal of the day, like mini pancakes, finger sandwiches, sliders and bite-sized desserts. For favors, send your guests home with a chic travel alarm clock!

Month of the Year

Similar to the "around the clock" theme, this bridal shower asks that each guest bring a gift appropriate for a given month of the year. Some mittens for December, a sun hat for June and a heart shaped pillow for February…she’ll be reminded of your love and support throughout the year!

Travel Themed Shower

For the jet-set couple, a travel themed shower will really help send them off in style. Whether their favorite destination is a sandy beach, snowy mountains or the Seven Wonders of the World, they’ll love this shower idea. Gifts should be travel themed such as matching luggage tags, personalized travel tote bags or travel toiletry cases. Let the father of the bride worry about paying for the price of the ticket and other wedding ideas.

Pamper the Bride

And pamper yourselves in the process! Organize a girl’s night in with mani’s, pedi’s, facials and massages. Enjoy girly cocktails and a chick flick. Have guests come in their PJ’s for a sleepover. Monogrammed slippers or embroidered cosmetic bags make great gifts for this bridal shower.

Favorite Memories

This is a theme for the sentimental bride. Ask guests to bring a gift or memento that represents a fond memory shared with her. As a gift to the bride, create a scrapbook and ask each guest to contribute something. Or for a fun activity, have each guest assemble a page during the shower and put it all together at the end before presenting to the bride. As favors, send each guest home with a picture frame or photo wallet.