UNIQUE BRIDAL SHOWER IDEAS & EXPERT HOSTING TIPS

While there are many events to consider when planning a wedding, the bridal shower takes the cake! This celebration of love is not your ordinary get-together. It’s a chance to sprinkle the bride-to-be's journey with an extra dose of extravagance! 

So, what exactly is a bridal shower? To put it simply, it’s a party held for the bride-to-be before she gets married. It’s traditionally hosted by the maid of honor, the wedding party, or the bride's family and friends. 

Unlike a bachelorette party, the bridal shower aesthetic is a bit more elevated. It’s usually larger and takes the form of a luncheon or dinner party. 

Bridal showers are meant to help the future bride prepare for the beautiful big step she’s taking. So, guests bring useful gifts, such as kitchenware and linens for her new home. It’s also an opportunity for the bride’s nearest and dearest to show their support before the big day.

From finding the perfect bridal shower theme to setting a scenic dessert table, a lot goes into planning a bridal shower. So, if you’re tasked with hosting the bridal party and her closest friends and family, read on! We’re sharing all of our favorite bridal shower ideas for hosting an iconic “last fling before the ring!”

1) Choose A Unique Bridal Shower Theme

Before making the guest list and sending the invites, it’s best to pin down your wedding shower theme. We suggest choosing a captivating theme that reflects the bride's personality and interests. For example, if she has a fancy flair, an elegant tea party with Parisian partyware would be très parfait!  

A garden party is another popular wedding shower idea. Simply arrange a charming outdoor gathering with floral decorations, pastel colors, and a whimsical ambiance. You can serve tea, finger foods, and delicate desserts amidst a beautiful garden setting. To tie the entire theme together, give guests flower crowns, and have the bride wear a floral bride-to-be sash. 

2) Send Invitations With A Dress Code

We suggest sending your wedding shower invitations as soon as possible so your guests have ample time to RSVP. It’s best to coordinate with the bride to ensure the guest list is up to par. 

An ideal bridal shower invitation should reflect the theme and include detailed information about the dress code and gift registry. Business casual is usually the gold standard when considering what to wear to a bridal shower. However, you can always make an exception with the right theme. 

Asking guests to dress in accordance with the theme is a fun and unique bridal shower idea! For example, you can encourage guests to wear vintage-inspired outfits for a tea party-themed bridal shower! 

3) Decorate With Details

When it comes to bridal shower decorating ideas, the more thoughtful and detail-oriented, the better. Naturally, you should start with decor that embodies the theme. Then, we suggest building off of that and adding little flourishes here and there to make the event feel more sophisticated. 

You can easily achieve this with floral arrangements, candlesticks, and small decorative accents in an on-theme color scheme. And if you’re looking for bridal shower ideas at home, balloon garlands and backdrops will instantly transform small spaces.

We also love the idea of coming up with a cute phrase to capture the essence of the event. And if you’re feeling crafty, a sign with the saying makes for a darling DIY bridal shower decoration. When in doubt, go for decor that is personal to the bride’s style and personality.

4) Make Each Place Setting Pop

The easiest way to make a celebration feel more sophisticated is by having a stylized tablescape. Start with a nice tablecloth and a thematic centerpiece, like a floral arrangement or a framed photograph. Then, ensure each place is prepared with a chic, coordinated setting. 

If your bridal shower requires multiple tables, you can incorporate a numbered sign or personalized place cards. In fact, having specific seating arrangements is another simple way to make your fête feel fancier.

The best bridal shower party supplies usually feature pretty pastels and romantic sentiments. You can choose tableware that reflects your theme, (like flower-shaped plates for a garden-theme party). Or you can embrace the occasion and use some fun “I Do Crew” plates and ring-shaped cocktail napkins.   

If you want something more minimal but still on-trend, consider layering solid partyware in complementary colors. These eco-friendly plates come in a variety of colors and are both stylish and sustainable– perfect for eco-conscious parties. To complete the look, add an eco napkin in a color that pairs well with the plate. Then, do the same with the cups and cutlery. 

Contrary to popular belief, disposable party supplies can still be appropriate for semi-formal affairs like bridal showers. Just make sure you only choose tableware with a polished look and feel. These gold high-ball cups are a fabulous option, and they pair wonderfully with this fancy gold cutlery.   

5) Serve Something Special

One of the keys to a perfect bridal shower is having an even more perfect spread of food to serve. From delectable bites to tempting treats, the menu should reflect the bride-to-be's tastes and preferences. 

It’s best to keep the menu light. So, consider serving a selection of savory appetizers such as gourmet cheese and crispy bruschetta on a charcuterie board. You can also opt for a colorful salad bar with a variety of greens, fresh vegetables, and a selection of dressings. For drinks, we recommend a beverage station stocked with signature cocktails, non-alcoholic mocktails, and a refreshing fruit-infused water pitcher.

No bridal shower would be complete without a tempting selection of sweets. Consider a dessert table adorned with an assortment of miniature pastries, cupcakes, and macarons in a variety of flavors and colors. You can even add a pop of personalization and serve treats adorned with the bride’s wedding date!

Finally, don’t forget to also include a small wedding cake or a stylish cupcake tower sur la table. You can even add a sparkly “hooray” cake topper to make the occasion even more festive!

6) Plan Engaging Activities 

To make your party even more memorable, plan some fun bridal shower activities to keep guests entertained throughout the event. There are all kinds of traditional bridal shower games to choose from, like bridal bingo or wedding-themed trivia.

DIY photo booths are also a huge hit for showers. You can easily make one yourself with a shimmery backdrop and some fun bridal shower photo props. Afterward, we suggest compiling all of the photos and making a cute scrapbook for the bride. She’ll love having a special keepsake to cherish all of those moments. 

Since this event is all about showering the bride, don’t forget to reserve time for her to open gifts. This is another fun activity that engages everyone and is guaranteed to make the bride feel extra loved and appreciated.

7) Prepare Thoughtful Party Favors

No one should leave a bridal shower empty-handed. We recommend preparing small tokens of appreciation for each guest as a thank you for celebrating with the bride-to-be. Thoughtful bridal shower party favors such as personalized candles or boutique candies go a long way. Your guests will love having a special souvenir to remember the celebration!

That concludes our bridal shower party planning guide. By following these expert hosting tips, you'll be well-equipped to organize a fabulous event for the future Mrs. 

For more bridal shower ideas and premiere party supplies, check out the rest of our collection here. From our fête to yours, bonne chance! Xx

Photos courtesy of planner Amanda Wilens.

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