35 Bridal Shower Themes for a Unique Celebration

Tablescape With Floral Plates and Floral Centerpieces — Photo by Karena Dixon

A bridal shower is such a momentous occasion for the bride-to-be: This pre-wedding event gives the future newlywed the opportunity to spend quality time with her closest friends and family before she ties the knot. So if you’re the maid of honor, a bridesmaid, or a family member who’s been tasked with planning this special affair, you’re probably wondering how to make the celebration truly unforgettable for the soon-to-be-wed. Our suggestion? Throw a soirée with a theme, as choosing a centralized concept has the ability to take any party to the next level—plus, going the extra mile will make the future bride feel loved, seen, and appreciated. Not to mention, having an overarching theme will guide the rest of your decisions, from the color palette and décor to the food and games.

When brainstorming themes, it's important to select an idea that reflects the guest of honor’s style, preferences, and personality, while also appealing to the larger crowd. Maybe the bride-to-be is a history buff. Then, a Roaring Twenties-inspired fête decked out in glitz and glam will strike a chord. If she prefers a more casual function, a backyard bash decorated with string lights and blankets will make her feel cozy and comfortable. You can even focus the event on a certain location, like an Amalfi Coast-inspired affair; a type of food, like an ice cream social; or her favorite color, like an all-pink party.

Need more inspiration? Here are 35 bridal shower themes to get your creative juices flowing.

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Boozy Brunch

Girls in Pajamas Pouring Champagne into Flutes — Photo by Mike Larson

Who says you have to host bridal showers at a later time? Inviting friends and family over to a mid-morning or early afternoon affair calls for a brunch-themed event. To bring this idea to the next level, include a mimosa bar with fresh-squeezed orange juice and chilled Champagne for a boozy celebration. You can even set up a waffle-making station, where guests can decorate their dishes with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup.

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Rustic Charm

Two-Tier Semi-Naked Cake With Sunflowers — Photo by Be Boulder Photography

No matter the celebration, rustic-style affairs are appealing because they evoke comfort and relaxation. To make this bridal shower theme idea a reality, lean on neutral tones and organic decorations. For instance, dine at wooden tables scattered with single-stem sunflowers in bud vases and savor a homemade slice of blueberry pie for dessert.

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Nautical-Inspired

Nautical Tablescape With Navy Taper Candles, Floral Runner, Patterned Plates, and Seashell Menus — Photo by Clay Austin Photography

Whether you're planning on having the future bride and her shipmates stay dry on land or head out on a boat, you can pull off a nautical bridal shower theme with navy blue hues, stripes, anchors, ship wheels, and sailor hats. Pro tip: Make sure to add Bobby Darin's "Beyond the Sea" to the playlist.

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Beach Bonanza

Ocean-Side Dinner Table With Floral Runner, Velvet Chairs, String Lights — Photo by Ryan Ray Photo

Like a nautical bridal shower, a beach-themed soirée is brimming with coastal vibes—but this one is all about sand and sunshine. A party with oceanfront views definitely reigns supreme, but you can also transport attendees to the sea by using aquamarine hues as your color palette and including seashells and starfish on the tablescape.

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Literary Dream

Centerpieces With Antique Books and Vintage Table Numbers — Photo by Michelle Shiers Photography

Is the future bride a bookworm? You can either use the special guest's favorite novel to guide the entire event or look to reading as a more general theme. To execute this bridal shower theme idea, display famous literary quotes or passages on custom cocktail napkins, menus, and other signage, and create centerpieces with hardback books.

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Black-Tie Glitz and Glam

Tables With Black Taper Candles, Floral Centerpieces, Blue and White Runner, Navy Napkins, Chandeliers from Above — Photo by Katherine Ann Rose

If the bride-to-be loves getting dressed to the nines, use the dress code as the basis for your theme and ask guests to sport floor-length frocks to the function. (Just make sure to add a note at the bottom of the invitation, so friends and family show up in the right attire.) Decorate the site with upscale décor, like gold-rimmed glassware, chic taper candles, crystal chandeliers, and high-quality linens to complete the black-tie vibe.

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Garden Gathering

Wooden Table With Eucalyptus in a Solarium With a Hanging Floral Chandelier — Photo by Shelly Anderson Photography

Celebrate the guest of honor in the great outdoors with a garden-inspired bridal shower. Whether you're throwing down in your backyard or renting out a solarium, animate this theme with lush flowers. Scatter fresh blooms down the center of each table, station floral-printed plates at each place setting, and sip on aromatic jasmine tea. Bonus points if you include a personalized flower bar, where guests can make their own arrangements.

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Backyard Bliss

Girls in Standing on the Lawn Beneath a Tree and Beside Blankets and Pillows — Photo by Carmen Santorelli

For a low-maintenance affair filled with cozy vibes, host the event in your own backyard. Transform an outdoor space into a cheerful and relaxed setting, especially if the bride-to-be prefers casual gatherings with close friends and family. We suggest arranging blankets and pillows for lounge seating, serving traditional picnic food, and suspending string lights.

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Hawaiian Luau

Table Runner With Gold Pineapples, Colorful Flowers, and Tropical Greenery Linen — Photo by Jessica Bordner Photography

To give the future bride and her crew a glimpse of scenic Hawaii, host a luau bridal shower. Have everyone arrive in colorful floral attire, and deck out the space with tiki torches, pineapples, hibiscus flowers, and monstera leaves. Serve up kalua pork sliders, pineapple upside-down cake, and rum-infused cocktails garnished with little umbrellas.

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Tea Party

Tower of Mini Tea Sandwiches Arranged on a Table — Photo by Karena Dixon Photography

While a bridal shower tea party is one of the more popular themes, it always makes a big impression. You can organize an affair that's classically British, or a Mad Hatter theme will also stand out. Either way, make sure to offer friends and family an assortment of artisanal tea in painted china, bite-sized cucumber sandwiches arranged on a tower, and flaky scones for a sweet treat. Then, decorate the tables with lush flowers and brightly-colored linens.

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Paris Romance

A Plate of Pink Macaons, Blue Macarons, and White Macarons Beside Creme Brule — Photo by O'Malley Photographers

Whether she got engaged in Paris or it's a city she's always wanted to visit, use the capital of France as the main aesthetic for your bridal shower. Incorporate the Eiffel Tower into your decorations and serve up French wines, cheeses, and pastries—from croissants to macarons. Be sure to also put on a soundtrack with French café jazz music to set the mood.

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All-White Attire

Girls Posing in White Dresses — Photo by Jana Williams

The woman of the hour typically wears white to the bridal shower, but for a fun twist, have the entire squad dress in the neutral shade. The bride can also join in, or she can be the only one wearing color for a role reversal. You can even adorn the setting in white décor, whether it's a backdrop with white balloons and signage or a table set with white taper candles and linens.

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Roaring Twenties Soirée

Champagne Tower — Photo by Jillian Mitchell

Throw a bridal shower straight out of the 1920s with feather centerpieces, sequined tablecloths, and gold flatware. Serve up classic Prohibition cocktails like sidecars (made of cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice) and Gin Rickeys (a mix of gin, lime juice, and seltzer). Don't forget to also ask your guests to show up in their best flapper-inspired attire, for a bridal fête Daisy Buchanan would be proud to attend.

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Glam Pajama Party

group of four women standing while wearing green pajamas — Photo by Elias Kordelakos

Take a stroll down memory lane before the bride walks down the aisle by throwing a pajama party. Reserve a suite at a hotel for a luxurious escape, or host this at your own home, and ask everyone to show up in their favorite PJs or plush robes. As for activities? Spend the night eating pizza and candy and watching movies, just like you did as children.

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Color-Focused Event

A photo wall with a neon sign, an orange velvet coach, pampas grass, and pink candles — Photo by Sanaz Riggio Photography

With a color-coded theme, decorating will be a breeze. Choose a combination of colors that the future bride loves and use those hues to inform the rest of the party, from the cocktails to the plates. If you aren't sure what shades to select, use the season and the venue for inspiration.

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Shabby-Chic Fête

Trunk of a Car With Buckets of Wine Bottles on a Geometric Rug — Photo by Erin McGinn

Channel a romantic-meets-rustic vibe with slightly distressed decorations, drinks served in mason jars, handwritten signage, and baby's breath centerpieces. You can even create a spread of homemade pies and other baked goods for a personal touch. To add to the laid-back atmosphere, opt for a potluck, where each attendee brings their own dish.

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Love Is Sweet

Colorful Macarons on a Dessert Table With a Copper Sign — Photo by Olivia Leigh Photographie

Rather than serving a main meal, arrange an event where dessert is the central focus, playing on the notion that love is "sweet." Consider setting up a dessert bar filled with colorful candy and treats, specifically customized M&M's with the bride-to-be's wedding colors, name, and photo.

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Western-Inspired Escapade

Tablescape With Textured Brown Tablecloth, Paisley Napkins, Patterned Navy and Blue Plates, and Potted Greenery — Photo by Christian Oth

With Western-inspired bridal showers, there are so many opportunities to decorate. Barrels of hay, plaid linens, cowhide rugs, potted plants, leather accents, and wooden furniture will convert your setting into the American Frontier. Have everyone don their best cowgirl attire, complete with cowgirl boots and a hat.

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Jack and Jill Shower

smiling man and woman entering a party together — Photo by Alen Karupovic

Traditionally, the bride-to-be's female friends and family are the only ones who attend the bridal shower, but it doesn't have to be that way. If the woman of the hour wants to celebrate her special party with her future spouse, make it a coed affair. A Jack and Jill shower is essentially a bridal shower, but the groom-to-be and his squad are also in attendance.

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Ice Cream Social

Woman in Sunglasses, Hat, and Floral Set Scooping Gelato from Ice Cream Cart — Photo by Lisa Poggi

If the bridal shower is set to take place in the spring or summer or a warmer climate, an ice cream-themed party will keep everyone cool and refreshed. Our favorite way to do this is with a make-your-own ice cream sundae bar, where guests can indulge in classics like chocolate and vanilla, along with creative flavors, such as blueberry cheesecake or toasted hazelnut. Everyone can use chocolate syrup, rainbow sprinkles, and chocolate chips to further decorate their creations.

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Pool Party

People Standing in the Pool and Sitting on the Edge Beneath String Lights — Photo by Logan Cole

Another option to beat the heat is inviting everyone to a pool party. We love this bridal shower theme idea because it appeals to every type of bride-to-be and guest: You can either spend the entire celebration tanning on a lounge chair, swimming in the water, or a little bit of both. An upbeat playlist, animal-shaped rafts, and piña coladas are also must-have details.

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Amalfi Coast

Aperol Spritz Cocktails on Silver Tray — Photo by Bottega 53

Since a trip to the Amalfi Coast probably isn't feasible for your bridal shower, bring the Italian coastal town to the future bride and her loved ones by using it as your theme. Guzzle down Aperol spritzes for your refreshment, while paying homage to the destination with lemon accents, white flowers and greenery, and blue and white tiles. At the end of the celebration, distribute bottles of olive oil monogrammed with the future bride's initials for favors.

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Black and White Affair

Place Settings with Black Plates, Silverware, and Greenery — Photo by Hannah Forsberg

Black and white is one of the most classic color combinations, and it makes a sophisticated backdrop for a bridal shower. Prescribe a specific dress code where everyone—except the bride—dresses in black. Then, use the color palette to guide the rest of your decorations, such as black chargers stationed on white linens and centerpieces composed of anemones. These contrasting shades will create a modern and elegant affair.

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Wine Tasting

Bottles of wine and glasses on a table with a vineyard in the background — Photo by O'Malley Photographers

One bridal shower theme idea is having the bride-to-be's favorite activity influence the day's events and décor. For instance, if the woman of the hour is a wine connoisseur, book a private vineyard tour or host a wine tasting at your own home. If the latter is your chosen venue, curate a selection of the finest bottles for everyone to sample, while providing meats and cheeses that complement the flavors. Once the event comes to a close, pass out wine glasses for a keepsake.

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Brewery Tour

Three Glasses of Beer on a Sample Wooden Tray With Floral Centerpiece — Photo by Lacie Hansen

Maybe the star of the show prefers beer to wine. If that's the case, hit the local brewery to tour the facilities, learn how the beverages are made, and have a taste of the venue's finest craft. Savoring a refreshing drink with your favorite people will create a laid-back, stress-free atmosphere.

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Ombré

Pink Arched Bridal Shower Backdrop with Vibrant Balloons and Rattan Chair — Photo by Chelsea Renay Photography

An ombré theme is an unexpected bridal shower design concept, and painting your party in vivacious hues will bring dimension, movement, and vitality to your event. Pick a few of the special attendee's favorite hues and blend them from light to dark, like the transition from peach to coral to violet shown here. Use the gradient across your tablescape, food and drink displays, and signage.

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Pizza Party

Gourmet pizza with cheese, arugula, tomatoes, and balsamic reduction — Photo by Holtz Wedding Photography

If the VIP guest's version of an ideal night involves kicking back on the couch with a slice of pizza, throw a pizza party. For a no-frills affair, order boxes of this childhood staple, but for a more upscale celebration, experiment with gourmet dishes, like pear and prosciutto and goat cheese and pesto, while dining by candlelight.

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Blast from the Past

Reception Table With Colorful Flowers and Taper Candles and Green Chairs — Photo by Brogen Jessup

With a retro bridal shower, guests will feel like they hopped on a time travel machine. Choose the bride-to-be's favorite decade, and decorate your space accordingly. If she adores the bright, splashy hues and unconventional shapes that were seen throughout the 1980s, then trim the table with lush florals in purple, peach, green, and terracotta tones and taper candles placed in squiggly-shaped holders. Choose bold block letters for the font on your menus, and voilà.

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Starry Night

Lounge Area With Blue Blankets, Pillows, and Lanterns Beneath a Tree — Photo by Angela Pham

There's no better way to celebrate an upcoming wedding than a dreamy fête beneath a sky full of stars. Pay homage to the future newlywed's love for her partner with this romantic bridal shower theme. Once it's dark enough outside, lie down on an assortment of blankets and pillows and watch the constellations take shape.

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Citrus Celebration

Banquet Table With Lemons at Each Place Setting — Photo by Dear Lovers

Bridal shower themes can be as general or as specific as you'd like. A lemon-themed bridal shower is one example of the latter. To animate this aesthetic, use real lemons to decorate the site. Accent the bar with a bowl of the citrus fruit, rely on the cheery yellow item for place cards, or sprinkle the decorative object down the center of each table. Go all out with lemon-flavored drinks and snacks, like limoncello and lemon squares.

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Picnic Luncheon

Sandwiches on Teak Table at Beach Engagement Party — Photo by Valorie Darling Photography

A picnic luncheon is a casual and welcoming way to commemorate the festivities—not to mention, it's dripping with nostalgia. Choose an outdoor venue, whether it's your own backyard or a local park, and cater a spread of gourmet sandwiches, fruit salad, and lemonade. Eat these dishes while sitting in a lounge area composed of ottomans, throw pillows, and blankets.

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Cottagecore

Two-Tier White Cake Pressed With Real Flowers — PHOTO BY SERENITY FILM AND PICTURES

A cottagecore bridal shower theme is ideal for whimsical brides-to-be and springtime fêtes. There are so many different ways to enact this theme, but a few staples are a pastel color palette, wildflowers, copper lanterns, and exposed wood tables. For food, the best option is a farm-to-table menu with locally sourced ingredients served in a family-style manner.

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Mimosa Bar

If your bridal shower is happening earlier in the day, get the party started with a mimosa bar. In addition to the standard mixer of orange juice, offer a variety of fruit juices, like grapefruit, pineapple, and mango, to combine with the Prosecco. Top off the spread with garnishes, such as slices of fruit, herbs, and edible flowers.

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Bohemian Bash

Tall Floral Arrangement With Pink Pampas Grass and Yellow, Orange, and Purple Flowers — Photo by Sanaz Riggio Photography

For the free-spirited bride-to-be, a bohemian aesthetic will capture her lifestyle. While this look typically calls upon neutral, earthy tones, choosing a vibrant color palette will be a fun turn of events. Floral arrangements with pampas grass are a must, of course, but you can also integrate pink varieties and pair the textured grass with punchy florals in yellow, orange, and purple tints. Flank your bar, appetizer station, and dining table with these assortments.

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Pretty in Pink

Donut Wall With Pink Donuts and Macarons on Wood Shelf — Photo by Taylor Morgan Artistry

You can never go wrong with a pink-themed soirée, especially if the VIP guest's favorite color is this bright shade. From there, the rest of the planning will be pretty straightforward: Just select decorations, drinks, and food in that singular hue. Sip on pink lemonade and snack on pink cupcakes at a monochromatic tablescape with pink linens, candles, and flowers, for example.

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