17 Bridal Shower Themes Hot Enough for Spring and Summer

Girl in a sun hat, heart-shaped sunglasses, and floral top and skirt scooping at an ice cream/gelato bar — Photo by Lisa Poggi

While everyone wants to celebrate the bride-to-be, it's no secret that bridal showers can become a bit of a drag. The same bridal shower themes, games, and brunch food can get to be a bit mundane, especially if it’s your eighth bridal shower of the year.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be this way. Spring and summer bridal showers offer endless opportunities for modern celebratory themes guaranteed to surprise and delight your guests.

From pool parties and wine tastings to luaus and fiestas, these spring and summer bridal shower themes are anything but boring.

01 of 17

Jump Into a Pool Party

People in and by the pool at a pool party bridal shower — Photo by Logan Cole

Hosting a poolside party has tons of benefits, not the least of which is a relaxed atmosphere in the sun. Pop some fun floats in the pool—we’re partial to the flamingo—and gift monogrammed beach towels for each of your guests. Serve up poolside classics like daiquiris, cold beers, and Arnold Palmers alongside light bites like guacamole and ceviche. Just remember to word the invitation properly so guests know to bring their swimsuits.

Since you'll be in the sun all day, provide an SPF bar so guests can protect their skin and avoid tan lines before the big day.

02 of 17

Sip Rosé on the Roof

Barrell with sparking rosé wine in an ice bucket, champagne flutes, and finger food — Getty Images

City dwellers know that spring and summer entertainment involves rooftops, so what better place to throw a bridal shower? Stock the ice buckets with Domaines Ott rosé wine (a French seaside classic) and Louis Roederer Rosé Champagne—it’s time for rosé on the roof! Deck out the terrace or patio with floral arrangements and comfortable seating, then serve up wine-friendly fare like crab-topped salad, shrimp skewers, and veggie wraps.

03 of 17

Host a Black-and-White Bash

Black and white party tablescape with rose gold silverware and greenery garland — Photo by Olivia Richards Photography; Design by Bari Elexa Events

Make like Truman Capote and host your own black-and-white masquerade ball—or, at least, a dinner party. Ask guests to don their best black or white formal attire (masks preferred) for an elegant soirée at your home or event space. Hire a chef or caterer to handle the food and a bartender to keep the champagne flowing; bonus points for building a champagne tower. It will be a night no one will forget, just like the guests of the famed 1966 party.

04 of 17

Party With Tacos and Tequila

Cocktails served in mini patron bottles with straws — Photo by Tim Willoughby

Move over, Taco Tuesdays. For the bride with an affinity for tacos, tequila, and all the guac (aka, all of us), throw a fiesta complete with colorful papel picados and a mariachi band. A margarita bar is a necessity, as is a selection of spicy salsas for dipping chips. You can have this party inside or out, making it flexible in case of inclement weather.

05 of 17

Sip On Mimosas

Mimosa bar with fruit juice selections in labeled pitchers — Photo by Emilie White

Nothing goes better with brunch food than mimosas. Put a spin on standard OJ and Prosecco by offering a lineup of fruit juices, including grapefruit, cranberry, and pear, along with brut bubbles and festive garnishes such as strawberries, herbs, and edible flowers. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, try something like Fluffpop—gold-flecked cotton candy you can place on top of a glass of bubbles. Talk about a party in a glass.

06 of 17

Throw a Tea Party

Tea station at an outdoor party — Photo by Sally Pinera

For your tea party bridal shower, skip the Mad Hatter theme in favor of a modern spin: a make-your-own herbal tea bar. Guests can mix their own blend of loose-leaf tea by scooping everything from black tea leaves to star anise and rose petals into a strainer. Then, brew the mixture in hot water, and voila! It works for iced teas, too, and we’re not opposed to a spiked version to get the party started. You can also bring in an Ayurvedic expert or certified tea blender to help lead the class—you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t, especially to help cure ailments and boost things like libido.

07 of 17

Host a Luau

Tablescape with flowers and gold pineapples on palm print runner — Photo by Jessica Bordner Photography

Cue the hula dancers; it’s time for a luau. Though this is a time-honored party and bridal shower theme, it never fails to excite guests, especially in tropical summer weather. Have guests wear their best floral prints and bright colors, deck the space out in tiki torches and orchids, and, of course, provide leis to all your friends and family as they arrive. For food and beverages, think Polynesian classics: kalua pork, poke bowls, fresh pineapple, and tiki cocktails.

08 of 17

Taste Lots of Wine

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

Spend the day tasting white and red wines, learning how wine is made, and, of course, sipping a glass on a patio with a giant cheese plate at a destination bridal shower at a local winery. Producers like Napa Valley’s Charles Krug and New York’s Macari Vineyards are great for groups since they have indoor and outdoor seating, scenic views, and amazing wines. Look for a local winery with lots of options to make it the perfect outing with your favorite ladies.

09 of 17

Tour a Brewery

Flight with three beers on a table next to a floral arrangement — Photo by Lacie Hansen; Planning by Callista & Company

Is beer more the bride’s thing? Never mind the winery; hit a local brewery instead. Tour the facilities to see how the brews are made and taste through different styles and flavors before ordering some pitchers and food for a celebratory affair. San Diego’s Stone Brewing, central Pennsylvania’s Tröegs Independent Brewing, and Boston’s Harpoon Brewery are all great destinations, but so is the brewery closest to you.

10 of 17

Throw a Chic Garden Party

Reception inside a solarium with flowers and twinkle lights — Photo by KeLi Photography; Floral Design by Keep Floral; Rentals by Colorado Party Rentals

Instantly transport your guests to the English countryside with a sophisticated soirée in a manicured garden or greenhouse. Think floral-print dresses, lavender-garnished cocktails, and plenty of blooms alongside a farm-fresh menu. A string quartet will further set the mood, as well as classic entertainment like archery.

For a modern upgrade, host a make-your-own flower crown bar or a workshop on how to arrange freshly cut blossoms.

11 of 17

Have a Grilling Party

Midsection of female friends grilling food on barbecue grill — Getty Images

Cooking classes are nothing new for bridal showers, but put a summer spin on the idea by hosting a grilling workshop. Who says a dude has to “man” the barbecue? Invite a grilling pro to teach your friends how to sear, grill, and smoke your favorite foods. You can even go with lighter fare, working with marinated salmon, fruit kabobs, and oysters instead of red meat—obviously, all paired with your favorite wine or beer.

12 of 17

Volunteer or Donate to a Charity

Charity information on a heart-shaped napkin holder — Photo by Andrew Graham Todes Photography

Share your passion for philanthropy with your nearest and dearest by hosting a charity-focused bridal shower. This can be anything from a day volunteering at a soup kitchen to helping out at an animal shelter or sanctuary. Even if you have a traditional party, you can still honor a foundation. Ask guests to donate to a nonprofit of your choice in lieu of gifts, and invite a representative to share all of the amazing work the organization does during your soirée.

13 of 17

Sail Away

Nautical decor at a bridal shower with fresh flowers — Photo by Cynthia Chung

What’s better than a party on a boat? Basically, nothing, which is why a nautical theme is a perfect way to celebrate a lady of honor who loves the water. Charter a spacious sailboat, yacht, or catamaran for a few hours of sailing along with plenty of seafood and beers. Set a dress code that requests nautical stripes and sun hats, and decorate with anchors, ropes, and paddles.

14 of 17

Celebrate Shakespeare Style

Love quotes and tealight candles hanging from trees — Photo by MK Sadler; Event Planning by Princess Wedding

Is the bride a literature lover? If so, she just might adore a Shakespearean-themed shower, celebrating A Midsummer Night's Dream. Think lush green florals, glowing lanterns, and twinkling lights for décor musts. Flower crowns of baby’s breath can help with the magical vibes. For final touches, incorporate quotes from the tale as centerpieces or decorative accents to tie it all together.

15 of 17

Get Competitive

Croquet mallets next to a wooden lawn games sign — Photo by Ashley Caroline

Throw your own lawn game tournament as an unexpected bridal shower theme. You’ll enjoy the outdoors while partaking in some friendly competition as you go head-to-head over corn hole, bocce ball, and croquet. You can even dress it up by having your guests don their "croquet whites." Serve herb-infused cocktails alongside elevated stadium foods, like bite-sized chicken and waffles and shrimp corn dogs with mustard aioli. Game on!

16 of 17

Elevate a Backyard Barbecue

BBQ spread at an outdoor reception including corn on the cob, potato salad, and chicken wings. — Photo by Marion Brunel

Forgo the standard burgers for an at-home affair that feels a bit more celebratory. Set long farm-style tables with pretty plates and seasonal blooms, and be sure to tell guests to arrive hungry; it’s going to be a feast. For the food, hire a catering company or chef to handle the preparation while you focus on a lemonade bar—possibly even spiked with vodka. To take it up a notch, have a folk band play some jams while guests mix and mingle, drinks in hand.

17 of 17

Observe the Summer Solstice

Outdoor lounge area under a tree with string lights and lanterns — Photo by Angela Pham

The summer solstice, an astronomical occurrence defined by the Earth’s tilt toward the sun, results in the "longest day of the year," coined due to the maximum number of hours of sunlight on that day. Honor your closest star by throwing the shindig outdoors with seasonal dishes and drinks and a colorful dress code. Since the holiday also praises Mother Earth, give your party an eco-friendly spin. Reduce waste by renting glassware, plates, and linens; decorate with potted plants; and donate to an environmentally focused charity as party favors.

25 Pretty Bridal Shower Food and Drink Ideas