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Updated Oct 14, 202440 Bridal Shower Themes for the Ultimate Prewedding Party
From classic tea party to disco-inspired.
A good theme can take any party from cute to simply unforgettable. If you're a maid of honor, bridesmaid or family member who's in charge of the bridal shower checklist, we're here to help. These bridal shower themes will spark your creativity and help you figure out exactly what to do next—the hardest part is choosing just one of them. Whether you're looking for simple bridal shower theme ideas or in search of something totally unique to wow the bride (and your guests), we've got plenty of options. Check out these 40 bridal shower ideas and wedding shower themes for a memorable party. After you've decided on a party theme and date, start browsing bridal shower venues near you to book your event space and bring all of the details together.
Bridal Shower Themes: Unique | Fun | Cute | Rustic | Funny | Elegant
Plus, Bridal Shower Themes by Season: Summer | Fall | Spring | Winter
Photo: B Hull Photography
Unique Bridal Shower Themes
For a one-of-a-kind bride, you need options that go beyond the ordinary bridal shower themes. Branch out with these creative and unique themed bridal shower ideas.
1. Bookworm Bridal Shower
What better theme could you choose for someone who loves to read? Pick one of the bride's favorite reads to inspire the entire theme of the party, or use various books from their favorite genres or authors. Incorporate library inspired decor, like catalog cards, famous literary love quotes and paper flower centerpieces. Ask guests to follow the theme by bringing books as gifts for the couple or hand out "mystery books" wrapped in plain brown paper as party favors.
2. Paint and Sip Bridal Shower
Tap into your artistic side with this unique bridal shower theme that's fun for guests young and old. This lighthearted activity will help your guests break the ice and make small talk—and you might even find out that you have an artist in your crew. You can either host the party at a professional painting studio or at someone's home (just keep in mind that you'll need to provide all of the supplies on your own if that's the case). Serve refreshments and light snacks with a playlist queued up to spark everyone's creativity.
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3. Astrology Bridal Shower
If the bride religiously checks her horoscope and swears by analyzing people's birth charts, she'll be delighted by an astrology-themed bridal shower. Deck out the party space in zodiac-themed decor and hire a professional astrologer to do readings or predictions.
4. Charity Bridal Shower
For the to-be-weds who don't see the need for traditional shower gifts (like cookware and bath linens), why not use the wedding shower as an opportunity to pay it forward? This unique bridal shower theme could also work for anyone who'd rather not be the center of attention at a gift-giving extravaganza. In lieu of bringing registry gifts to the bridal shower, ask guests to donate to the couple's charity registry or favorite non-profit organization.
5. Spa Day Bridal Shower
Everyone can always use an excuse for some R&R—especially those who are in the midst of planning a wedding. Treat the bride-to-be to a day of pampering and downtime with a spa-themed bridal shower. If your guest list is fairly small, consider renting a private room at a spa for the day and splurging on facials or massages. Otherwise, you can recreate a spa vibe in your own home with soothing candles, music and ambient lighting. Provide cozy robes, refreshments and pampering products, like nail polish and aromatherapy lotion.
Photo: Kelly Giarrocco Photography, Event planning: Clover Event Co.
Fun Bridal Shower Themes
Your guests are here for a good time, not a long time. Pack as much fun as you can into a few hours with these theme ideas.
6. Cooking-Themed Bridal Shower
Cooking classes are a fun way to spend time with your inner circle—plus, they'll help you pick up a few new skills. If the bride loves experimenting in the kitchen, treat her to an afternoon of cooking lessons. Hire a chef to lead your group, then host a friendly cook-off to see who can make the best dish. Regardless of who wins, everyone will get to indulge in a delicious meal at the end. Ask guests to bring their favorite recipe or kitchen item (based on the couple's wedding registry) as a gift.
7. Lingerie Bridal Shower
If you're ready to get a little risqué with your group, a lingerie bridal shower is a fun option. For this bridal shower party theme, guests bring lingerie, robes and other sultry accessories instead of traditional gifts. The most important thing is to clear this theme with the bride before you start planning—you don't want her or any of the guests (ahem, mom and grandma) to feel uncomfortable with the concept.
8. Mamma Mia! Bridal Shower
For this theme (which also happens to be a popular bachelorette party theme), you'll need disco balls, blue metallic fringe curtains, colorful bougainvillea stems, feather boas, and a playlist filled with ABBA and Mamma Mia! soundtrack tunes.
9. Gatsby Theme Bridal Shower
Let Jay Gatsby be your inspiration for this fun bridal shower theme. Host a 1920s party with the help of feather plume centerpieces, sequined tablecloths, faux pearl strands and sparkling crystal tableware. Ask guests to wear their best flapper-inspired looks—and don't forget the champagne.
10. Taylor Swift Bridal Shower Theme
This is a must for a die-hard Swiftie. To set the scene, invite your guests to come dressed in an outfit inspired by their favorite TSwift era (think: a sundress and cowboy boots for Fearless, an all-black ensemble for Reputation or a boho dress for Folklore). Transform the venue with bridal shower decorations and vignettes inspired by each album, and don't forget the playlist full of her best hits (Taylor's Version) to sing throughout the party.
11. Taco Bridal Shower
If your crew never misses a Taco Tuesday, this fun bridal shower theme is an obvious choice. Put your mixology skills to the test by creating a variety of margarita flavors to accompany tacos, nachos, quesadillas and churros.
12. Stock-the-Bar Bridal Shower
A stock-the-bar bridal shower is perfect if the to-be-weds are cocktail connoisseurs with a wedding registry full of cool barware. This unique idea is a little different from a typical wedding shower because guests are invited to bring an alcohol-centric item from the couple's registry or a bottle of alcohol to help them stock the bar in their newlywed home. If you're in search of a good coed wedding shower idea, this is it. What better way for their closest friends to meet, mingle and celebrate the happy duo?
13. Barbie Bridal Shower
This Barbie is getting married. Decorate with all things pink and glittery for this fun bridal shower theme inspired by the Barbiecore aesthetic (and don't forget the head-to-toe pink outfits). Planning a bach party too? We also love a Barbie-themed bachelorette.
Photo: Nicole Gatto Photography
Cute Bridal Shower Themes
From cottagecore to Galentine's Day, some of the best bridal shower themes also happen to be really cute. Here are just a few ideas we love.
14. Starry Night Bridal Shower
Celebrate the couple whose fate was written in the stars with a celestial-themed bridal shower. Decorate with celestial details like twinkling string lights, shimmering table accents, constellation posters and star-shaped decor to create a magical, ethereal setting inspired by the cosmos.
15. Galentine's Day Bridal Shower
This wedding shower theme is a cute idea if the party is planned for February. Start with a Valentine's Day-inspired color palette of pink, red and purple, then add heart-shaped decorations, cupid decals and whimsical balloons. Send guests home with handmade chocolate party favors and other sweet treats.
16. Flower Power Bridal Shower
Throw it back to the '60s and '70s with this retro bridal shower party theme. Decorate with an earthy color palette of mustard yellow, terracotta and coral, then add oversized flower motifs, peace symbols and rainbows for a groovy vibe. Complete the mood with a playlist of tunes by The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Jefferson Airplane and The Mamas & The Papas.
17. Cottagecore Bridal Shower
Bring this whimsical aesthetic to your bridal shower with a pastel color palette, dainty gingham prints, straw hats and plenty of wildflowers to decorate the party space. For the menu, serve comfort foods, like homemade pies, bread and other baked goods alongside pitchers of lavender-infused lemonade or sun tea. Take the party outside and sit on an assortment of vintage thrifted linens while you open gifts or play games.
18. Beach Bridal Shower
Whisk the bride away to a dreamy destination by planning a tropical beach themed bridal shower. Serve piña coladas and daiquiris along with food from a local Caribbean or Jamaican catering company. Decorate with brightly colored flowers and beach-themed accents, such as rattan furniture, pineapples, flamingos and tropical greenery.
19. Ice Cream Bridal Shower
Use this classic summer treat as the inspiration for your bridal shower party theme. Set up a DIY ice cream toppings station, decorate with ice cream-inspired decor and serve ice cream drinks, like milkshakes or root beer floats.
20. Butterfly Bridal Shower
Butterflies are a definitive sign of spring, but they're also a metaphor for change and transformation. We can't think of a better way to celebrate the to-be-weds' new chapter than with a butterfly-themed bridal shower. Send invitations adorned with butterfly motifs and use faux butterflies to decorate the tablescapes and walls at the party.
21. Rainy Day Bridal Shower
As the saying goes: April showers bring May flowers. This cute bridal shower theme is a creative way to celebrate indoors if you live in an area that's prone to rainy weather, especially during springtime. Decorate by hanging umbrellas or parasols from the ceiling, display fresh flowers in rain boots and add decorative watering cans to your centerpieces.
22. Travel Theme Bridal Shower
Celebrating to-be-weds who are always thinking about their next passport stamps? A travel theme bridal shower makes total sense. Plan an adventure-inspired party with maps, globes, mini suitcases and details inspired by the couple's favorite travel destinations so far.
Rustic Bridal Shower Themes
If the guest of honor would rather spend a day checking out a local hiking trail than sipping champagne, these rustic bridal shower themes are a perfect solution to get the best of both worlds.
23. Glamping Bridal Shower
Organize a backyard glamping party, complete with decorated tents, picnic blankets, oversized floor cushions, bonfire pits and summer camp-inspired activities. Give guests a heads up on the invitations to wear comfortable, outdoorsy attire.
24. Western Bridal Shower
Cue the country music and cowboy boots. This rustic bridal shower theme is a fitting choice if the couple is having a barn wedding. Serve BBQ, corn on the cob, sweet tea and cold beer to go along with Western decor like hay bales, red checkered tablecloths and cacti centerpieces.
25. Farmers Market Bridal Shower
We love this wedding shower theme idea for the person who's always visiting their local farmers market to check out the latest goodies and fresh produce. You can create different "stalls" throughout the party space to recreate the look of a real farmers market, with each stall offering various desserts, games, favors and other treats.
26. Coachella Bridal Shower
Transport your crew to Indio, California with a Coachella-inspired bridal shower. Perfect for music-loving brides, this rustic theme bridal shower is a fresh take on the boho theme. Create a bridal shower playlist of the to-be-wed's favorite songs and use Coachella's iconic font on the invitations and the party signage. Don't forget to offer guests flower crowns and summery accessories to pretend you're soaking up the West Coast sun.
27. Picnic Bridal Shower
Enjoy the spring weather with a picnic bridal shower. This theme is one of the latest bridal shower trends that we're loving, because it's all about creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Arrange blankets, throw pillows and floor cushions in the backyard (or a park venue) and serve springtime finger foods, like arugula and prosciutto bites, garden salads and macarons.
28. Wine-Themed Bridal Shower
Bring Napa Valley to you with a day of wine tastings. DIY the party by visiting your local winery (or the nearest specialty wine store) to get a variety of blends to sip while celebrating the soon-to-be newlyweds. Or if your guest list is down to travel, consider booking a private vineyard tour for the day. Give guests personalized wine glasses as party favors.
Funny Bridal Shower Themes
Looking for ideas that are a little less serious? These funny bridal shower themes will get a chuckle out of the to-be-wed and your guests.
29. '80s Après Ski Bridal Shower
Turn your party into a wintry ski chalet for this playful bridal shower theme. It's a great way to pay homage to the couple's personalities if they love to go skiing together. Create a menu of hot drinks (buttered rum, spiked hot chocolate, Irish coffee) and hearty soups to keep everyone cozy. For a good laugh, ask guests to dress up in retro skiing attire à la the 1970s and '80s.
30. Pajama Party Bridal Shower
Looking for a unique take on the brunch bridal shower theme? Invite guests to dress in their favorite pair of PJs—the funnier, the better—and give them customized robes or slippers as party favors. Plan a bridal shower menu full of breakfast foods, like waffles, pancakes, French toast and mimosas.
31. Movie Characters Bridal Shower
Ask guests to dress up as characters from the bride's favorite movie—depending on what it is, you could end up with some pretty hilarious results. During the bridal shower, play the movie on mute in the background and serve drinks or snacks inspired by the film.
32. PowerPoint Party Bridal Shower
A few weeks before the event, ask each guest to prepare a short slideshow or speech (under three minutes) about any topic their heart desires—the more creative, the better. (Some guests may want to pair up in teams if they already know each other.) A few ideas: a ranking of the best celebrity weddings or most memorable movie wedding dresses. At the party, guests take turns sharing with the crowd. At the end of the day, everyone will have learned something new—or at least had a good laugh. Raise the stakes by asking everyone to dress up in office attire
Elegant Bridal Shower Themes
When in doubt, you can't go wrong with these elegant bridal shower themes. Any bride-to-be who loves timeless style will appreciate these classic party ideas.
33. Bridgerton Bridal Shower
If the bride-to-be can't get enough of Bridgerton, put a twist on the traditional tea party wedding shower with a Regency-era makeover. Start by shopping from our collection of Bridgerton x The Knot bridal shower invitations. To bring your Bridgerton-themed bridal shower to life, consult a local florist for lush floral arrangements, greenery garlands and dainty topiaries. Create lavish tablescapes with formal china, floral tablecloths and place cards inspired by society papers. As for the menu, serve fancy finger sandwiches, pastel cupcakes and a variety of tea flavors to take guests back in time to England circa 1811.
34. Winter Wonderland Bridal Shower
Perfect for a party taking place around the holiday season, this elegant bridal shower theme is fairly easy to pull off. Choose a red and green color palette if the bride loves celebrating Christmas, or keep the theme more generic with a combination of winter whites and neutrals. Incorporate details like faux fur throws, vanilla-scented candles, birchwood accents and fake snow to transform the space.
35. Clambake Bridal Shower
Embrace classic New England charm with a nautical bridal shower theme. Offer guests a feast of fresh lobster, crab legs, mussels and shrimp to pretend you're celebrating on Nantucket. Decorate with a navy blue and white color palette for a true coastal grandmother vibe.
36. Emily in Paris Bridal Shower
Looking for a fresh take on the Paris-themed wedding shower? Plan a soirée inspired by Emily in Paris. Create a menu inspired by the finest French foods (read: cheese, wine, croissants and plenty of baguettes). To customize this cute bridal shower theme, replace "Emily" with the bride-to-be's name. Decorate with French flags, Eiffel Tower decals and a poster of the Mona Lisa—and don't forget to make a playlist of French café jazz music for the right ambiance.
37. Lemon Theme Bridal Shower
This bridal shower theme for summer is an excuse to decorate your space with bright colors and fun details inspired by Italy's Amalfi Coast. Serve aperol spritzes or another signature drink garnished with freshly sliced lemons, and design the bar to look like a lemonade stand for a nostalgic touch. Use real lemons in your centerpieces and complete the look with striped tablecloths, mismatched patterned plates and bottles of limoncello as favors.
38. Rosé All Day Bridal Shower
On a sunny summer afternoon, there's nothing better than sitting outside and sipping a cold glass of rosé. Channel that positive energy with a rosé bridal shower theme for your guest of honor. Pink decorations, beverages and rose centerpieces are all musts, and you can also instruct guests to come dressed in their cutest pink attire. Sunglasses and rosé-infused gummy bears are sweet bridal shower favors for this theme.
39. Breakfast at Tiffany's Bridal Shower
Upgrade the traditional mimosa brunch shower idea with an Audrey Hepburn-approved twist. Decorate your space with Tiffany blue decorations and New York City-inspired accents. Serve croissants, coffee and bubbly beverages to channel Holly Golightly's iconic ritual of having breakfast in front of Tiffany's. Invite guests to come dressed in black mini dresses and supply strands of pearls to emulate the classic film.
40. Garden Party Bridal Shower
Surprise a flower-obsessed to-be-wed with a garden party bridal shower or love in bloom bridal shower theme. Fill the event space with fresh (or faux) flowers, serve flower-infused refreshments and send guests home with mini bouquets or potted plants.
