Throw a fête to remember for the bride-to-be whether it’s your sister, best friend, or long-time co-worker. The days of a one-size-fits-all bridal shower are over; the sky’s the limit when it comes to planning a party for the future Mrs. Here are 10 ideas to inspire a bridal shower that she’ll be talking about for years.
Grab your apron
If your bride is a foodie, a skilled chef, or in need of a few lessons, a cooking class is an interactive shower idea that your bride will love. Whether you make pizza, sushi or decadent desserts, it’s an experience that is sure to bring smiles to all! Get your bride a special white apron that says “Mrs.” that she can wear during the shower and use in the kitchen at home. Have each guest bring a recipe card and fill a box for the bride to take home.
Pack your bags
No, you’re not going on vacation, but it will feel like you’ve been on one after this shower. Pamper the wife-to-be at the spa with mani-pedis, a facial or massage (or all of the above!). There are limited seats at the salon, so this idea works best with a smaller group as it’s more of an intimate setting. Combine it with a pre- or post-bridal brunch so that your bff doesn’t go hungry. If you’re not sure about picking up the spa bill, turn your home into a spa. Provide nail kits with polishes and beauty products such as sheet masks; have everyone bring their robe!
Stop and smell the rosé
A shower in the garden is the perfect springtime soiree to celebrate the upcoming wedding. Top the tables with white linens, fill the vases with roses and serve sparkling drinks such as rosé or white wine. Your girly girl will enjoy her glass of bubbly as she mingles with her closest friends with the breeze flowing through her hair. This is a fitting theme for a more elegant affair as it can easily be classical and romantic.
Throw the un-shower
Go non-traditional for the friend that is dragging her feet about picking a date for her shower. If the bride cringes at the thought of wearing an A-line dress, sipping lemonade and nibbling on sandwiches, create a scavenger hunt in the city, host a pajama game night or throw a crafting party. Consider what the wife-to-be truly enjoys doing; if she is opposed to gifts and would rather you donate to her favorite animal charity, make it happen! After all, she is the one to impress!
Pinkies up
Think scones, cucumber sandwiches and teacups. Throw a tea party with towers of desserts, bite-sized tea sandwiches and of course, tea! Grab tea cups from garage sales for an eclectic, purposely mismatched feel. If the bride has registered for a china set, have friends and family chip in and each buy a couple pieces of china for the shower that will be the gifts to the bride. It will be a great start to her collection!
Head south
Don a dress and heels and get into a Kentucky Derby theme as you “Run for the Roses.” Provide mint juleps and organize a faux race to see which horse makes it to the end! Big hats are a must!
On Sundays, we brunch
Mimosas, pancakes, waffles, oh my! Honor the bride with a brunch-themed shower with all of her favorite breakfast treats. Serve bloody marys, mimosas and bellinis and create a waffle bar with scrumptious toppings! You will need a couple of hands in the kitchen but it will be a family feel when you’re eating breakfast together! If you’d rather go out, reserve a room at the wife-to-be’s favorite brunch spot.
Sshh!
Is your bride a book worm? Host a shower at her favorite local bookstore or turn your living room into a library. Have each guest bring a favorite hardback, decorative bookend, or gift card to a bookstore. Theme the food and drinks off of famous books and use the books as decorations that your bride can take with her when the party’s over. Don’t worry about keeping the noise down- there’s sure to be plenty of laughs!
Cheers to the future Mrs.
Head to a local winery for a tour and tasting and stomp on some grapes if you can! Gift your bride a special book where she can take notes about her wine while she’s there and surprise her with a personalized wine glass to sip during the tour. Have each guest bring a bottle of wine for the bride with a note tied to the top. Her bar will be stocked!
Dynamic duo
If the bride would prefer to share the spotlight and be next to her beau, a couple’s shower is a great excuse to get everyone together (girls and guys) to celebrate the nuptials! Keep the theme neutral and keep the girly touches to a minimum. Outdoor events often work well such as a bbq, poolside party, picnic or winery. Opening gifts is more comfortable when they’re doing it together!
Shower the bride-to-be with a themed party that she will remember for years to come! Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, in heels or pajamas, if the future Mrs. is happy, then it’s a shower success!
