Bridal Shower Theme: 3 Theme Ideas for Modern Brides (+Gift Ideas)
If you’re reading this, chances are, your best friend is a bride-to-be. As the bride’s best friend–you have a lot under your belt. You already ran a background check on the groom, and basically plotted the engagement, you know you will be a therapist throughout this process, plus you’ll be the gatekeeper for unpredictable relatives.
Throwing a few parties suddenly seems like a lot of work. And honestly, it is.
But, if your goal isn't to throw an epic bridal shower with picturesque moments, your energy isn't right for this job. Every bride deserves to be showered and celebrated, and what better time than a bridal shower?
Some brides opt for a shower that includes the groom and his relatives, which is known as a wedding shower. Our bridal shower theme ideas are for bridal showers specifically, but with a few twists and turns, we’re sure they could apply to wedding showers.
Does a bridal shower need a theme?
There are major benefits to having a bridal shower theme, but it’s not necessary.
Having a theme makes planning straightforward. When all aspects revolve around a theme, it’s easier to pick out decorations, a location, games, invitation designs, etc.
Bridal shower themes don't have to be tacky or outrageous either; keep it simple by centring them around colours (black and white, blush tones, spring colours, etc.) or a general vibe (beachy, casual, traditional, etc.).
Who picks the bridal shower theme?
Naturally, it’s the maid-of-honour. Most maid-of-honours are close friends of the bride and know them well enough to choose a theme without input. But, some brides like to share their thoughts and want some (or all) control.
Moms and mothers-in-law have been thrown in the mix, which used to be completely taboo.
Ultimately, the person who knows the bride best should choose the theme and direction of the bridal shower.
What is the best theme for a bridal shower?
The best theme isn’t a specific theme. It’s original, true to the bride, will make for a good time, and is picture perfect.
Some brides are laid back and would be happiest with a bohemian beach party. Others are all about the glam and want an elegant venue.
Neither theme is bad or the best. It’s about the personal style of the bride.
What is a modern bridal shower?
People say ‘modern bridal shower’ but really mean a wedding shower. A wedding shower is just like a bridal shower but without the tradition.
With wedding showers, the groom and his relatives attend, the gathering is co-ed, and the maid-of-honour isn’t always the host. Many wedding showers mix tradition with modern choices or go against the norms altogether.
3 Bridal Shower Theme Ideas with Gift Ideas
Vino Before Vows
If your bestie is a wine lover, you have two options. A private wine tasting at a nearby vineyard, or you can throw your own wine tasting party!
Vineyard/Private Tasting Tips:
Skip out on buying decorations and party supplies if the shower is at a venue. Instead, plan to meet at the location and enjoy it as is. Afterwards, plan a small get-together at a nearby restaurant to have tapas and to discuss the samples.
- - Call multiple places and compare pricing/packages.
- - Do any places include pairings? How many tastings are provided?
- - What is their cancellation/refund policy? Can you adjust the party size later?
- - Arrange transportation for the way back or to the afterparty.
DIY Wine Tasting: 5 Must-Have Products:
Wine tastings are classic and sophisticated; carry that throughout your bridal shower theme. Keep the decorations simple but chic. Go to a local winery so you can discuss the bottles and possible pairings with an expert.
- - Vino before vows bridal shower invitations.
- - Rent crystal wine glasses.
- - A wine party kit.
- - DIY wine bottle centrepieces.
- - Wine charm favours.
Gift Ideas for the Wine-Loving Bride:
- Twine Wedding Wooden Wine Box
- Marble Wine Chiller
- Estelle Colored Glass Stemmed Wine Glass
- Bamboo Cheese Board
Brunch and Bubbly
This classic bridal shower theme has our hearts forever. Who doesn't love brunch, and who doesn't love champagne? It’s almost criminal not to. Brunch and bubbly can go so many different ways. Keep it feminine and light, or go with darker hues and a boho feel.
The Basics of Brunch and Bubbly
When hosting a brunch-and-bubbly themed bridal shower, you only need a few key items, and the rest can be personalized decorations to amp up the theme.
- - Include a DIY mimosa bar.
- - Have a breakfast bar with the bride's favourites or classics like waffles, pancakes, toast, fruit, jams, hash browns, etc.
- - Just because it’s brunch doesn't mean you can't include sweets, grab some donuts, sweet crepes or add a chocolate bowl.
- - Have everyone write their favourite cocktail and/or breakfast recipe.
Personalize the Shower with Decorations
Blushing, and bohemian brides alike can enjoy this theme, and it’s easy to dress up, so it suits their style.
- - Location is key: an outdoor space with a kitchenette for a laid-back feel, or find a simple venue you can dress up for a more upscale bridal shower theme.
- - Balloon bouquets and garlands are perfect for adding colour and supporting a theme.
- - Dressing up tables with linens, candle holders and flowers will make for picture-perfect moments.
- - You can rent cream-coloured linens, classic candleholders and simple glasses, and purchase blush-toned balloons, and cute “bride-to-be” decorations for a photo wall for a feminine bride.
- - For a boho or darker-toned theme, choose rentals like vintage candle holders, earthy bridal shower invitations, and quirky vases. Also purchase a mix of dried flowers like Pampas, Ruscus, etc., with fresh flowers like dark garden roses, chrysanthemums, and proteas.
Gift Ideas for the Bubbly & Brunch Bride:
Glam Pajama Party
Sleepovers and slumber parties were the “it-events” growing up. Even now, turning a night out into an overnight stay with your bestie leads to the best time. Give her one final (well–probably not final) hoorah with a glam pyjama bridal shower.
We love this theme for a few types of brides and bridal parties:
- - Great option for low-maintenance brides or people who prefer not to drink.
- - If you’re hosting a co-ed wedding shower, this would be ideal for an intimate bridal party gathering.
- - It’s a setting that promotes being sentimental and personal.
- - You can easily accommodate more people by hosting at a residence.
Tips for Hosting a Glam Pajama Party:
- - If it’s budget allowing: rent a hotel suite or luxury Airbnb with spa features: hot tub, sauna, nearby nail salon, massages, etc.
- - Thick, comfy bathrobes are a must. Custom sleep masks are a cute extra touch.
- - Plan the night around board games, bridal party-specific games, tv shows/movies, face masks, and well, food.
- - Still decorate the suite with balloon bouquets, bridal shower banners, and themed accessories for photos.
- - Have breakfast together the next day before departing.
Spa & Relaxation Gift Ideas:
- Gift certificate to a resort.
- Best of Dermstore The Essential Set
- 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcases
- Diffuser and Essential Oil Set
Planning the Perfect Bridal Shower Theme
Hosting the perfect shower and picking a lively and personal bridal shower theme is challenging. But, keep in mind that all themes can be tailored to the bride's style.
Vino Before Vows, Brunch and Bubbly, and Glam Pajama Party can all be as hyper-fem, boho-chic, or vintage gothic as the bride’s style is. It’s achievable with the right bridal shower decorations!
Party Stuff has a wide selection of wedding decorations perfect for bridal/wedding showers, engagement parties, bachelorette nights, and even for the wedding’s reception or ceremony. We also rent out high-quality items for a competitive price.
Shop online, stop by in-store, or just give us a call. We will help your party dreams come to life.
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