21 unique bridal shower themes

A bridal shower is an enchanting day for any bride-to-be. In addition to the free-flowing libations, it’s a day where the guest of honor is celebrated and showered with gifts and love from family and friends. And we haven’t even mentioned the food!

Surround the person of the hour with all their favorites from our list of bridal shower party themes. We’ve added suggestions for bridal shower invitations crafted by our in-house team and design partners, and bridal shower decorations from Paperless Post Party Shop—plus refreshment and activity ideas for an unforgettable send-off into married life.

1. Bridal brunch shower

Brunch is a popular bridal shower theme for a reason! If the bride enjoys a regular brunch-and-gab with her closest pals, a decadent bridal shower brunch pays tribute to that cherished experience. Host the brunch at a restaurant or venue, or decorate your place for an at-home brunch extravaganza.

• Invitation: Invite guests to your shower with a beautiful bridal shower brunch invitation like “Brunch and Bubbles” by Happy Menocal. Set a fun tone for your brunch with your Page Style—select a color scheme and stylish font that perfectly complements your invitation design.
• Food: A bridal brunch is all about the mimosas. Serve everyone’s favorite breakfast beverage—and set up a mimosa bar—along with the guest of honor’s favorite brunch menu items.
• Décor: Accent your brunch spread with matching plates & napkins from Paperless Post Party Shop.
• Activities: Keep it casual: go around the table and have everyone give marriage advice or tell their favorite story about the bride-to-be.

2. Hollywood bridal shower

Treat the bride-to-be like a celebrity with a Hollywood-themed bridal shower! Invite guests to dress up like their favorite movie stars or set the dress code as “Hollywood glamour,” encouraging them to wear the sparkliest gowns they own.

• Invitation: Choose a modern bridal shower invitation to set an elegant tone, or channel some Audrey Hepburn energy with “Woman with Champagne” by Paperless Post.
• Food: Bring the red carpet theme to the refreshment table with red velvet cupcakes by What Should I Make For, complete with a gorgeous (and simple) floral cream cheese frosting topping.
• Décor: All that glitters is gold—especially when you drape your party space with Party Shop’s gold bridal shower decorations. Add posters of the bride’s favorite movies for a personalized touch.
• Activities: Screen your favorite wedding-themed movie as guests sip drinks and nibble appetizers (we suggest anything with Julia Roberts).

3. Garden party shower

You can turn a garden party shower into an unofficial “build the bride’s new garden” event to make it a productive day, or you can simply enjoy each other’s company while surrounded by beautiful flowers! Whether the bride is known for snagging a new plant every week or simply appreciates a well-manicured garden, this wedding shower theme is sure to delight.

• Invitation: Bring out the flowers with floral bridal shower invitations, such as the intricate “Blue Butterflies” by Monique Lhuillier.
• Food: Celebrate the bounty of the garden with a light and healthy sugar snap pea salad by Southern Living. Add edible flowers for a festive touch!
• Décor: Host your wedding shower in the natural beauty of an outdoor garden. If you’re planning an indoor shower, decorate with lovely floral decorations.
• Activities: Set up a bouquet station for guests to make their own arrangements and hand out flower crowns for them to wear like the garden royalty they are.

4. Artistic bridal shower

Does the bride-to-be love creating pieces of art? Celebrate that talent and passion with an artistic bridal shower theme, complete with painting or pottery stations for guests to craft their own masterpieces.

• Invitation: Choose a boldly artistic invitation like “Bloom Nouveau” by Paperless Post or “Printed Petals” by kate spade new york. Include a Registry Block with a link to your wedding registry so guests can easily choose the perfect gift for the guest of honor.
• Food: If guests are busy with their bowls or canvases, provide easy-to-grab appetizers like mini cheese balls by Taste of Home.
• Décor: The best part of an art-themed bridal shower? You can decorate with the artwork everyone creates! Add additional pieces made by the bride or prints of some favorite works of art.
• Activities: Host a paint-and-sip (or pottery) event with an instructor leading the group through each step.

5. Lingerie shower

For a playful and steamy wedding shower theme, set the mood with a lingerie shower. You can keep it elegant or choose décor that’s a little on the risqué side, depending on the bride’s personal taste (and how many relatives are there)!

• Invitation: Choose a playfully naughty lingerie shower invitation like “Underthings” by Paperless Post. Add a Gifts Block to let everyone know to bring lingerie instead of brownie pans or casserole dishes!
• Food: Bring the “spicy” theme to your refreshment table with Mexican wedding cookies by The Kitchn.
• Décor: For decorations on the cheeky side, check out Party Shop’s collection of bachelorette party decorations (and repurpose the décor for the upcoming bach bash!).
• Activities: As the bride opens her bridal shower gifts, have her guess which guest gave her each one—some friends (or family members!) may have more of a risqué side than anyone thought! 

6. Backyard barbecue shower

Is the guest of honor more of a burgers-and-beer bride? Host a barbecue shower with as many friends as you can fit in the backyard. Make it a couples’ shower and invite all the significant others, too!

• Invitation: Invite everyone on your list with couples’ shower invitations like “Picnic Table” by Paperless Post. If you’re hosting a big party, post a shareable link on social media so everyone can join in the fun.
• Food: Bust out the grill and prepare for a memorable night with beer, burgers, hot dogs, and a boisterous good time.
• Décor: Paperless Post Party Shop’s BBQ & cookout decorations set the scene for a great outdoor party.
• Activities: If your shower falls on game day, your barbecue can double as a tailgate party. Fill the coolers with an array of drinks, set up a hot dog booth, and make sure everyone wears their team jerseys.

7. Tea party shower

With bold florals, trays of delicate finger foods, and detailed accents like floral plates and teacups, the guest of honor can relive childhood memories and make new ones with close friends and family. Some people prefer a classic British tea party, while others would rather have a cozy afternoon cuppa with Alice and the Mad Hatter—a tea party bridal shower can embrace either vibe!

• Invitation: Choose a classically sweet tea party bridal shower invitation like “Kettle Petals” by Paperless Post.
• Food: What’s a tea party without scones? Serve up honey scones with rhubarb compote by Epicurious to add the perfect touch to your shower.
• Décor: Party Shop’s tea party decorations set the table just right for any tea-time affair.
• Activities: Before guests sit down to enjoy their tea, set up a station with beads, feathers, and silk flowers for them to make fascinators (fancy tea party hats).

8. Pajama party bridal shower

Go back to the good old days of pillow fights, teen movies, and all the pizza you can eat with a pajama bridal shower party theme! Ask everyone to wear their cutest PJs to the bridal shower—sleepover part optional—and make sure to take lots of selfies of your cozy looks.

• Invitation: Let everyone know that a good time is in store with “Hey Ladies” by Paperless Post or “You Can Wear the Bridesmaid’s Dress Again” by Mr. Boddington’s Studio.
• Food: Order up some pizza or set up a pizza oven for guests to cook their own pies. Stir up some margarita pitchers for a party they’ll always remember!
• Décor: Decorate your party space with sleepover decorations, including fun sleepover-themed party favors like temporary tattoos and stickers. 
• Activities: If your group loves to play games, a pajama party is the perfect time to bring out the board games or host a rousing game of Pictionary (or try a classic Ouija board if your crew is on the spookier side).

9. Pretty in pink shower

It doesn’t have to be Wednesday to enjoy wearing pink. Make pink your bridal shower party theme with pink invitations, decorations, and attire. Just let guests know that they should wear pink when you send the invitations!

• Invitation: Send the simple but sweet “Foil Heart” by Sugar Paper or an elegant (and pink) invitation like “Hydrangea Lace” by Oscar de la Renta.
• Food: Serve appetizers and desserts made with strawberries or watermelon. Prepare a pink lemonade recipe (with an unexpected secret ingredient!) by Divas Can Cook, and don’t forget the rosé!
• Décor: Find the perfect pink bridal shower decorations to stay thematically appropriate. (They look great in photos, too!)
• Activities: Choose from a variety of tried-and-true bridal shower games that will break the ice and ensure everyone has fun.

10. Stock the bar bridal shower

Throw a multi-hour salud to the bride-to-be with a boozy shower—which concludes with a fully stocked bar for the couple! Ask guests to bring a bottle of the bride’s favorite wine or liquor in lieu of more traditional gifts.

• Invitation: Send out a boozy bridal shower invitation like “Pop the Champagne” by Paper Source, or choose from a collection of cocktail party invitations.
• Food: You’ve got the drinks covered, but don’t forget to eat! These ham and cheese biscuit stacks by Taste of Home are both cute and filling for your drink-themed bridal shower.
• Décor: Keep the drinks flowing with a variety of cups that will complement any bridal shower decorations you have in mind.
• Activities: Set up a margarita mixing station with a variety of chilled juices surrounded by premium tequila bottles, fresh fruit, and flavored salts to garnish the finished festive creation. Or, hire a bartender to create a few signature drinks for everyone to sip throughout the festivities.

11. Winter wonderland shower

For brides who never get tired of wearing puffer coats, seeing fresh snow blanketing the front lawn, or singing Christmas carols, a winter wonderland bridal shower theme might be the perfect match. Extra points if your guest of honor is planning a winter wedding!

• Invitation: Set a festive tone early when you send a winter bridal shower invitation like “Holiday Bows” by Paperless Post, or take a look through even more winter party invitations.
• Food: Make everyone’s winter wonderland dreams come true with a hot chocolate bar full of tasty toppings to sprinkle on top of their hot cocoa. Offer shaved coconut, cayenne pepper, or even ice cream and mint liqueur to kick your cocoa game up a notch.
• Décor: Create seasonal centerpieces by filling glass cylinders with glittery “snow” covered pine cones. A faux fur table runner also helps to add a wintry cottage feel to your bridal shower scene.
• Activities: It may be too cold for a neighborhood scavenger hunt—but not a purse scavenger hunt! Make a list of items that guests may (or may not) have in their purses, and see which guest has the winning number of things.

12. Jane Austen bridal shower

If staying in and watching “Pride and Prejudice” is the bride’s idea of a great day, choose a Jane Austen bridal shower theme in true Regency fashion. Encourage guests to dress up like their favorite Jane Austen characters—and don’t skimp on the social intrigue.

• Invitation: “Romantic at Heart” by Sketch Design Studio or “Fantaisie” by Ladurée set a romantic tone long before the party begins.
• Food: Bring your guests back in time by baking authentic Regency Queen Cakes by Great British Chefs.
• Décor: Keep the party proper—and organized—with place cards and table accents on your main table.
• Activities: Test the group’s literary prowess with a Jane Austen quotes game. One player reads a quote by Jane Austen, and if their team guesses the book, they score a point. (Double points if they know the character or the next line!) 

13. ’90s bridal shower

Getting married is all that and a bag of chips! Throw it back with a ’90s party theme, complete with bright colors, crop tops, and a full deck of CDs playing everyone’s favorite tunes, 

• Invitation: Channel the shower’s ’90s vibes with “Bubble Up” by Paperless Post, or check out the rest of Paperless Post’s ’90s theme party invitations. If you’ve got plans for games or movies, add a  Schedule Block so guests know what to expect!
• Food: Sprinkles might be the most ’90s food ever (like, duh). Add bright sprinkles to this wedding cookies recipe by Crazy for Crust for a delicious touch.
• Décor: No ’90s shower is complete without neon décor! From garlands to tableware, dress your party up like it’s 1999.
• Activities: Set up a photo booth for guests to capture their flawless ’90s looks.

14. Spa day bridal shower

A bridal shower is a time for the bride to relax—so invite everyone else to relax, too! Host a spa-themed bridal shower, either at your home or at the spa itself, and everyone will leave feeling like they’re floating on a cloud.

• Invitation: Serene invitations like “Chromatic” by Kelly Wearstler or “Berry Blossoms” by Stephanie Fishwick make guests feel instantly at ease.
• Food: Prepare something light and savory for guests to enjoy during their shower spa, such as these pesto pinwheels by Pizzazzerie.
• Décor: Set up hanging decorations around your party space for a soothing (and pretty!) atmosphere.
• Activities: Hire a masseuse to come over and give out backrubs, and include items like face masks and pumice stones in your guests’ goody bags.

15. Fandom bridal shower

If your bride has a favorite “thing,” make that the bridal shower theme! Decorate your shower with items from favorite sports teams, TV shows,  recording artists, or anything else your guest of honor absolutely loves.

• Invitation: Upload a photo of the bride in her fandom glory to a photo card like “Hex Photo Frame” by Kelly Wearstler.
• Food: Tie your refreshment table theme into a favorite interest, whether it’s baseball-themed cupcakes or country music cocktails.
• Décor: From superhero decorations to pickleball decorations, find party décor to fit the bride’s faves.
• Activities: Turn your shower into a cosplay! Invite guests to dress up according to the bride’s interest and hold a costume contest for the best dressed.

16. Boho bridal shower

Does the bride-to-be love yoga, macrame, and all things boho? Throw a boho-themed bridal shower to showcase the guest of honor’s earthy, natural personality.

• Invitation: Choose a floral boho bridal shower invitation like “Hawthorne” by Rifle Paper Co.
• Food: Provide a vegetarian delight with a delicious baked kale salad with crispy quinoa by Justine Doiron.
• Décor: Drape fringed garlands and banners all over your party space for that boho feel.
• Activities: Set up a large tent outside and have guests sit on outdoor pillows or cushions as they enjoy the good food and great company.

17. Luau bridal shower

It’s aloha to the single life—and aloha to married bliss! Treat the bride-to-be like tropical royalty when you choose a luau bridal shower theme.

• Invitation: Select the perfect tropical bridal shower invitation, like the festive “Dazzling Drinks” by Paperless Post.
• Food: Is it even a luau without tropical drinks? Serve Malibu sunsets by A Couple Cooks alongside pineapple and ham appetizers.
• Décor: Paperless Post Party Shop’s tropical party decorations have everything you need to bring the islands to your party space.
• Activities: Host poolside or at the beach, if possible, and schedule lots of time for sunbathing.

18. “Till death do us part” shower

If your guest of honor is more Halloween than “Here Comes the Bride,” lean into her spooky side! Pumpkins, witches, and ghouls are all on the guest list when you choose a spooky bridal shower party theme.

• Invitation: Go for a darker bridal shower invitation like “Painted Bow Cutout” by Paperless Post or “That Petals It” by kate spade new york.
• Food: Break out the cauldron and mix up black margaritas (featuring activated charcoal) by The Healthful Ideas.
• Décor: Dress your party space up in all black, or check out Party Shop’s collection of Halloween décor.
• Activities: Set up a caramel apple or pumpkin carving station if your shower falls closer to Halloween.

19. “Sweetheart” bridal shower

There’s nothing sweeter than a bride-to-be—except for an indulgent dessert table at the bridal shower, that is! If the guest of honor has a sweet tooth, bring in her favorite foods and make them the theme of your “sweetheart” bridal shower.

• Invitation: For breakfast or brunch showers, send out “Doughnut Quarter” by Felix Doolittle. “Sips and Sweets” by Mr. Boddington’s Studio makes a great invitation for showers that feature drinks and desserts.
• Food: Set up a candy bar for guests to compile a bag of sweets or serve ice cream at the ultimate sundae bar.
• Décor: Find a cake stand for your refreshment table that matches the rest of your decorations.
• Activities: Choose a recipe for guests to bake together, or encourage them to bring their favorite cookies to share in a cookie exchange.

20. Cowgirl bridal shower

Yeehaw—it’s time to get married! A cowgirl bridal shower theme brings the best parts of any party together, including boots, cowboy hats, and plenty of dance moves. And don’t forget the BBQ!

• Invitation: Channel the cowgirl spirit with a rustic bridal shower invitation like “Let’s Shower” by Cheree Berry Paper & Design.
• Food: Fire up the grill and serve burgers and steaks, or put out pork pastry puffs by Plain Chicken for the same vibe.
• Décor: All you need are a few bales of hay, pictures strung up with twine, and rustic décor.
• Activities: For hardcore cowgirls, get a dance caller to lead the group in line dancing—or give a prize to whoever tosses a lasso around a wooden calf. 

21. Bon voyage bridal shower

First comes love, then comes marriage—then comes the honeymoon! If the newly married couple plans to go somewhere incredible for their honeymoon, get inspiration for your bridal shower party theme from their intended destination. (Hello, Paris-themed shower!)

• Invitation: Get the travel vibes started early with “Sea Breeze” by kate spade new york or “Nautical Stripe Bridal Shower” by Crate & Barrel.
• Food: Design your menu around the local cuisine of their honeymoon spot, whether it’s sushi from Japan, crêpes from France, or a taco bar from Mexico.
• Décor: Travel posters make beautiful decorations for this bridal shower theme, as do maps and vintage suitcases.
• Activities: Host a trivia game for guests where they guess what noteworthy spots the couple plans to visit on their honeymoon.

Plan a show-stopping bridal shower with Paperless Post

After you’ve selected a theme with a hefty sprinkle of panache for the deserving bride-to-be, it’s time to plan the bridal shower! Paperless Post takes the stress out of planning. Choose from hundreds of bridal shower invitation designs with RSVP tracking, and get ready to shower the bride with some much-deserved love.

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