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15 Bridal Shower Theme Ideas to Get You Inspired

Updated 01/13/21

If you're in charge of throwing a bridal shower, chances are you've been thinking a lot about themes. This is a party the bride will remember for the rest of her life, and you want to make it both unforgettable and special. But throwing such a bridal bash can be subject to some trepidation given the mixed guest list that will be in attendance. How do you throw a fête to remember when you've got a multi-generational crowd to please?

While you want to keep the bridesmaids entertained and having fun, you also don't want to offend the bride-to-be's family or have grandma disapprove. Luckily we've got some ideas that are sure to keep everyone happy and give the guest of honor the celebration of her wildest social media and Pinterest-fueled dreams.

If you're looking for some inspiration for a memorable theme, we've got 15 awesome bridal shower ideas to get you inspired.

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Champagne Brunch

Girls drinking champagne — Photo by Mike Larson

Your guests will be lining up to say "I do" to a waffle bar and sparkling mimosa station. Serve up beautiful bowls of fruit, fresh pastries, and plenty of chilled champagne.

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Nautical Affair

Nautical tablescape — Photo by Clayton Austin

Whether the bride and her shipmates are staying dry on land or heading out on a yacht, you can pull off a nautical bridal shower theme with navy blue hues, stripes, anchors, ship wheels, and sailor's hats. Make sure to add Bobby Darin's "Beyond the Sea" to the playlist.

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Beach Bonanza

Ocea-side dinner with string lights — Photo by Ryan Ray

Like a nautical bridal shower, a beach bridal shower has coastal vibes—but this one is all about sand and sunshine. Create a color palette with aquamarine hues and incorporate seashells and starfish.

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Black-Tie Glitter and Glitz

Glitzy setting with chandelier — Photo by Katherine Ann Rose

For the bride who loves dressing to the nines, invite guests to get dolled up in their fanciest outfits. Decorate with anything sparkly and glittery, and score definite bonus points if there's a chandelier involved.

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Backyard Bliss

Girls outside among pillow cushions and lanterns — Photo by Carmen Santorelli

Paradise awaits in your own backyard. Transform an outdoor space into a cheerful and relaxed setting for a casual bridal shower. Incorporate fun floral arrangements, twinkle lights, and traditional picnic food. Plus—this is the perfect excuse to give your backyard a makeover.

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Tea Party

For the girl who loves all things floral, delicious, and dainty, you should definitely consider a bridal tea party. You can keep it classically British or switch it up with a Mad Hatter theme. Either way, serve a refreshing assortment of artisanal tea, scrumptious scones, and tasty cucumber sandwiches.

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Paris Romance

French desserts — Photo by O'Malley Photographers

Celebrate love with a shower that pays homage to the city of light and love. Incorporate the Eiffel Tower into the decorations and serve up French wines, cheeses, and desserts. The final touch? Press play on an Édith Piaf recording.

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All-White Bridal Shower

Girls in white dresses — Photo by Jana Williams

The day is fast approaching where the bride is going to wear all white. Get in the spirit with an all-white shower that would even make P. Diddy (just Diddy, now?) envious.

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Gatsby Bridal Shower

Champagne Tower — Photo by Jillian Mitchell

Throw a bridal fête fit for Daisy Buchanan with flapper dresses and feathered headbands. Serve up classic Prohibition cocktails like sidecars (made of cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice) and Gin Rickeys (a combo of gin, lime juice, and seltzer).

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Glam Pajama Party

Girls in robes dancing on bed — Photo by Katie Ruther

Remember how much fun slumber parties were as a little girl? It'll be an awesome girls' night in, complete with pizza, drinks, candy, games, and a movie (we're thinking Bridesmaids). You can host this at your own home or up the ante and reserve a suite at a hotel for the ultimate chill out session, with the option of spa access to boot (and you won't be the one cleaning up popcorn the next day).

The Ultimate Guide to Bridal Showers

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All About Color

Color-coded themes make decorating pretty straightforward. Get ready for the big day with a shower that uses the same palette, from the colors guests wear to the drinks, the party favors, and gift wrap.

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Shabby-Chic

Trunk of car with rugs and champagne/wine on ice — Photo by Erin McGinn

Channel romantically rustic vibes with delicately distressed décor, tea served in mason jars, hand-drawn signage, and baby's breath centerpieces. Add some homemade treats (pie would be oh-so perfect) for a personal touch. You can include the bridesmaids or the whole guest list by inviting everyone to bring their favorite desserts à la a potluck dessert table.

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Love Is Sweet

Colorful macarons on a dessert table — Photo by Olivia Leigh

Love is sweet and the bridal shower will be, too. A candy-centered bridal shower lends itself to bright, colorful decorations. Bring on the dessert bar filled with candy and treats. Remember to have some sugar-free candy for any guests with food sensitivities. You can also get customized M&M's in the bride's wedding colors, with her name, or "I Do," or whatever you choose—even an image of the bride (or her spouse-to-be).

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Country Chic

Rustic, country tablescape — Photo by Christian Oth

For a country-lovin' bride, ask guests to don their cutest cowgirl attire and decorate your space with hay bales, horses, and horseshoes.

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Coed Jack and Jill Shower

Coed guests walking around — Photo by Norman & Blake

Who says a bridal shower has to be ladies only? Some couples want to do every wedding activity together, right down to the bridal shower, and there's nothing wrong with that. Make it a coed affair with a Jack and Jill shower. The more the merrier, right?