9 Bridal Shower Themes for the Modern Bride (2024)

Bridal Shower

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9 Bridal Shower Themes for the Modern Bride (1)

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Want to know the secret to throwing one epic bridal shower? It’s all about originality. While following the traditional guidelines is a safe standard, being a modern maid of honor means you’re not afraid to mix it up- especially when it comes to bridal shower themes.

If basic and boring is what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the wrong place. If you’re looking to win the award for the most kick-ass maid of honor ever, then stick around.

Below we have nine unique bridal shower themes guaranteed to leave a long-lasting impression.

“Stock-the-Bar”

As newlyweds, the bride and groom will have plenty to celebrate and what better way to do so than with a fully stocked bar!

The basics of this wedding shower theme are simple: Send out invitations informing guests this is a stock-the-bar style party and that instead of a traditional bridal shower gift, they are encouraged to bring their favorite bottle of wine or liquor.

The couple may choose to register for barware or decor as well, in which case you would also include the registry information on the invitation.

For more details on this fun theme, check out our comprehensive guide on how to host a stock-the-bar shower.

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Our Stock-the-Bar shower must-haves:

Bar Cart Display

Go in with your fellow bridesmaids and purchase a bar cart for the couple that doubles as a display for the shower!

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co*cktail Recipe Cards

Surprise the bride and groom by having guests fill out a card with their favorite co*cktail recipes for them to mix up during their next date night.

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Mini Liquor Bottle Favor Tags

Give each guest a little something to take home in the form of a mini liquor bottle, complete with these adorable favor tags.

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Brunch and Bubbly”

If your bride-to-be loves classically chic bridal shower themes, you won’t go wrong with throwing a boozy bridal brunch!

The focus of a bridal brunch really is the food and drink menu, so you must be sure to have a solid setup. Our rule of thumb is to always feature the three B’s: breakfast, bubbles, and bloody.

Keep the theme going with the decorations by incorporating fun “brunch and bubbly” balloons and banners, as well as brunch-related favors and prizes.

Want more details on how to pull off this popular theme? Check out our full guide on how to host a bridal shower brunch in eight simple steps!

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Our Brunch and Bubbly must-haves:

DIY Mimosa Bar

“A bridal brunch without a mimosa bar is not a bridal brunch at all” –Modern MOH

Check out our bridal shower mimosa bar guide for more details.

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9 Bridal Shower Themes for the Modern Bride (7)
9 Bridal Shower Themes for the Modern Bride (8)

Bloody Marys in a Jar

Remember what we said about brunch-related favors? These personal Bloody Mary kits are a perfect choice!

Brunch Recipe Book

Send out these blank cards with the invitations and have guests jot down their go-to brunch recipes. At the shower, combine them together in a recipe book or box to give the bride!

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She Found Her Main Squeeze

Are you looking to host a cheerful celebration to match the bride-to-be’s perky personality? If so, then a “she found her main squeeze” bridal shower is the perfect choice for you!

This lemon-inspired theme is perfect for showers being held during the spring and summer seasons when bright colors and cold co*cktails are an absolute must.

Speaking of cold co*cktails, there is no shortage of yummy lemon-flavored drinks. Pair these with some delicious desserts and you’re on your way to hosting the juiciest shower of all time!

Want to know more about this fun and festive theme? Check out our best “she found her main squeeze” bridal shower ideas!

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Our She Found Her Main Squeeze must-haves:

She Found Her Main Squeeze Sign

You can’t possibly have a ‘she found her main squeeze’ bridal shower without a super cute sign to announce it!

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Lemon-Themed Supplies

The most important aspect of this bridal shower theme is the aesthetic, so make sure to go all out with on-brand food and drink supplies.

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Lemon Lush

Of all the lemon-flavored desserts, we love a good lemon lush. Also referred to as lemon lasagna, this no-bake beauty is perfect for a hot summer day!

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Traveling from Miss to Mrs”

If your bestie and her future hubby are avid travelers or are planning a destination wedding/honeymoon, then this is one of our bridal shower themes to pay attention to!

Depending on the circ*mstances, you can choose to focus the shower on a specific destination or go for a general travel-themed bridal shower.

Whichever way you choose to go, just be sure to incorporate travel into all the tiny details- invitations, decorations, favors, games, etc.

MODERN MOH TIP: Are you focusing this theme on the couple’s honeymoon location? Tie this into the gift by creating a DIY honeyfund with the rest of the bridal party, where you all choose a local activity or meal at a restaurant to purchase for the couple.

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Our Traveling from Miss to Mrs. must-haves:

Luggage Tag Favors

There’s nothing we love more than an on-brand yet practical bridal shower favor for guests, and these luggage tags are just that!

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Where Were We? Game

Play this super fun travel-themed game that has guests guessing the locations of the couple’s past trips.

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“Passport” Photo Booth

Add a fun spin to a traditional photo booth by having guests take turns snapping a “passport” photo, complete with travel-themed props!

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Vino Before Vows”

Can you think of a better way to shower your bride than with a trip to her favorite local winery? We can’t! So if your bestie is a fan of grown-up grape juice, then this theme idea for you.

The first step in planning this type of bridal shower is to get in contact with the vineyard/winery to determine their availability for the size of your party.

Once you have selected a date and made a reservation (if necessary), it’s important to iron out the little details.

For instance, how much is each tasting per person? does this winery serve food or are you responsible for bringing your own? Trust us, the more details you have planned out beforehand the better!

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Our Vino Before Vows bridal shower must-haves:

Wine Charm Favors

Help guests keep track of their glass by giving out these adorable wine charms that double as guest favors!

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Wine Bottle Centerpieces

Recycle some old wine bottles to use as decorative centerpieces. Step up your display by adding some fun fairy lights!

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Wine Box Gift

Skip the registry gifts and give your bestie something super special and on-theme like this adorable anniversary wine box (Bonus points for filling it with wines from the bridal shower venue!)

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“I Do BBQ”

Looking for a lowkey couples shower theme? We highly recommend an “I Do” BBQ!

This wedding shower theme works best if hosted at a guest’s house that has a large backyard with plenty of space for guests to mingle. If this is not an option, try checking out your local parks!

For food, go with anything that can be grilled (burgers, dogs, and sausages) paired with simple-to-serve sides (pasta/potato salad, deviled eggs, veggies, and dip).

For drinks, think big batch co*cktails that can be served in pitchers or dispensers as well as beer and wine that can be served out of coolers or tubs.

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Our I Do BBQ wedding shower must-haves:

Backyard Games

Give guests something to do by setting up a variety of fun backyard games for groups like cornhole or Bucket Ball (this can also double as a gift for the bride and groom!)

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Custom Koozies

Purchase practical favors that guests can actually use at the shower as well as after it too!

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Utensil Holders

Skip the plastic utensil holders and use these adorable personalized I DO BBQ-themed kraft bags instead.

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Fall In Love”

Celebrate your bestie with all things autumn by throwing her the most fabulous fall-inspired bridal shower.

Start by selecting a “fall in love” themed invitation, then move on to matching decorations, favors, and game prizes. Incorporating a similar color scheme is an easy way to tie these all together.

When it comes to planning the food and drink menu, there is no shortage of fall favorites to choose from. Think pumpkin cheesecake bites and apple cider sangria!

Looking for more details about this seasonal theme? Check out our step-by-step guide to throwing a fall bridal shower.

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Our Fall in Love shower must-haves:

Fall-Themed Bucket List

Have each suggest their favorite fall date idea (i.e. going to a pumpkin patch or taking a haunted hayride) using our cards and assemble it into a gift you can present to the couple!

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Apple Cider Kit Favors

Send guests home with these yummy, do-it-yourself apple cider kit favors.

Signature Fall co*cktail

Remember what we said about apple cider sangria? It makes for the perfect big batch fall co*cktail!

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Garden Party”

Does your bride-to-be have a green thumb? Or perhaps she just loves spending time outdoors? Either way, a garden party is definitely one of our bridal shower themes to consider!

As with any garden, aesthetic is everything. That’s why the ideal venue for this type of shower will be naturally decorated with plants and flowers, leaving you to simply add a few final touches.

When it comes to the food and drink menu, think fresh finger foods and yummy sparkling co*cktails. And don’t be afraid to throw a few edible florals into the mix!

Finally, go above and beyond by planning some fun garden-related activities and games (keep reading for some good ideas!)

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Our Garden Party must-haves:

Flower Bar

Set up a ‘build your own bouquet’ flower bar that doubles as a fun activity and gift for guests!

9 Bridal Shower Themes for the Modern Bride (31)

Seed Packet Favors

These adorable “let love grow” seed packets are the perfect garden party favors to send guests home with.

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Greenery Games

Add to the overall aesthetic by playing some greenery-themed bridal shower games.

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“Final Fiesta”

Send your bride-to-be off in southwestern style by hosting a final fiesta bridal shower!

The key to nailing a final fiesta theme is all about the color scheme. When deciding on decorations, think bright colors like pink, orange, and yellow with hints of green and blue.

Throw in some fiesta-themed supplies, like cups or napkins, plus fun accessories like mini sombreos or cactus confetti.

Most importantly, make sure your food and drink menus are top-notch. We’re talking loads of guacamole, build your own taco bar, and ice-cold margaritas!

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Our Final Fiesta bridal shower must-haves:

Colorful Backdrop

Create a colorful background for your photos with this vibrant fringe backdrop.

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Let’s Fiesta Cups

Sip your margaritas in style with these let’s fiesta cups that double as favors for guests.

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Floral Fiesta Veil

Let your bestie feel like the queen she is by rocking this floral fiesta veil.

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Bridal Shower Themes: A Comprehensive Guide

As an expert in bridal showers, I can provide you with information related to all the concepts used in this article. Bridal showers are pre-wedding celebrations thrown in honor of the bride-to-be. They are a chance for the bride's closest friends and family to come together and celebrate her upcoming wedding. Bridal shower themes add an element of uniqueness and excitement to the event, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Stock-the-Bar

The "Stock-the-Bar" theme is centered around the idea of creating a fully stocked bar for the newlyweds. Instead of traditional bridal shower gifts, guests are encouraged to bring their favorite bottle of wine or liquor. The couple may also choose to register for barware or decor. This theme is perfect for couples who enjoy entertaining and celebrating with drinks. It creates a fun and festive atmosphere for the bridal shower.

Brunch and Bubbly

The "Brunch and Bubbly" theme is a classic and chic option for a bridal shower. The focus of this theme is on the food and drink menu, which should include breakfast items, champagne or sparkling wine, and Bloody Marys. Decorations can include balloons and banners with a "brunch and bubbly" theme. Guests can also fill out co*cktail recipe cards as a special gift for the couple.

She Found Her Main Squeeze

The "She Found Her Main Squeeze" theme is a cheerful and vibrant option for a bridal shower. This lemon-inspired theme is perfect for spring and summer seasons. Lemon-flavored drinks and desserts are the highlight of this theme. Decorations should incorporate bright colors and lemon-themed supplies. It creates a refreshing and lively atmosphere for the bridal shower.

Traveling from Miss to Mrs

The "Traveling from Miss to Mrs" theme is ideal for couples who love to travel or are planning a destination wedding or honeymoon. The bridal shower can be focused on a specific destination or have a general travel theme. Invitations, decorations, favors, and games can all incorporate travel elements. A unique idea is to create a DIY honeyfund with the bridal party, where each person contributes to a local activity or meal for the couple.

Vino Before Vows

The "Vino Before Vows" theme is perfect for brides who enjoy wine. This theme involves taking the bride to her favorite local winery for a bridal shower. The details include contacting the winery, determining availability, and planning the menu. Wine-themed favors, such as wine charms, can be given to guests. Wine bottles can be repurposed as centerpieces, and an anniversary wine box can be gifted to the couple.

I Do BBQ

The "I Do BBQ" theme is a low-key option for a couples shower. It is best hosted in a backyard with plenty of space for guests to mingle. Grilled food, such as burgers and sausages, along with simple sides, are perfect for this theme. Drinks can include big batch co*cktails, beer, and wine. Backyard games and custom koozies can be included as entertainment and favors.

Fall In Love

The "Fall In Love" theme celebrates the autumn season. The theme includes fall-inspired invitations, decorations, favors, and game prizes. The menu can feature fall favorites like pumpkin cheesecake bites and apple cider sangria. A fall-themed bucket list can be created, and guests can contribute their favorite fall date ideas. Apple cider kit favors and a signature fall co*cktail add to the festivities.

Garden Party

The "Garden Party" theme is ideal for brides who have a green thumb or love spending time outdoors. The venue should naturally have plants and flowers as decorations. A flower bar can be set up for guests to create their own bouquets. Seed packet favors and greenery-themed games can add to the overall aesthetic. Fresh finger foods and sparkling co*cktails are perfect for the menu.

Final Fiesta

The "Final Fiesta" theme is a southwestern-style celebration to send off the bride-to-be. The color scheme should be bright and vibrant, with fiesta-themed supplies and accessories. The menu can include guacamole, a build your own taco bar, and margaritas. A colorful backdrop, fiesta cups, and a floral fiesta veil can be included for decorations and accessories.

These are just a few of the unique bridal shower themes mentioned in the article. Each theme offers a different atmosphere and experience for the bride-to-be and her guests. By selecting a theme that resonates with the bride's interests and personality, you can create a memorable and enjoyable bridal shower experience.

9 Bridal Shower Themes for the Modern Bride (2024)

FAQs

What color does the bride wear to the bridal shower? ›

Many brides choose to wear white to all of their pre-wedding events. That includes their bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. You can't go wrong with a pretty white dress — no matter the fabric or silhouette!

What should bride do for bridal shower? ›

The bride will open her gifts in front of the guests and often express her gratitude with a short speech. And opening gifts isn't the only thing the bride does at this event. In addition to gift giving, bridal showers may also involve playing games, eating great food, and having the bride's favorite drinks.

Do bridal showers have themes? ›

Be it afternoon tea, karaoke, candy, wine, puppies, or even Paris, we've come up with some amazing party ideas for you. Even something as simple as her favorite color can lend itself to a super cute theme. You can even go off script and make it a co-ed affair.

Does the mother of the bride give a bridal shower? ›

Traditionally, the mother of the bride doesn't host the bridal shower (the maid of honor typically assumes the chief shower-planning role), however, your daughter will likely want you to be a part of the celebration.

Who is supposed to pay for the bridal shower? ›

In short, the host is the one who pays for the bridal shower—or at least some of it. Most commonly, this is the maid of honor, but the couple's relatives, friends or even the to-be-weds themselves can all pitch in to cover the cost of the wedding shower.

Should the mother of the bride attend all the bridal showers? ›

According to Gottsman, the mother of the bride (MOB) should be a guest, but should not participate. "There are some circ*mstances where the MOB would discreetly offer financial assistance, but request to keep her name off the invitation," said Gottsman.

How do you make a bridal shower not awkward? ›

Plan Activities

Offering something interactive and hands-on, or even hiring an outside pro like a sommelier or mixologist, is a great way to help guests who don't know each other feel more comfortable and welcome.

Who should not host a bridal shower? ›

Traditional etiquette dictates that the maid of honor—not the mother of the bride—should host the shower. Nancy is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Some etiquette rules were meant to fade away into oblivion, like the one about family members of the bride not hosting her bridal shower.

What does a mother in law give the bride for the bridal shower? ›

Consider heirloom-worthy serveware or a handmade book featuring your family's secret recipes. Alternatively, opt for items she'll likely need for the wedding. Think: a luxurious getting-ready robe, something blue or travel essentials for the honeymoon.

How many hours should a bridal shower be? ›

Bridal showers typically last 2-4 hours and are not considered an all-day event. Although, depending on the type of shower you are hosting the time can vary. Most showers will either take place in the morning and serve as a brunch, or in the afternoon served with lunch or finger foods.

How do I choose a bridal shower theme? ›

Themes are especially fun when you can tie them in with the couple's interests. In this case, throwing a travel-themed shower is perfect for the bride/groom/couple who is getting excited about the honeymoon. See if there is a way to pay tribute to their favorite travel spot in your party planning.

Should your bridal shower theme match your wedding theme? ›

You could also match the shower to the wedding theme. For example, if the couple is having a beach wedding, then you could have a beach-themed shower. Here are a few themes to get your creative juices flowing: Garden party.

Do you have cake at a bridal shower? ›

It's not totally necessary to have a bridal shower cake, but cake is always a surefire way to commemorate an occasion.

Is it tradition for bride to wear white to bridal shower? ›

In most cases, you do want to avoid wearing white to a bridal shower as a guest (unless specifically stated in the invite). Why? It's traditional for the bride, or the couple, to wear white at the bridal shower. This also includes pastel shades, like blush or soft blue, that can be photographed as looking white.

Does only the bride wear white to bridal shower? ›

Let the bride-to-be wear white.

It's a subtle way to let her shine on her big day. Personally, I would even steer away from creams and ivory as well. Nude shades and white dresses with colorful prints are fine, but solid whites should be reserved for the star of the show: The Bride.

Should the bridal shower be the same colors as the wedding? ›

You'll want to take some time to create invitations that accurately reflect the tone and theme of the shower. If you're not sure where to start, we have a few suggestions! – Choose a color scheme that matches the bride's wedding colors.

What color should the bride's dress be? ›

It is very traditional for brides to wear white on their wedding day. When you start looking at wedding dresses online or at a bridal shop, you will see wedding dresses labeled with many different color names, from white to ivory to off-white to diamond white to cream and many color names and shades in between.

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