100 Inspiring Bridal Shower Ideas
Yes, planning a bridal shower is a labor of love — but remember your guest of honor will cherish this rare opportunity to bond with her "inner circle." Before you dive into the rabbit hole of prettiness that we call Pinterest, take a look at some of our favorite ideas from real-life showers to get you started. We're talking some of the prettiest cakes, most steal-worthy décor, fun-filled activities, and SO much more!
By: Stefania Sainato
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Entertaining Games & Activities -142072
These adorable letterpress coasters from BHLDN may no longer be in stock, but with some ingenuity, you could create your own DIY adaptation.
See more photos from this blue-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Ashley Therese Photography
Sweet Treats
Tiffany blue is one of the most popular bridal shower colors, and with good reason: Check out this stunning cake!
See more photos from this blue-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Ashley Therese Photography
Chic Dress Codes
Neutral-hued bridesmaid dresses are gaining momentum and the look is just as gorgeous for a bridal shower.
See more photos from this Paris-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Elizabeth in Love
Chic Dress Codes
Bridesmaids, as if you needed another excuse to pull out your favorite LBD from the closet, we present Exhibit A: this chic black-and-white lineup.
See more photos from this fashion-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Lori Studios
Stunning Décor
Mismatched seating lends a communal vibe to an easygoing garden shower.
See more photos from this "Favorite Things"-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Caroline Tran
Entertaining Games & Activities
This bride-to-be and a pal could barely contain themselves during the "panty raid!" Guests were asked to decorate plain skivvies and the guest of honor had to guess who created each design.
See more photos from this "Favorite Things"-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Caroline Tran
Chic Dress Codes
This shower had an "Eat, Pink and Be Married" theme, with guest attire to match, creating a gorgeous ombré effect in photos.
See more photos from this pink-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Bloom Designs
Chic Dress Codes
This bridal shower transported California guests to the Lone Star State with a Western dress code.
See more photos from this Southern-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Brandi Welles Photography
Sweet Treats
Color-coordinate your desserts for an arrangement that looks just as sweet as it tastes.
See more photos from this pink-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Bloom Designs
Entertaining Games & Activities
The "bow" hat is a time-honored bridal shower tradition, to the chagrin of bashful brides everywhere. This is a great way to keep little ones occupied or include someone who isn't in the bridal party.
See more photos from this blue-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Ashley Therese Photography
Entertaining Games & Activities
Have the bride and groom face-off in a trivia challenge! Or, if the shower is girls-only, record his responses or questions ahead of time on video and then play it for all of the guests.
See more photos from this Mexican-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Joyeuse Photography
Stunning Décor
These mug-sized floral arrangements serve a dual purpose: Gift them to the bride after the shower!
See more photos from this vintage-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Shan Cait
Entertaining Games & Activities
At this shower, guests were asked to write down their favorite memory with the bride — how sweet is that?
See more photos from this purple-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Laura Laing
Decadent Drinks
The new Mrs. will remember all of the happy memories from her shower every time she uses this monogrammed bucket.
See more photos from this pink-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Bloom Designs
Opening the Gifts
Ask the cutest member of your bridal party to help out with the unwrapping!
See more photos from this pink-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Bloom Designs
Sweet Treats
During the gift-opening portion of this shower, the hosts brought out their secret weapon: funnel cones!
See more photos from this "For Like, Ever"-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Dez and Tam
Favors They'll Actually Use
We "heart" this pie in a jar favor, which came with a little wooden spoon.
See more photos from this Southern-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Brandi Welles Photography
Entertaining Games & Activities
Display a collage board with photos of the bride throughout the years and have guests guess how old she was in each of the pics.
See more photos from this Southern-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Brandi Welles Photography
Signs That Shine
Reveal the bride-to-be's true title on a calligraphed place card.
See more photos from this Downton Abbey-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Kristen Klein
Entertaining Games & Activities
In a twist on the classic clothespin game, each guest received a ring pop and had to forfeit it if they said the bride's name. Clearly her future sister-in-law, pictured above, was a master!
See more photos from this "Favorite Things"-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Caroline Tran
Signs That Shine
Assign quirky names to each guest table, like at this fashionista's shower.
See more photos from this fashion-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Lori Studios
Favors They'll Actually Use
A beautiful ceramic plate won't "accidentally" get left behind.
See more photos from this Paris-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Elizabeth in Love
Favors They'll Actually Use
These "The Perfect Blend" cookie favors are perfect for a tea party.
See more photos from this tea party-inspired bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Liz and Nate Photography
Opening the Gifts
If you're throwing a larger bridal shower, provide a microphone for the bride-to-be so that guests don't have to strain themselves to hear who purchased which gift.
See more photos from this fashion-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Lori Studios
Sweet Treats
Choose a few fondant accents to get the most bang for your buck! We adore the quilted effect on this design.
Photo Credit: Laura Hernandez Photography
Sweet Treats
Quirky cake toppers add personality to a yummy coconut-covered confection.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Renee Photography
Sweet Treats
If you're having a small number of guests, enhance a one-tier cake with a ring of cupcakes.
Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio
Favors They'll Actually Use
If you're a sewing whiz, hand-stitch guests' names onto canvas bags containing their favors. It's two gifts in one!
See more photos from this beautiful surprise bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Josh Lynn Photography
Sweet Treats
Put a ring on it with donuts — they're perfect for a brunchtime shower!
Photo Credit: Alyssa Renee Photography
Eye-Catching Invites
Announce the theme right off the bat with an eye-catching invitation design.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Renee Photography
Entertaining Games & Activities
Create an all-in-one pouch that stores both the menu and game cards. This will ensure that nothing gets lost and you don't have to waste time distributing papers to each table.
See more photos from this Around-the-Clock themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Liz and Nate Photography
Signs That Shine
Party's here! An oversize sign lets guests know they've arrived at the right place.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Renee Photography
Signs That Shine
Spruce up your designated gift-opening area with a whimsical paper garland.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Renee Photography
Don't Forget the Groom!
If you've hired a photographer or designated a friend to take photos that day, don't forget to include a romantic, must-have pic of the guest of honor with her husband-to-be!
See more photos from this Paris-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Elizabeth in Love
Sweet Treats
Bring your shower theme to sweet fruition with a finale cake guests will never stop talking about!
See more photos from this Downton Abbey-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Kristen Klein
Stunning Décor
The mother of the bride used the corset from her wedding gown to fashion this show-stopping card holder!
See more photos from this beautiful surprise bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Josh Lynn Photography
Sweet Treats
This cake marries a beautiful and classic design with personalized elements (including an edible version of the bride's favorite magazine!).
See more photos from this beautiful surprise bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Josh Lynn Photography
Decadent Drinks
Affix custom labels to champagne or wine bottles to help reinforce the theme. You can order them online for cheap.
See more photos from this vintage-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Shan Cait
Sweet Treats
Or skip the cake entirely with this adorable configuration of cupcakes!
See more photos from this bridal shower on a budget ►
Photo Credit: Claudia Hernandez
Entertaining Games & Activities
Prior to the shower, ask guests to send recipes to the host, who can then compile a "best of" cookbook from both the bride and groom's family members and friends. This one was created using the online program Blurb.
See more photos from this beautiful surprise bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Josh Lynn Photography
Sweet Treats
How cute are these "here comes the bride" cookies?
See more photos from this beautiful surprise bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Josh Lynn Photography
Entertaining Games & Activities
Sushi or pizza? Carnival or baseball game? Karaoke or matinee show? Help out the happy newlyweds by crowd-sourcing date suggestions, which will certainly come in handy after their big day. Include neighborhood restaurants that they may not have tried yet.
Photo Credit: Laura Hernandez Photography
Eye-Catching Invites
Easy-to-use online programs like Zazzle allow you to customize bridal shower invitations with logos, backgrounds and different fonts.
See more photos from this Downton Abbey-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Kristen Klein
Opening the Gifts
Sometimes the most treasured gifts are one-of-a-kind items that the bride didn't think to register for.
See more photos from this Alice and Wonderland-themed shower ►
Photo Credit: Chrystal Cienfuegos Photography
Signs That Shine
Quotable table numbers with the bride's favorite sayings serve as conversation-starters.
See more photos from this pink-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Bloom Designs
Opening the Gifts
In some cultures, brides distribute special thank-you gifts to their bridal party at the shower. If that's the case, don't forget to include a kid-friendly toy or book for the little ones.
See more photos from this beautiful surprise bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Josh Lynn Photography
Entertaining Games & Activities
Or create one stand-up binder that the entire table can share.
See more photos from this surprise bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Josh Lynn Photography
Entertaining Games & Activities
Create a top ten list of quotes and have attendees guess whether the bride or groom said each one. Bonus points if you include silhouette illustrations for them to circle.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Renee Photography
Eye-Catching Invites
Consider including "fiancée of" wording if your groom has a large family and you haven't met all of his relatives yet.
See more photos from this fashion-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Lori Studios
Entertaining Games & Activities
Build your own Jeopardy board with categories that relate to the bride and groom's interests. Award a prize to the top winner — Alex Trebek impression optional.
See more photos from this Tuscany-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Christine Haws Photography
Opening the Gifts
In addition to handy household necessities, consider gifting something of sentimental value to the bride-to-be, like this gold locket that originally belonged to her grandmother.
See more photos from this Mexican-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Joyeuse Photography
Signs That Shine
A golden frame and paper flowers transform a chalkboard into wow-worthy décor.
See more photos from this vintage-themed wedding here ►
Photo Credit: Shan Cait
Favors They'll Actually Use
Edible favors continue to reign supreme at showers. We love that these macarons were personalized with a miniature Eiffel Tower charm — c'est magnifique.
Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio
Favors They'll Actually Use
Pamper guests with beauty goodies like nail polish, face masks and lip gloss. You can even theme your entire party around this by hiring a spa technician to give manicures or mini massages.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Renee Photography
Decadent Drinks
Mimosa bars are high on the excitement meter and with good reason: guests can serve themselves at any point in the shower. Don't forget to include fresh fruit and edible rim garnishes!
Photo Credit: Alyssa Renee Photography
Entertaining Games & Activities
If you prefer that guests submit their favorite recipes during the shower, create preprinted cards with different sections laid out (e.g. ingredients, directions, special tips) so that they're easier for the bride to read.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Renee Photography
Entertaining Games & Activities
Guests got a kick out of these pens, which feature cute sayings that pop up whenever you click them.
See more photos from this beautiful surprise bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Josh Lynn Photography
Entertaining Games & Activities
If the thought of giving a speech makes you hyperventilate and you can't trust that you won't cry, put together a brief "in dedication of" video for the guest of honor.
Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio
Stunning Décor
Add flair to your tabletop design with napkin rings and message tags.
Photo Credit: Melody Melikian Photography on Every Last Detail via Lover.ly
Signs That Shine
Decorate the back of the bride's chair with a charming sign that matches the shower theme or colors. Get creative and use pearl strands, tulle or other craft store finds.
Photo Credit: Nick Yutaka on Glamour and Grace via Lover.ly
Entertaining Games & Activities
The toilet paper game never fails to make guests crack up. How it works: Divide everyone up into a few different teams and ask a "model" from each group to come forward. The rest of the team members have to create a wedding gown to dress her up in using rolls of paper towel (no scissors or tape allowed). The bride awards her pick for best-dressed!
See more photos from this Alice in Wonderland-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Chrystal Cienfuegos Photography
Entertaining Games & Activities
We love this all-in-one game card we spotted recently! Adults can use it to write down their best marriage pointers, while the children in the group can use it to draw a picture of the bride and groom.
Photo Credit: Vanessa Joy Photography
Signs That Shine
Start the wedding countdown early! Use stripes, chevrons, or another pattern to make your sign pop. Bonus: It also serves as a great photo-taking prop.
Photo Credit: Jade Michelle via Hostess with the Mostess
Decadent Drinks
These "getting married" drink stirrers make for an easy and creative DIY project. Get all of the 'maids to pitch in!
Photo Credit: Jamie D Photography on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly
Stunning Décor
This incredible "chandelier" was created for a surprise bridal shower using 52 balloons tied with photos!
Photo Credit: Troy Grover Photography on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly
Entertaining Games & Activities
In this classic game, kitchen tools are pinned to an apron that the bride-to-be must wear for one quick walk around the room. Afterwards, have her take it off and ask guests to jot down all of the items that were on it.
Photo Credit: Weddings by Scott and Dana
Entertaining Games & Activities
Gems and engagement ring props put the "bridal" in bingo. This classic game is a fun way to engage guests during the gift-opening portion of the shower.
Photo Credit: Blueberry Photography
Sweet Treats
A bridal shower cake featuring a replica of the guest of honor is sure to put a smile on everyone's face. Bonus: Include details that represent her favorite things, like shopping bags if she's a fashionista or a cat to represent her beloved pet.
Photo Credit: Blueberry Photography
Sweet Treats
With its floral-adorned skirt, this cake doubles as a work of art.
Photo Credit: Cake Central
Stunning Décor
Pin photos of the happy newlyweds-to-be onto a dress form for a memorable display piece! You may be able to rent one from a local tailoring shop (they often have extras in storage).
Photo Credit: Brancoprata on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly
Stunning Décor
If you're hosting a shower at home, put Grandma's fine china collection to good use by filling teapots with a few choice blooms.
Photo Credit: Dana Lee Jones Photography on Munaluchi Bridal via Lover.ly
Stunning Décor
Give guests a whiff of something sweet with this Chanel-inspired creation.
See more photos from this Paris-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Elizabeth in Love
Signs That Shine
The writing's on the wall with this sweet welcome message to shower guests.
Photo Credit: Dana Lee Jones Photography on Munaluchi Bridal via Lover.ly
Stunning Décor
This bride highlighted all of the most important women in her life with this three-fold photo display featuring beloved snapshots taken throughout the years.
Photo Credit: Weddings by Scott and Dana
Stunning Décor
These umbrella centerpieces are adorable, come rain or come shine! Put a paperweight inside each vase so that they don't tip over.
Photo Credit: Weddings by Scott and Dana
Decadent Drinks
An armoire serves as a stunning drink station (stuff one drawer with faux flowers to keep the look budget-friendly).
Photo Credit: Weddings by Scott and Dana
Stunning Décor
We thought Cinderella's glass slipper couldn't get any more magical...that is, until we saw this floral remake at a bridal shower!
Photo Credit: Blueberry Photography
Entertaining Games & Activities
Brides are getting ultra-creative with their wedding guest book and the bridal shower is no exception. One popular choice: Displaying a plate for loved ones to sign, which can be displayed at the new Mrs.' home for years to come.
Photo Credit: Weddings by Scott and Dana
Entertaining Games & Activities
If traditional shower games aren't really your speed, consider treating guests to a learning experience they'll never forget. For example, guests at this shower took a professional hula lesson in honor of the bride's upcoming honeymoon to — where else? — Maui.
Photo Credit: Jay Reilly
Eye-Catching Invites
Frame the bridal shower invitation, along with the bride's engagement portrait, and place it on the reception table so that guests see it as soon as they walk in.
Photo Credit: Blueberry Photography
Entertaining Games & Activities
Display a Mad Libs printout at each guest's place setting instructing guests to write personalized vows for the newlyweds. Read a few of the funniest responses out loud before or after opening the gifts.
Photo Credit: Invitations by Tiffany on Etsy
Signs That Shine
Will the shower be a surprise? Create an Instagram-worthy reveal by having guests hold up these signs.
Photo Credit: Troy Grover Photography on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly
Stunning Décor
A glittering tablecloth is glamorous and girlie — perfect for a bridal shower.
Photo Credit: Weddings by Scott and Dana
Sweet Treats
These "save-the-date" cookies are genius for a bridal shower.
Photo Credit: District Desserts on Etsy
Chic Dress Codes
No tea party is complete without whimsical hats and fascinators that would make Pippa proud.
See more photos from this Alice and Wonderland-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Chrystal Cienfuegos Photography
Stunning Décor
Be on the lookout for vintage-inspired vases that you can scoop up on sale at houseware stores or flea markets. Splurge on the bride's table centerpiece and save on the rest by creating a smaller version.
See more photos from this beautiful surprise bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Josh Lynn Photography
Eye-Catching Invites
Enhance DIY bridal shower invitations with scalloped borders and other embellishments.
See more photos from this Mexican-inspired bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Joyeuse Photography
Stunning Décor
Embrace seasonal elements. This summer shower had centerpieces featuring lemons that were plucked straight from the maid of honor's garden, as well as cheery sunflower place settings.
See more photos from this Tuscany-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Christine Haws Photography
Stunning Décor
Suspend lanterns, globes or even crystals from ceiling rafters or nearby trees — the effect is nothing short of magical.
See more photos from this yellow-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Katee Grace Photography
Opening the Gifts
Ask guests to tape a gift tag to the exterior of the present in order to avoid any confusion about who gave what.
See more photos from this beautiful surprise bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Josh Lynn Photography
Eye-Catching Invites
This one-of-a-kind bridal shower invitation came with a lovely tag that guests could insert onto their gift.
See more photos from this Around-the-Clock themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Nicole Paulson Photography
Stunning Décor
Create a gorgeous mix of high and low arrangements. This tablescape features three candelabras — one tall five-arm and two short three-arm versions — and flowers in vintage vessels.
See more photos from this Downton Abbey-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Kristen Klein
Decadent Drinks
It's important to include tasty non-alcoholic options as well. This tea party shower featured brews named after different characters on the hit show Downton Abbey.
See more photos from this Downton Abbey-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Kristen Klein
Decadent Drinks
Gelato-topped cocktails are the ultimate indulgence for a summer shower!
See more photos from this "For Like, Ever"-themed bridal shower
Photo Credit: Dez and Tam
Don't Forget the Groom!
This bride's favorite moment was when her groom surprised her by showing up towards the end of the shower. He presented bouquets to his lovely wife-to-be, both moms, and their grandmother.
See more photos from this fashion-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Lori Studios
Don't Forget the Groom!
Or you could buck tradition entirely with a Jack and Jill shower. This one had a fun "he likes/she likes" theme!
Photo Credit: Tania + JoJo Photography
Eye-Catching Invitations
Movie marquee lettering sets the tone for a glamorous affair.
See more photos from this movie star-themed bridal shower ►
Photo Credit: Candice Cossel of Serendipity Studios
Chic Dress Codes
Vibrant jewel tones pop in pictures — check out this bride's cant-miss hot pink shoes!
Photo Credit: Weddings by Scott and Dana
