There's a reason they call it a bridal shower—it's meant to shower the soon-to-be bride with love, bridal shower gifts, and well wishes, all while she's surrounded by her closest friends and family members. Stick with that sweet, simple idea—plus throw in a few of the best bridal shower ideas, like fun decorations, bridal shower games, bridal shower favors, and dessert recipes—and the party will be a success for the guest of honor and all her attendees. And while it’s by no means required, this traditional celebration can even incorporate the upcoming wedding’s overall vibe and foreshadow the day (like a travel-themed shower for a destination wedding).
If you're the maid of honor or mother-of-the-bride tasked with throwing this prewedding celebration, don't stress—we've got you covered. From spring table decorations and recipes to clever favors and themes, any of these DIY bridal shower ideas are easy and not overdone. Or, if you’re looking to push the wedding shower boundaries, consider keeping the crew entertained all day long with outside-the-box activities like a cake decorating class, flower crown crafting, and a co*cktail bar. No matter the to-be-wed’s style, whether nonconventional or more traditional, there’s a creative bridal shower idea with her name written all over it.
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1
Make a Gorgeous Dessert
Every bridal shower needs a standout sweet to ooh and ahh over, and our raspberry pink velvet cake with raspberry cream cheese frosting is pretty marvelous, if we do say so ourselves.
Get the recipe.
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2
Establish a Flower Bar
Instead of booze, decorate your bar cart with an assortment of flowers and greenery in tall vases. Let partygoers pick out their favorite combos, then migrate the festivities to the kitchen table so everyone can arrange their own take-home bouquets.
Get the tutorial at One Stylish Party.
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3
Host a Different Kind of Tea Party
With a tea-infused spin on classic crème brûlée (naturally served in tea cups), shower guests will be buzzing about the dessert selection even after the wedding.
Get the recipe here.
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4
Make Guests Feel Welcome
You don't need to pay top dollar for fancy calligraphy place cards. Guests will still love finding their seats with these easy DIY clay ribbon versions.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
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5
Spruce Up Your Florals
Showers and flowers go hand-in-hand no matter the season, but we encourage you to upgrade your vase situation in honor of the special occasion. Consider stashing any celebratory stems in an assortment of vintage tea tins, which can make for striking brunch table centerpieces or entryway decor.
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6
Keep It in the Family
Pay tribute to the bride's relatives by putting their old wedding photos on display for a creative bridal shower idea. Guests will love taking a look at the styles of decades past. To make the setup even more picture-perfect, affix the images to teapot lids using 6-inch pieces of artistic wire.
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7
Take a Cake Decorating Class
Now you can design your cake and eat it too. Instead of serving a store-bought confection at home, invite the bridal crew to pipe like pros and perfect their dessert icing skills. Check your local bakery to see if they offer any private classes, after which you can all tuck into the finished products.
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8
Celebrate the Bride's Future Name Change
If she plans to take over her future spouse's last name, commemorate the couple's new shared moniker with this creative monogram. Simply cut out the letter of your choosing from a piece of thick cardboard, then hot-glue decorative spools to the surface. She'll love taking it home after the shower, too.
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9
Plan an Around-the-Clock Gift Exchange
The larger the group, the better this idea works. Essentially, each bridal shower attendee is assigned a specific hour of the day on the invitation, and their gift would ideally align with the designated time. Take it one step further by encouraging friends and fam to pen a poem alluding to their present and its use ("A cup of coffee at nine sounds fine" for a Keurig, etc.). During the party itself, the guest of honor will open the goodies and read the notes in chronological order.
Get the clock tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
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10
Keep It Cozy
Embrace a homey, rustic vibe, right down to the shower tablescape. A colorful quilt-turned-tablecloth with matching serveware is bound to please even the bride's discerning grandmother.
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11
DIY a Festive Cake Topper
Love is in the air... and on the cake. Treat the bride-to-be with a strawberry-themed dessert decoration that's downright delightful. Plus, she and her future spouse can soak up this little number into their newlywed stage and beyond.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
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12
Move the Festivities Outdoors
Weather permitting, shower the bride in champagne and treats from the confines of a breathable picnic blanket. Wicker baskets stuffed with wine and lawn games are musts, too.
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13
Splattered Balloon Letters
Whether it spells out "Love," "Mrs." or the bride's name, a balloon letter sign looks completely cool and shower-ready with an extra layer of color.
Get the tutorial at Twinkle Twinkle Little Party.
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14
Enhance the Desserts
Not only can you organize a dessert or candy bar, but you can also make the confections look all the more enticing with a true-to-theme topper or two. Be on the lookout for custom versions with the couple's initials to really make a sweet statement.
Get the recipe for Tulip Cupcakes.
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15
Designate a Drink Station
Whether plain-old lemonade, fruity mimosas, or a Bloody Mary are more their speed, lay out all the beverage-concocting essentials, straws and stirrers and all. Bonus points for having personalized cups.
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16
Southwestern-Style Fiesta
Taco 'bout an amazing bridal shower idea—especially considering this style has recently risen to the ranks as a popular overarching wedding trend. Rather than champagne and breakfast casserole, switch up the menu with margaritas and savory guac. Top it all off with more desert-inspired decor like cacti, vibrant flowers, and, should you be so inclined, a piñata.
Get the tutorial at One Stylish Party.
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17
Sip on Seasonal co*cktails
It's no shower without a celebratory round(s) of libations! Try your hand at mixology to conjure up some Instagram-worthy beverages that taste as good as they look. Or, if the to-be-weds have picked out a signature wedding co*cktail, get your hands on the recipe and serve a sneak peek.
Get the recipe here.
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18
Construct a Flower Wall
Because every party, especially a pre-wedding party, needs a solid photo backdrop.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
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19
Foreshadow a Destination Wedding
If she's saying "I do" abroad, consider a travel theme as a meaningful nod to the upcoming ceremony locale. (Guests will be all for this wanderlust-y vibe, too.) Stock up on decorative luggage, trunks, and mini globes (that well-wishers can even sign).
Get the tutorial at A Joyful Riot.
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20
Give a 'Pounding'
We're not talking about a fistfight. Essentially a baking-themed bridal shower, this pre-wedding tradition goes way, way back. It's called a "pounding" party because guests all bring items to stock the bride's pantry, or "a pound of this, a pound of that." And how cute is this KitchenAidflower arrangement idea for decor?
Get the tutorial at Hostess with the Mostess.
