5 Ideas for Bridal Showers That Go Beyond the Traditional

Bringing together all the bride’s closest friends and family to celebrate their upcoming nuptials is a standard tradition, but the truth is that the average bridal shower makes most people yawn. That’s because many have a limited idea of what a bridal shower can or should be.

There’s no need to stick with the typical toilet paper wedding dress game, or even a lingerie party (even if that is a bit more modern for a bridal shower party).

If you’ve been tasked with planning the celebration for the bride-to-be, here are a few out-of-the-box ideas for a bridal shower, from spa days to wine tastings, that will have everyone excited to RSVP yes.

The Bridal Shower Vs. Wedding Shower Vs. Baby Shower: Etiquette Rules to Follow

Not all showers are the same. There are some strict etiquette rules when it comes to a bridal shower. It should always be 100% about the bride’s personality, the bride’s life, and the bride’s preferences. This is not a time to celebrate the groom — that’s what the wedding shower is for.

Additionally, unlike baby showers that have become more about welcoming all close friends, the invite list for bridal shower guests should be limited to just the bride’s favorite people. This typically includes anyone in the wedding party, very close friends, and people closely related to the bride and groom. Plus, you can often have more fun and be more flexible with your unique bridal shower ideas when the guest list is smaller.

Another important note: If the bride wants a certain family member or friend left off the guest list, take note before you start sending out each bridal shower invitation so you don’t mistakenly invite someone that shouldn’t be there.

Now, let’s get into some fun ideas for bridal showers!

1. Host the Event at a Flower Farm

Does the bride love fresh blooms? Local florists and flower farms will often host private events with flower bars where guests can practice their arranging skills (and sometimes even cut the blooms from the fields themselves!).

Not only is this an activity that’s subtly and elegantly bridal-themed, but it also results in bridal shower favors that guests can take home. And it’s a much better way to spend an afternoon than playing quirky bridal shower games. Just be sure to arrange some light refreshments and talk with the venue about setting aside a space for gift opening.

Pro tip: See if this is a service the wedding florist offers; if so, you may be able to plan the event at a reduced fee.

2. Go Wine Tasting

For a full-day event, plan a wine-tasting excursion in which the bride and a limited guest list are chauffeured around to several wineries or vineyards, landing at a final venue that’s set up with refreshments. After all, you’re going to need at least some finger sandwiches to soak up all that white wine before opening presents.

Pro tip: If you incorporate some wine bottles into the décor, you’ll have a fully-themed celebratory event that any vinophile bride will love.

3. Learn Some New Cooking Skills

For bridal shower ideas that cater to the foodie in your life, consider scheduling a cooking class. As a bonus, it can be followed by dining on your freshly-made treats.

Pro tip: As a surprise gift for the bride, as guests arrive, ask them to write a favorite recipe on recipe cards. Then, compile them all later in an aesthetically-pleasing way as a keepsake that the bride can use as they enter married life.

4. Plan a Relaxing Spa Day

Leading up to the wedding day, most brides will feel overwhelmed by the process of wedding planning. But you can help them really relax and enjoy the bridal shower by planning a spa day.

Pro tip: If a full spa day isn’t in the budget for all guests, you might consider planning an at-home option instead. Channel your inner middle school sleepover planner, and break out the face masks and fluffy robes to enjoy while sipping on some wine.

5. Spritz Away at a Scent Bar

If a flower bar isn’t quite the fit for the bride, consider visiting a scent bar where everyone can put together their own custom scent in the form of a body or room spray, body wash or soap, or candle.

This too is one of the fun ideas for a bridal shower that conveniently results in easy party favors for the guests, while also giving you everyone a fun and memorable experience that lasts for an hour or two.

Pro tip: Use one of the candles for the latter activities, like present opening and the dessert table.

Ideas for the Low-Key Bride That Are Still Special

Some of these bridal shower party ideas are going to be a bit too much for a shy or introverted bride who really just wants to celebrate with their closest friends and family, open a gift or two, and eat some bridal shower cake.

Even if you have a hunch your bride may feel this way, don’t fail to make the day as special as possible. Head to a local park or rent a private room at their favorite restaurant and come up with a party theme.

Even if the day itself isn’t extravagant, the theme can really show that you know and love the bride: Pick a favorite celebrity crush from high school, a favorite rom-com, or a dream travel destination, for example.

Pro tip: Get bonus points by asking everyone to chip in to create a keepsake gift. It can be as simple as having guests write down their favorite memory of the bride and then compiling the notes in a scrapbook.

Bridal Shower Ideas FAQs

What Are Some Popular Bridal Shower Themes?

Bridal shower themes can range, but any that you choose should ultimately reflect the bride’s style and preferences. Some popular themes include a garden party, literary party, luau, tea party, and European romance motif. Some ideas for bridal shower parties can adopt the same theme as the wedding, if there is one, such as incorporating the same colors and flowers, or buying a miniature version of the wedding cake for the party.

How Much Should a Bridal Shower Cost?

Whoever hosts the bridal shower should pay for it, whether that be a family member, the bride’s best friend, or a group of people. But at max, the cost should be no more than $200 per attendee.

What Are Some Classic Bridal Showers Ideas?

If you’re not looking for unique ideas for a bridal shower, and you’d rather do something traditional, consider having some games (like a scavenger hunt), along with small bites, a cake, and presents.

What Do Guests Bring to a Bridal Shower?

Bridal shower guests typically only need to bring a gift, with most spending between $25–$150 on the present.

What Is the Point of a Bridal Shower?

No matter which fun ideas for a bridal shower you end up going with, the entire point of the day should be entirely about giving the bride your well wishes and showing lots of love before the wedding.

Protect the Bridal Shower with Insurance from BriteCo

Now that you’re equipped with some good party ideas, it may be a wise idea to invest in event insurance for the bridal shower in case anything goes awry, like a vendor fails to show up, the venue is accidentally damaged, or severe weather sidelines everything.

Luckily, getting an event insurance quote from BriteCo is easy and takes just a few minutes.

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