Wedding Blog

Last week we explored the history and ritual around the bridal shower. Now let’s get to the fun part—planning a shower! In my opinion, hosting a themed bridal shower will make it easier and more fun to plan. One great way to come up with a bridal shower theme is to think about the interests and hobbies of the bride. For example, is she crafty, love to cook, or a fitness buff? Incorporate the things she likes into the theme of the party. It’ll make it easier for you to pull it all together and the bride will feel especially pampered. Here are a few theme ideas that can be customized to almost any bride:

Mrs. Gourmet Chef Shower
Take shower guests to a cooking class. Or have an instructor chef come over to teach the group a dish or two.
Bridal Gift – Retro Apron, Kitchen tools and a recipe from each guest.
Party Favor - mini salt and pepper shakers.

Mrs. Home Improvement Shower
This bridal shower is perfect for the DIY bride-to-be. Check out your nearest Home Depot for their Do-it-herself workshops!
Bridal Gift - Pitch in for a large amount gift card to a hardware store, or for a service the bride has mentioned her home needed.
Party Favor – mini tape measure.

Mrs. Calendar Girl Shower This idea is fun all year round! Decorate with clocks, calendars or the divide your venue up into seasons.
Bridal Gift - Guests are assigned a month and their gift must correspond to that month. Here’s an example list of gifts:

• January – Clock, books, candles
• February – Collection of romantic movies, baking set
• March – Bed sheets, foot spa set
• April – Bird feeder, gardening kit
• May – Salad spinner, exercise items (jump rope, light weights, yoga mat)
• June – Iced tea set (glasses, pitcher, lemons & assorted tea flavors), car cleaning kit
• July – Picnic basket, towels
• August – Fishing poles, hibachi grill
• September - Umbrella, espresso machine
• October – Serving dishes , dish towels
• November – Holiday storage containers, overnight bag with toiletry kit
• December – Fire place screen, throw blanket

Party Favor – pocket sized folio with calendar.

Mrs. Pamper Me Shower
Create a spa atmosphere with candles and aromatherapy oils, and invite a masseuse to perform chair massages on each guest.
Bridal Gift – Spa service gift certificate, a collection of essential oils and lotions, plush robe
Party Favors – travel candles, body cream

Mrs. Neat Freak Shower
Decorate this party with drapes of white cloth, pretty bottle of cleaners, and stacks of cute storage containers. This is perfect for all brides; those who like organization and cleaning. As well as those who aren’t too familiar with it, and need the help!
Bridal Gift - Cleaning service for her home or car, a new collection of cleaning products, storage solutions, shelving solutions
Party Favors – Mini scrubbing brushes.

Mrs. Fitness Shower
Have a bridal shower at the local indoor rock climbing venue or take a pilates class together! The health conscious bride will get a kick out of this.
Bridal Gift – Outdoorsy gear, monogrammed gym bag, workout mat
Party favors – designer suncreen, sporty water bottles

Mrs. Worldly Shower
Are the bride and groom of different ethnic origins?Create a shower of the two cultures combined.
Bridal Gift – Luggage set and books on travel to their respective native countries.
Party Favors – Luggage tags

Mrs. Rise and Shine Shower
Use the china, silver and the crystal for this elegant brunch! Cook up some savory dishes and make mimosas or hold the shower at the bride’s favorite brunch eatery.
Bridal Gift – Luxurious bed sheet set (from the bed skirt to accent pillows) or a collective contribution to bed and breakfast getaway (perfect for right after the wedding)!
Party Favors – Single serving bottles of champagne.

I hope you’ve found my suggestions unique and inspiring. I’d love to hear what kind of great bridal shower you’ve had, or are having!