Alternative bridal shower ideas can be hard to come by after a lifetime of brunches, lunches, and tea parties. If there’s a bride whose idea of fun flies in the face of gift openings and silly games — or traditional party decor just doesn’t suit her quirky personality — throw an alternative bridal shower idea that fits her perfectly.
Take the party toward the water with a fun, carefree beach day. Incorporate oceanic elements like starfish and sand dollars into the decor, and let guests paddle board, swim, or just enjoy the sunshine. Shop beach-themed party decor!
Photo: Celebrations
For the girl who loves flower crowns, a boho bridal shower may be just perfect. Once you’ve scouted the perfect location (a tree-filled backyard will work perfectly), pile on bright, colorful fabric, and set up a fresh, flavorful meal. Complete the look with a glitter feather garland!
Photo: Inspired By This
Throwing a shower for your favorite teacher, bookworm, or book club member? Decorate tables with vintage books and antique printing blocks, create paper crafts from old pages, and send guests home with a custom bookmark to commemorate the occasion.
Photo: Aisle Perfect via The Sweetest Occasion
Spend a day (or weekend) off the grid with a camping bridal shower to celebrate your outdoorsy bride. Plan hikes, picnics, and of course, s’mores.
Photo: MyWedding via 100 Layer Cake
Celebrate the foodie bride with a cooking class for all! They’re a great way to chat and meet her other friends and family. And of course, you’ll have a finished product for everyone to enjoy — and there’s usually time for a cocktail or two during the cooking process.
Photo: The Knot
Honor the green-thumbed bride with a hands-on, garden-themed bridal shower! Set up a workspace where each attendee can plant seeds, make a terrarium, or arrange flowers — whatever the bride wants. Guests can then take home their creations as party favors. See inspiring garden bridal shower decor.
Photo: Ruffled Blog
Bring on the glitz and glam with a Great Gatsby-themed bridal shower! Encourage guests to wear their favorite flapper gear, and go all-out with gold and pearl decor. Grab a gold party decorating kit with everything you need to get started.
Photo: The Little Wonderland via Kara’s Party Ideas
Celebrate the chic and colorful bride with a Kate Spade-themed bridal shower filled with bows, pink, polka dots, stripes, and gold accents! (And chances are, she’d appreciate a Kate Spade shower gift, too!) See how we created a similar Kate Spade-inspired bridal shower with a color palette of black, white, and hot pink.
Photo: The Perfect Palette
The creative bride will adore an art-themed shower that lets her skills shine. Either arrange a class at one of the many painting party locations popping up across the country, or set one up on-location. And although it’s not required, wine certainly helps the creative juices flow.
Photo: Style Me Pretty
A color scheme of red, white, and aqua, combined with the foods of the era (think Jell-o molds and these adorable milkshake cupcakes (pictured), makes for a fun retro-themed bridal shower. Encourage guests to wear their favorite apron, and provide recipe cards in advance so guests can share their favorite vintage recipe with the bride! Shop the glassware, tablecloth, plates, silverware, and more for this party.
For the bride whose taste is a little more Halloween than wedding, throw her a whimsical Tim Burton-themed shower with an emphasis on black and purple decor. Throw in a few more spooky elements, and she’ll appreciate the fact that there are no bows or glitter to be found. Create this look with a purple candy buffet! Throwing a shower in the fall? This Fall Fiesta Bridal Shower is perfect for a Dia de Los Muertos-themed celebration.
Photo: Catch My Party
Take advantage of local watering holes or head to a popular destination to sample a selection of vino or brews. Arrange for a private tour, as well as a drink-food pairing menu for the group to enjoy. Commemorate the occasion with a personalized mason jar mug or champagne flutes for everyone to take home.
Photo: Ashley Slater Photography via Something Pretty