Bridal shower theme ideas

Bridal showers are a great place to celebrate the bride. What makes them so fun and unique are the special themes that are created for the bride. Oftentimes, the themes are chosen by the brides and bridesmaids. The bridesmaids can brainstorm themes for the bride to choose from. As a former bridesmaid, I know that coming up with unique themes ideas is one of the most difficult parts of throwing the shower. Therefore, here are some of the best and favorite themes of past brides.

Beach Theme

This theme is for the bride who loves the beach. It can be made more Hawaiian with leis and a luau theme, or just more beachy with sand and palm trees. Fun gifts include bathing suits, bikinis, beach bags and sunglasses. Fun decor ideas include blown up palm trees, sand in little glass jars, and flip flops for everyone (great as a gift as well).

This one is a bit different, but for the bride who loves to shop, consider a "Barney's" or "Neiman Marcus" type theme. This would involve everyone bringing something fashionable including accessories like jewelry or purses. The games could involve guests trying to determine the bride's favorite brands or favorite clothing items. Guests can also have the opportunity to guess what the bride is wearing on the big day. For example, showing them a choice of ivory bridal shoes or white wedding shoes and guessing what item the bride has chosen. For this theme, focus on fashion and shopping. Decorate with shopping bags, and provide shopping breaks.

Tea Party

This is a great theme for the bride that loves high tea. You can serve little sandwiches, cakes and cookies and an assortment of different tea. Gifts for the bride can involve anything related to tea - teacups, tea sets, and mini plates and serving sets. This can be done at home, with the bridesmaid doing the tea service or at an actual tea salon. Use flowers and little candies and cookies as the decor idea.

For the book lover: For the bride who is a book lover, consider having a theme around coffee table books and creating a coffee shop atmosphere. You can serve coffee and biscotti and guests can each bring one of their favorite coffee table books for the bride. Games can include the bride's favorite books, and each guest can give the bride one of their favorite books as well.

Just desserts: This theme is fantastic for the bride who loves sweets and desserts. Everyone can bring a present related to baking, desserts and sweets. Some unique gifts include the dessert of the month club so the bride doesn't receive everything on that day. Fantastic decor ideas include using candy to make bows and bracelets, and displaying the food in the shape of other cute goods like cupcakes. Fun ideas to do include decorating cupcakes, decorating cakes, decorating cookies, exchanging baked goods, and giving the bride favorite dessert recipes.  You can also go to a cooking class or a pastry class with the group for fun.

Consider a theme that is sort of an around the world. Ask guests to bring gifts that will help the bride travel to different places whether it is luggage tags or an airplane bag or books on travel. Play games around where the bride has been and where she wants to go. Decorate with items from the bride's favorite places that she's traveled to.

These are just some of the ideas for a fantastic bridal shower. Just remember, when choosing the theme, think about what the bride likes to do and play that up. The bride will love it and the guests will relate to it since the theme will really reflect upon the bride and her tastes and interests.