So, you’ve been given the honour of hosting a bridal shower for the bride-to-be! It’s the perfect chance to gather her favourite people, celebrate her upcoming wedding, and plan a day filled with love, laughter, and maybe a few bubbles. But where do you start? With so many details to consider, it can be tricky to know where to begin. Having hosted three bridal showers ourselves, we’re here to share the tips and insights that will help you plan the perfect celebration.
Set the date & create the guest list
Start by choosing a date that works for the bride and her inner circle. Typically the date is within 3 months before the wedding.
The bride may also have other celebrations, like a hen do, so the bridal shower is often a slightly larger, more traditional gathering that includes older family members such as mothers, aunties, and grandmothers. Ask the bride for her guest list and decide if it’ll be an intimate brunch with close friends or a larger gathering with extended family and friends.
Pro tip: Digital invites are often the easiest option (and definitely cost-effective) when coordinating larger guest list.
Pick a theme and aesthetic
It’s always a good idea to begin by asking the bride if she has any specific preferences or requests for her bridal shower. While a theme isn’t essential and if you’ve been given the freedom to plan, here are a few of our favourite ideas to inspire you.
1. Food themes - Choosing a food theme for a bridal shower can really set the tone for the event and make the experience more memorable. Don’t forget to check for any dietary restrictions!
- A chic Afternoon Tea Party brings an air of elegance, with a beautifully curated menu of delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, fruit tarts, or classic scones. If you’re after something a little more fun than tea, a fruit-infused iced tea or a glass of champagne or sparkling rosé is always a good idea. The secret to creating a beautifully styled afternoon tea table lies in layering tiered cake stands and serving platters, complemented by petite vases filled with classic flowers such as peonies, roses, and hydrangeas.
- A Spring Garden Party is a beautiful choice when the warmer months arrive. Delight your guests with fresh salads adorned with fruits and a vinaigrette, alongside mini sliders, and a curated cheese and charcuterie board. Refreshments might include chilled lemon iced tea and strawberry lemonades. To complete the scene, adorn your tables with charming wicker baskets filled with blooms, and pastel-hued linens and tableware.
- A Breakfast Bar could be a fun twist if you're aiming for something casual and fun. After all, who could resist fluffy pancakes and golden waffles served with a beautiful array of toppings - think fresh berries, maple syrup, whipped cream, and indulgent chocolate chips. Complement the spread with an avocado toast station, and perhaps a smoothie or açaí bowl bar featuring an assortment of seasonal fruits, seeds, and nut add-ins. It’s a thoughtful, crowd-pleasing way to start the day’s celebrations.
- A Mediterranean Feast offers a light yet flavourful menu, thoughtfully designed for sharing and savouring. Begin with a beautifully styled grazing table featuring an array of dips such as hummus and baba ghanoush, accompanied by warm pita, flatbreads and marinated olives. Main platters of seasonal chargrilled vegetables and souvlaki skewers add to the generous spread. The table itself becomes part of the experience, adorned with simply cut fresh lemons, figs, and pomegranates, creating a naturally elegant and abundant display that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
2. Colour themes - Setting a colour theme creates a sense of occasion, adds a touch of fun, and makes for the most gorgeous photos. Invite guests to dress in a coordinated colour palette, with the bride-to-be in a colour that sets her beautifully apart.
Here are some colour themes that would go perfectly with our food themes as well.
- Soft & Romantic colours featuring blush, mauve, creams, pastel florals and ivory. This is perfect for garden parties and afternoon teas.
- Fresh & Mediterranean colours featuring white, lemon yellow, olive green, sun-kissed peach and honey. Ideal for al fresco brunches and Mediterranean-themed feasts.
- Chic & Glamorous colours featuring, metallic silver and gold, champagne, rose gold with glitter and pearl accessories. Perfect for rooftop gatherings, evening soirees, or luxe brunches.
- Sunset & Summer colours is a captivating palette of vibrant hues of orange, golden yellow, pink and lime. This theme is versatile and perfect for garden parties or even sunset toasts by the shore.
Pick a venue
Depending on the number of guests and theme you have chosen, you can easily host a bridal shower at a family or friend's house, restaurant or winery, an airbnb, picnic area, community event space or hotel function room.
Fun activities
If the bride is into it, bridal shower games are kind of a tradition! Especially at a family-friendly bridal shower, the right games can help break the ice. We have a great range of bridal shower games to get people mingling, and create some sweet memories.
Pro tip:
- Aim for 2–3 games max so it doesn’t feel like a game show.
- Have small prizes like candles, chocolates, gift cards or cute notebooks for winners.
Click to shop bridal shower games
Making Memories
We just know you and the bride are going to have the best time. Here’s to creating the most beautiful memories together.
One final tip is to organise a Letters to the Bride book. It’s the perfect way to stick in old photos and new photos from the day. You can get guests to prepare a letter or guests can write their letters at their own pace at the shower making it easier for quieter family and friends to share their well-wishes. Even if you skip party games or speeches, this book adds a really meaningful, personal touch to the day in a quiet, lovely way.
It’s a keepsake she’ll treasure for years to come.
