Being asked to plan the bridal shower is one of those things you say yes to immediately and figure out later. We've been there three times, and here's what we've learned: it doesn't need to be elaborate. It just needs to feel like her. Here's where to start.
Set the Date and Guest List
Start by choosing a date that works for the bride and her closest people, typically within three months of the wedding. Keep in mind she may have other celebrations planned, like a hen's night, so the bridal shower often ends up being the more inclusive event: the one that brings together close friends alongside mothers, aunties, and grandmothers.
Ask the bride for her guest list early. An intimate brunch of ten feels very different to a gathering of thirty, and knowing the scale upfront shapes every decision that follows.
Pro tip: For a larger group, digital invitations are the most practical option. Easier to track RSVPs and far less back-and-forth than paper.
Pick a Theme and Aesthetic
It's worth checking with the bride first, whether she has a specific vision or is happy to leave it in your hands. If you've been given the freedom to decide, here are some of our favourite directions to work from.
Food themes
Choosing a food theme sets the tone for the whole event and gives you a natural visual direction to build from. A few of our favourites:
Afternoon Tea brings an elegant, unhurried feel to the day. Think delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and classic scones alongside champagne or sparkling rosé. Style the table with tiered cake stands and small vases of peonies or roses, and it comes together beautifully with very little effort.
Spring Garden Party works particularly well in the warmer months. Fresh salads, mini sliders, and a cheese and charcuterie board are easy to pull off and always well-received. Add chilled lemon iced tea, wicker baskets of blooms, and pastel linens to complete the scene.
Breakfast Bar is a more relaxed option and a genuinely fun one. Fluffy pancakes and waffles with toppings (fresh berries, maple syrup, whipped cream), an avocado toast station, and a smoothie or açaí bowl bar make for a spread that feels considered without being formal.
Mediterranean Feast is ideal for a long, leisurely afternoon. A grazing table with hummus, baba ghanoush, warm pita, marinated olives, and chargrilled vegetables does most of the work. Style it simply with fresh lemons, figs, and pomegranates for a table that looks effortlessly abundant.
Don't forget to check for dietary requirements before settling on a menu.
Colour themes
A colour theme adds a sense of occasion and makes for cohesive, lovely photos. Invite guests to dress within a coordinated palette, with the bride in a colour that sets her apart.
Soft and Romantic: blush, mauve, cream, pastel florals, and ivory. Suits garden parties and afternoon teas.
Fresh and Mediterranean: white, lemon yellow, olive green, sun-kissed peach, and honey. Ideal for al fresco brunches.
Chic and Glamorous: metallics, champagne, and rose gold with pearl accents. A natural fit for rooftop gatherings or luxe evening events.
Sunset and Summer: orange, golden yellow, pink, and lime. Versatile and vibrant, suits garden parties or anything with an outdoor backdrop.
Pick a venue
Let the guest count and theme guide your venue choice. A smaller, intimate gathering works well at a family home, a friend's backyard, or a favourite café. For a larger group, consider a restaurant private dining room, a winery, an Airbnb with outdoor space, or a hotel function room. Most venues are more flexible than you'd expect, and many will work with you on styling if you ask.
Fun activities
Bridal shower games are a tradition for good reason. The right ones help guests who don't know each other find their feet, and with the bride at the centre, everyone already has something in common. We have a range of bridal shower games to get people laughing and mingling.
Pro tip: Two or three games is plenty. Any more and it starts to feel like a game show. Have a few small prizes ready for winners - candles, chocolates, or a gift card all work well.
Have a look at our Bridal Shower Games
A Keepsake She'll Come Back To
One thing we'd encourage every bridesmaid to consider: a Letters to the Bride book. Ask guests to prepare a short letter before the day, or set the book out at the shower and let people write at their own pace. It's a quieter, more personal touch than a speech or a game, and it tends to mean a great deal to the people who find it hard to say things out loud. Tuck in a few old photos alongside new ones from the day, and it becomes something she'll reach for long after the wedding is over.
Explore our range of Bridal Guest Books
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For help with the wording, our bridal shower invitation wording guide has examples and templates ready to use.
