A bridal shower is a gift-giving party that celebrates a bride-to-be's upcoming marriage. They are traditionally hosted by the maid of honor and attended by the bride, plus her closest female friends and family members. Much like baby showers, bridal showers are typically themed daytime events involving gifts, food, drinks, decorations, and games.
Bridal showers are usually hosted one to three months before the wedding, with invitations sent out around four to six weeks in advance. Whether you're planning a traditional party or something a little different, our bridal shower ideas and tips will help you host the perfect event.
bridal shower themes
Choosing a bridal shower theme will help you to tie everything together — from the invitations, favors, and decorations to the food, games, and gifts — resulting in an event that's sure to impress. Discover our three favorite ideas below.
tea party bridal party.
This bridal shower theme is perhaps the most popular — floral décor helps to give a bridal vibe and the food is a real crowd-pleaser. You could book afternoon tea at your favorite venue, but it's common for hosts to invite guests to their home.
Wondering what to serve at a tea party bridal shower? A traditional afternoon tea menu works well and can be easily prepared ahead. Display and wrap the food on cake stands or serving platters before the guests arrive.
A selection of crustless finger sandwiches will ensure there's something for everyone. Classic fillings include egg and cress, cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon and cream cheese, cheese and pickle, coronation chicken, roast beef and horseradish, and ham and mustard. Other savory options include mini quiches and cheese scones.
To complete your classic tea party menu, serve fruit scones plus two or more bitesize sweets. Why not try out one of our recipes? We also have plenty of bakeware if you're in need of new baking equipment.
Make sure to set the table with beautiful side plates, teacups and saucers. Jars of jelly with hand-written tags can double up as place cards and bridal party favors.
Floral arrangements are a must, and a bouquet of flowers in a ceramic jug makes a fantastic centrepiece. If possible, stick with the flowers and color scheme being used at the bride's wedding for a personal touch she's sure to love. Bunting is another traditional tea party decoration — try making your own from decorative fabric or paper.
beach party bridal shower.
Beach party bridal showers are popular among brides having destination weddings, but this is a sophisticated theme for any party. One of our favorite themed activity ideas is to have guests leave a message in a bottle for the newlyweds to open one year down the line.
If you live near to the beach, you could arrange lunch at your favorite seaside eatery. Another option, best for small bridal showers, is a beach picnic — although you will of course be relying on the weather. Make sure to take along a stylish outdoor rug and cushions for a cosy and more special feel.
You don't have to be beside the seaside to embrace the theme, though. With the right decorations, ocean sounds music, and a seafood menu, you can bring the beach to you. Our Azure Coast dinnerware would be perfect for the occasion.
spa party bridal shower.
Spa days are popular options for bachelorette parties, but they're also great for bridal showers. You can of course organize one at a nearby spa, and there are often packages with lunch included. However, you can also host a luxury experience at home.
To create the right atmosphere, play some relaxing music, light plenty of candles, and make sure you have towels to hand. You can make your home smell like a spa by using scented candles or diffusers. Remember to ask guests to bring suitable clothing and footwear on the invitations — ideally loungewear, a robe, and slippers.
If the budget allows, you could arrange for a therapist to come to your home and deliver treatments. This can include massages, facials, and manicures, but you'll need to consider what the schedule allows. You could also — or instead — set up home treatment stations:
- Face masks: Provide a few options to cater for different skin types or ask guests to bring their own. For bonus points, present homemade masks in ramekins. And don't forget the cucumber slices!
- Mani-pedis: Display nail polish, varnish remover, cotton wool, clippers, files, toe separators, cuticle sticks, and other essentials on a serving tray to create a mani-pedi station. Fill a foot spa or similar with warm water and bath salts to allow for relaxing foot soaks.
Homemade scrubs or bath bombs make wonderful favours at a spa party, while a pamper hamper makes the ideal bridal shower gift.
We recommend serving sparkling wine as well as flavoured water. For a special touch, make fresh flavoured water by filling ceramic jugs with cold water, ice, and your choice of sliced fresh fruit. One of our salad recipes makes for the perfect light lunch. Try prepping the elements ahead of time and then combining in a serving bowl once it's time to eat.
bridal shower food and drink.
The bridal shower food menu should largely be determined by the bride's preferences, the budget, and the theme. Before planning, remember to check whether any attendees have dietary needs or preferences that should be catered for (it's a good idea to ask on the RSVP card).
If you need some inspiration, here are five of our favorite bridal shower food themes:
- Brunch: Bridal showers are typically daytime events, so brunch could be a fitting choice. To avoid stress at the party, use our oven to tableware to cook and serve make-ahead dishes like strata (a casserole of bread, eggs, cheese, and fillings) and overnight French toast. Serve alongside fresh coffee, tea, and mimosas. You might want to read our pour-over coffee guide.
- Pot luck: Ask each guest to bring along a homemade dish, but make sure to confer so you end up with a diverse menu. As well as saving you time and money on catering, a pot luck gets everyone involved and so adds a personal touch. You could even create a thoughtful bridal shower gift for the happy couple by asking guests to bring along their recipes for inclusion in a scrapbook.
- Tea party: Take a look at our ideas on what to serve at a tea party bridal shower above. Or, if the budget allows (perhaps you could ask guests to pitch in), you could contact a well-rated local caterer and see what menus are available.
- BBQ: Make the most of warm and sunny weather by hosting an outdoor bridal shower and serving BBQ food. Read our guide to hosting the perfect BBQ party. Jars of barbecue sauce or mini make-your-own s'mores kits make ideal bridal shower favors.
- Charcuterie: Easily prepared ahead and perfect for grazing, a selection of cheese, meat, bread, and other antipasto food is perfect for afternoon bridal showers, when guests are likely to want something light. They also work particularly well when dining al fresco. Don't miss our advice on putting together a delicious charcuterie board.
bridal party games and activities.
Bridal shower games and activities are great for breaking the ice between guests who don't know each other well, helping to get the party going. Here are some ideas:
- Two truths and a lie: Adapt this classic game for the event by asking everyone to share stories pertaining to the bride or groom. It's a fun way to learn more about the couple and get everyone talking.
- Bingo: You can find bingo card templates online, featuring possible bridal shower gifts or words that will be said at the party. You could also make up your own versions.
- Toilet paper wedding dress: Teams compete to create and model the best toilet paper wedding dress. Set a time limit of five minutes or less and make sure to provide a prize!
- Date night ideas: Ask guests to share date night ideas for the happy couple to pull from during their marriage. You'll just need pieces of paper, pens, and a jar to store them in.
- Wine/gin tasting: You can buy wine or gin tasting kits that include multiple varieties and tasting notes. Just make sure that all of your guests will be happy and able to partake.
- Romance quiz: Create or find a quiz based around love songs, romantic movies, or celebrity couples. You could split the group into teams for more of a 'pub quiz' feel.
- Charades: Write the names of romantic movies onto slips of paper and place in a bowl. Teams then take turns to act out and guess the clues.
- Mr and Mrs: Find out how much partners know about each other — the perfect game for a Jack and Jill shower where both the bride and groom, and other couples, are in attendance. Alternatively, you could ask the guests' partners to submit their answers beforehand.
bridal party decorations.
Your bridal party decorations will need to fit the theme, but you might also want to tie in the wedding color palette. A little bit of creativity will go a long way to making the event feel special.
- Photos: Displaying photos of the happy couple is a thoughtful and inexpensive way to decorate any bridal shower setting. Outdoors, try hanging photos on ribbons from trees or creating bunting. One fun idea for indoors is to attach Polaroid-style photos as weights to helium balloons.
- Chair decorations: At bridal showers, it's common for the guests to sit in a circle as the bride-to-be opens her gifts. Decorate one of the chairs with a 'bride' sign, flowers, and fabric to make her feel like the VIP she is.
- Lighting: String lights and candles will help to give your bridal shower venue a more romantic feel. As well as giving off a charming flicker of light, our scented ceramic candles look and smell amazing. Candles also make fantastic bridal shower gifts or party favors.
- Flowers: Using the flowers from the upcoming wedding will be a lovely touch. Display in vases, jugs, or whatever containers fit the theme. After the shower, these can be pressed and added as decorations to memento scrapbooks.
- Photo backdrop: Set up a beautiful backdrop where everyone can take photos to remember the occasion. Get creative with fabric, garlands, flowers, balloon archways, curtain lights, photos, or whatever fits your bridal shower theme. You can also buy photo prop frames and other accessories online. If you have an instant camera, the photos will make cherished favors — especially if you go to the effort of framing.
- Table decorations: A beautifully set table should be the focus of your bridal shower, a place where guests can get together to share food and well wishes. Lay out the dinnerware, cutlery and glassware required for your menu, leaving room in the center for any serveware. Napkins, name cards, and a centerpiece are the finishing touches.
bridal shower gift ideas.
Etiquette suggests that bridal shower gifts are bought from the wedding gift registry. If your loved one doesn't have one or you're looking for further inspiration, see the ideas below. You can also browse our unique wedding gift ideas.
- Homeware: Traditionally, bridal shower gifts would help the couple settle into their marital home. However, homeware gifts are still appreciated nowadays. Items like scented candles, plants, and glasses tend to be failsafe.
- Hampers: A DIY hamper is perfect for showing how much you care. You can personalize your gift basket for the bride or create something for the happy couple to enjoy together. Read our advice on making a gift hamper for any recipient.
- Pamper products: Especially apt if you're hosting a spa party bridal shower. Pamper products can help the bride-to-be to relax and feel her best in the weeks approaching her wedding. Try to choose items from her favorite beauty brand and consider any individual skincare or haircare needs. Another option is to purchase a spa voucher.
- Lingerie: Lingerie is a customary bridal shower gift idea. If you're not sure of her size or you want to go for something a little less personal, pajamas, a robe, or slippers make great alternatives.
- Jewelry: A bracelet, necklace, charm or other piece of jewelry is a meaningful gift, and likely to go down particularly well if you're very close to the bride. You could even include an engraving to commemorate the occasion.
- Champagne or wine: A classic celebratory gift, a bottle of champagne or wine could be a great idea. For an extra-special touch, present alongside a set of flutes or wine glasses so the engaged couple can toast their upcoming marriage in style.
If you have space, it's a good idea to set up a gift table at your bridal shower, a place where guests can leave their presents when they arrive for the bride to unwrap later.
We hope these bridal shower ideas and tips help you to host an unforgettable event. If you're planning your own wedding, please note that you can set up a gift list for Denby products and share it with your family and friends.
All Denby stoneware is sustainably hand-crafted in England and covered by a 10-year guarantee. A conscious choice perfect to commemorate any special occasion. Just browse our range of dinnerware, serveware, and glassware for inspiration.