Planning a bridal shower is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the bride-to-be and shower her with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Most showers are planned by the maid of honor, bridesmaids, and family members making the shower both fun and meaningful. The Hidden Abbey has hosted many different bridal showers and if you are looking for inspiration to make the event truly special, you’ve come to the right place! So, let’s dive into some amazing themes, engaging games, and tips that will ensure the bride-to-be has an amazing time!
Picking the Perfect Type of Shower
Nowadays, there are three types of showers that you can host, each offering a unique experience for the bride-to-be and her guests. The first is your traditional shower where guests bring their gifts, and the bride-to-be opens them for all to see. The new type of shower that has been rising in popularity is called a “Display Shower”. This type of shower offers a modern twist with an open house style event. Here, the guests bring their gifts unwrapped and are beautifully displayed on a table for all to see what the bride-to-be got for this next chapter in her life. This shower allows the bride-to-be more time for mingling. Lastly, themed showers such as “Stock the Pantry” or “Stock the Bar” add a fun and practical element to the celebration. Guests are asked to bring specific gifts, like pantry items or bar essentials, helping the couple stock up on items they need to start their new life together. Each type of shower brings its own flavor to the celebration, allowing you to choose the style that best suits the bride’s personality and the overall vibe of the event.
Choosing the Perfect Theme
Choosing the theme will set the tone for the entire event, so it’s important to pick a theme that resonates with the bride’s personality and interests. We have complied a few popular and unique themes to consider hosting:
- Boho Chic
Think soft neutrals, pampas grass, feathers, brown glass vases, macrame, and flowers. Popular colors that are associated with this theme are dusty rose, sage, ivory, and terracotta. A boho themed shower is perfect for a laid-back bride who loves nature and a touch of whimsy.
- Tea Party
A classic choice, tea parties are always a huge hit. Think vintage teacups, lace tablecloths, pastels, tiered cake stands filled with scones, dainty flowers, and finger foods. This theme is perfect for a bride who loves all things dainty and elegant.
- Garden Brunch
A garden themed bridal shower is the perfect springtime celebration. Fresh spring blooms, mimosas, succulent favors, and brunch foods. This is a relaxed theme that will brighten the space.
- Seasoned Theme
We love a seasonal themed shower at The Hidden Abbey. Whether you host a fall theme with burgundy and orange accents, pumpkins, and mums or a winter theme with different blues, pine, and candles. It’s a great way to embrace the time of year it’s hosted and offers its own palette and unique elements that can make any bridal shower special.
- Bride-to-Bee Showers
A “Bride-to-Bee” themed shower is a sweet and playful way to celebrate the bride-to-be, centered around adorable bee-inspired details. Decorating with yellows and blacks, honeycomb patterns, cute bee motifs, and honey infused favors. This is the perfect theme for a bride that loves a bit of whimsy and charm.
Engaging and Fun Games
When hosting a bridal shower, you can entertain your guests with a few games. Here are some crowd-pleasers that everyone will enjoy:
- Bridal Bingo
Create a bingo card with potential wedding gifts and as the bride opens her gifts, guests can mark off the gifts that they wrote down. The first to get bingo wins a prize!
- How Well Do You Know the Bride?
Before the shower, ask the bride a series of questions about herself. At the shower, you can have the list of questions on a piece of paper to have your guests fill out. At one point during the shower, take time to re-ask the questions to the bride to give her answers. The one with the most correct answers wins!
- He Said, She Said
Create a list of quotes or facts about the couple and have guests guess who said or did what. For example, popular questions are “Who said ‘I love your first?” or “Who is the better driver?”. It’s a fun way to get to know the couple better.
- The Newlywed Game
This game is perfect to play after the groom arrives at the shower or via a pre-recorded video. Prepare a series of questions about their relationship and see if the couple’s answer match. It is sure to get laughs!
- Memory Lane
Ask guests to write down a favorite memory with the bride and put them in a jar. During the shower, the bride can read each memory aloud and try to guess who wrote it. This game is a lovely way to reminisce and celebrate the special moments in the bride’s life.
Tips for a Memorable Bridal Shower
Now that you have the type of shower, theme, and games picked, here are a few additional tips to ensure that the shower is a hit:
- Personalize It
Incorporate elements that reflect the bride’s or couple’s personalities, hobbies, and relationship. Whether it’s her favorite flowers, music, or even a signature cocktail, these personal touches will make the event even more special.
- Keep It Interactive
Make sure there are plenty of opportunities for guests to mingle and interact. Whether it’s through games or a photo booth, the goal is to keep everyone engaged.
- Plan the Menu Carefully
Depending on the time of day, time of year, and the theme, curate a menu that complements the event. Whether it’s a brunch with a quiche and croissant sandwiches or finger foods for a tea party, it will keep guests satisfied.
- Don’t Forget the Favors
Send each guest home with something to remember the day. Favors that are favorites at The Hidden Abbey are theme/personalized cookies, or candles, succulents. It will all depend on your theme and budget for the shower.
- Capture the Moments
Designate someone to take photos or consider hiring a photographer to capture all the candid moments throughout the shower. These are memories that the bride-to-be will cherish for years to come.
Conclusion
Hosting a bridal shower is all about celebrating the couple and their upcoming nuptials. The Hidden Abbey as two great spaces that will be the perfect backdrop to any theme you choose for the shower. Choosing a theme that reflects her style, planning fun ways to engage guests, and adding personal touches, you can create an unforgettable experience that she will treasure forever. So, gather your family and friends, get creative, and start planning the ultimate bridal shower that’s full of joy, laughter, and, of course, a little bit of bridal bliss!
The Hidden Abbey Event Center is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about planning a wedding locally. We want to give a special thanks to some amazing wedding venues across the United States who inspire us and help support our venue. We are also thrilled to support other wedding venue owners from around the country with a shout out in each of our blogs. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
