17 bridal shower ideas for the bride-to-be
Planning a bridal shower is more than checking a box before the big day. It’s a chance to celebrate the bride-to-be in a way that feels personal, thoughtful, and most importantly, fun.
Whether you’re planning a unique escape or a cozy get-together, this roundup of bridal shower ideas has something for every kind of bride.
Unique bridal shower ideas
If the bride-to-be loves thinking outside the box, these non-traditional wedding shower ideas will make the celebration feel one-of-a-kind.
1. Host a weekend getaway
A short trip with the bridal party can turn a typical shower into a mini vacation. If your group is outdoorsy, rent a car and head to a mountain cabin or a lakeside retreat where everyone can put their feet up by a wood stove. Or try a cozy Airbnb in a new city for a crew that wants to check out a music venue or art museum.
This type of shower works especially well for smaller guest lists where everyone already knows each other. It also gives guests a chance to bond before the wedding.
Pro tip: Engine makes booking rooms for the bridal party easy. You can manage multiple guests, compare rates, and filter by amenities like complimentary breakfast or late checkout.
2. Plan a DIY creative workshop
For the artsy bride, set up a space where guests can create something together, like painting, pottery, candle-making, or flower arranging. You can bring in an artist to guide guests as they make a unique craft and get their hands dirty. Guests will love going home with a handmade keepsake, and the activity will spark lots of fun conversations.
3. Organize a glamping celebration
If she’s outdoorsy but still enjoys creature comforts, glamping strikes the perfect balance. Rent a site with canvas tents, upscale yurts, or geodesic domes with cozy beds and string lights. Add a s’mores bar, mulled wine, campfire stories, and lighthearted games for a relaxed yet Instagram-worthy party.
4. Arrange a coffeeshop hangout
Is the bride a massive coffee fan? Host the shower in a stylish café, a bright kitchen, or a backyard decked out like a cozy coffeehouse. You can even rent and decorate a space to feel like a modern coffee bar. A coffee theme is extra fun because it opens the door to puns you can use for chalkboard signs or personalized mugs, like “love is brewing” or “the perfect blend.”
5. Throw a themed costume party
Pick a playful theme, like ’80s prom, retro Hollywood, or enchanted forest, and ask guests to dress up. Showing up in costume creates an easy icebreaker, and the photos will be unforgettable.
Feeling really creative? Try a theme that nods to the couple’s love story. If the couple met at a concert, for example, guests could dress up as the artist or wear an outfit inspired by a favorite song.
Fun bridal shower ideas
Want to keep the energy high and the laughs coming? These fun bridal party ideas are all about making memories and celebrating joyfully.
6. Create a mocktail or cocktail bar
Set up a drink station with ingredients, garnishes, and recipe cards for guests to get creative and mix their own cocktails. Include a signature cocktail inspired by the wedding’s color scheme or the bride’s favorite things (and don’t forget non-alcoholic options for attendees who don’t drink).
7. Host a game-filled bash
Games are a staple at many bridal showers because they keep everyone engaged. Try classics like “Guess Who Said It” (bride versus groom quotes) or bridal bingo to break the ice.
Pro tip: Apps like Kahoot make it easy to create a trivia quiz about the couple—try broadcasting the results on a large screen for some good belly laughs.
8. Arrange a group dance class
From salsa to hip-hop, a dance class is a great way to bond while breaking a sweat. This activity is especially fun if you turn the lesson into a choreographed dance number at the reception.
9. Organize sporty activities
If your crew is into more sport-based fun, consider a golf weekend with matching attire—some courses offer packages that will score you deals and perks.
A guided river paddle is another way to encourage some “Team Bride” bonding while exploring beautiful waterways. And you can find plenty of city-based options, too—axe-throwing and rock climbing have become especially popular with groups.
Elegant bridal shower ideas
If the bride leans toward chic and sophisticated, these elegant bridal shower ideas offer a timeless, upscale experience.
10. Plan a high tea or garden luncheon
A tea party is a classic for a reason. Go for vintage teacups, floral centerpieces, and a spread of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Garden venues (or even a nicely decorated backyard) are perfect for this kind of shower. Depending on the bride's style and the group's budget, you can make it feel upscale and fancy or go for a more casual, boho vibe.
11. Book a wine or champagne tasting
Organize a tasting at a local vineyard, wine bar, or even at home with a sommelier-led event. Pair drinks with charcuterie, fruit, and light desserts. Add elegant decor, and ask guests to dress up to turn it into a classy afternoon or evening event.
12. Host a black-and-white dinner party
Ask guests to dress in black or white and decorate with crisp linens and candles. Serve a sit-down dinner or an elegant buffet with chic monochrome elements—squid ink risotto makes a great main for this theme, with pavlova and blackberries for dessert.
13. Arrange a private chef experience
Skip the restaurant and bring a chef to you. Many caterers offer in-home or Airbnb packages where they handle everything from prepping to plating the meals. Imagine gourmet dining and perfect wine pairings from the comfort of home—intimate, luxurious, and all about good food.
Cute bridal shower ideas
These charming bridal shower ideas help create a sweet, sentimental vibe without going overboard. Many can be done locally and on a budget—something guests will appreciate if they’re already spending a lot on a destination wedding.
14. Host a brunch and bubbly party
Who doesn’t love brunch? Dress up in your Sunday best, then pair pancakes, eggs, and pastries with mimosas or mocktails to make the day more special. Decorating with pastel balloons and custom signage will give you plenty of photo-friendly moments.
15. Make it a memory scrapbook party
Ask each guest to bring a printed photo of the bride, plus a short note or special memory. During the party, compile everything into a scrapbook or memory book to create a touching keepsake she’ll treasure forever.
Pro tip: Provide special stationery, stickers, and colorful markers to allow guests to get as creative as they want.
16. Plan a pajama party
Perfect for a smaller guest list or a pre-wedding sleepover, pajama parties bring everyone back to their younger days—think movies, popcorn, face masks, and cozy matching loungewear. Take group Polaroid photos for guests to bring home as a retro element.
17. Set up a cookie decorating station
Supply sugar cookies, icing, sprinkles, and cute take-home boxes for an activity that doubles as a party favor. You can even theme the cookie shapes around the wedding (like rings, dresses, and hearts) or something meaningful to the bride.
Plan your bridal shower with Engine
Whether you’re hosting a bridal shower event, bachelorette weekend, or full wedding guest list, the right venue and accommodations set the tone. Engine can help. With group booking tools, curated hotel options, and access to corporate perks, planning stays for events has never been easier.
Forget back-and-forth texting. Engine lets guests book a hotel stay from one link. Want rooms near each other? Need to keep the bridal shower or destination wedding within budget? Engine handles the hotel details so you can focus on celebrating the bride.
Ready to plan a bridal shower that’s as special as she is? Explore Engine’s wedding solutions for groups to make everything go off without a hitch.
