Two creative bridesmaids turned the DIY factor up to 10 to put together this handcrafted backyard shower in sunny California, beautifully captured by Alex Rapada Photography. Almost every element was handmade, from the Chinese buffet to custom “He” and “She” signs at each table. Fluffy white china mums and sunset-orange roses pop in the hand-painted aqua Mason jars and set off the delicate lace tablecloths. And I’d take a scrapbook and a shower gift over a blender any day—it’s such a thoughtful keepsake that will last a lifetime. Each guest left with fortune cookies dipped in chocolate and coated in sprinkles—such a cute modern twist! 
Tag Archives: bridal shower
A White and Peach Zen Bridal Shower
This zen bridal shower from JKB Young Photography is such a breath of fresh air! From the delicate origami butterfly garland to the pastel peach cotton candy, everything about this shower is serene and sweet—a perfect antidote to the stress of wedding planning! Guests enjoyed mango sushi bites, thai coconut tomato soup, smoked salmon and apricot mocktails before indulging in whimsical desserts. And bride Clara just looks so confident, beautiful and empowered in her yoga poses. The soft color palette and zen decor create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and serenity—an ideal setting for the bride to recharge with the women in her life before her big day.
Photography: JKB Young Photography | Event Planning: Lady Blue | Catering: Lavender and Gold Lace | Florals: Shoots | Hair/Makeup: Jessica Young
A Kaleidoscope of Colors Bridal Shower
Sometimes a lady does not want a shower that’s all pastel flowers and pink ruffles—she craves whimsy and vibrant colors, a modern affair for a modern woman! Anne from Circus Berry has just such a friend, so she obliged with an explosion of geometric garlands and colorful glassware in this kaleidoscope bridal shower. The crowning centerpiece is the donut hole tower, easily assembled with a styrofoam core, plastic wrap and a whole lot of toothpicks. When the bride asked for a nod to her beloved feline friend, Anne was momentarily stumped, but found the perfect solution with geometric cat cupcake toppers (love the question mark tail!). Check out Anne’s tutorial for the hand-painted champagne glass favors here. 
A Dia de los Muertos Bridal Shower
My favorite showers are absolutely always the ones that step outside of the traditional and really embrace the bride’s personality and unique interests. This Dia de los Muertos bridal shower is the perfect example, drawing on bride Seabron’s love of this Mexican festival as well as her vibrant tattoos done in the same style. A traditional decorated skull motif in citron and neon red ties the whole colorful celebration together, from the invitations to the margarita bar (one for me, please!). Christie and Nicole of Hey! Party Collective mixed authentic touches, like the Virgin of Guadalupe votive candles, with moments of pure fun, like the tiny Tabasco sauce favors at each place setting. The result perfectly captures the mix of dark and light, and the celebration of family (in this case, a new one beginning!) that is at the heart of Dia de los Muertos.
A Chic Chevron and Stripe Handmade Bridal Shower
Chalkboard signs and paper rosettes, patterned burlap garlands and chevron table runners…this shower is just bursting with handmade touches, all done up in soft greys and pale pinks—with a few pops of color, of course. Photographer Megan Small couldn’t wait to plan a handcrafted shower for her best friend (since second grade!) Hillary. Guest book idea I’m stealing: Have the guests sign a cookbook next to their favorite recipe—now you know what to make when they come over for dinner! Check out Megan’s list of the stellar Etsy vendors who helped her pull off the event below.
Photography: Megan Small Photography | Patterned paper rosette garlands: Jennifer of The Papier Studio | Faux chalkboard signs: Katie of Lane Love Designs | Burlap pennant signs: Jessica of Cuter Than Words | Chevron printables: Heather of YouMakeDo | Rosette centerpieces: Lili of Beautiful Paper Crafts | Hillary + Adam bicycle print: Michael of DexMex | Catering: Susan Jodon of Swanky Catering and Events
A Mad Hatter Bridal Shower
As a longtime lover of all things Disney, Kentucky bride Nickie requested an Alice in Wonderland theme for her bridal shower, and her bridesmaids were happy to oblique with this whimsical Mad Hatter tea party. Photographer and matron of honor Whitney Knutson used vintage books, floral tea sets (borrowed from many of the ladies who attended the shower) and prettily potted succulents to bring the infamous tea party to life. A patterned floral sheet served as a simple photobooth to capture a few sweet moments with the bride (in a royal blue dress, à la Alice!). I love all the little nods to the story that are scattered throughout the party. 
Photography: Whitney Knutson Photography
21 Spectacular Bridal Shower Themes
When it’s time to choose a bridal shower theme, think about the things that are meaningful to your friend. Explore her interests and passions and see if one would translate into a great bridal shower. Don’t throw a tea party just because it’s the first idea that pops into your head—go for the tea party theme if your friend can’t get enough of all things British, brews her own loose tea or collects vintage teapots. Tailoring the shower to your friend’s interests and personality will not only make it more unique and memorable—it will also make it way more fun! Here, 21 ideas for spectacular bridal showers.
1. Tea Party
One of the most common and classic bridal shower themes. Check out our tea party inspiration board on Pinterest to find ideas for creating an elegant tea that’s the perfect mix for a vintage yet modern bride.
2. Lingerie
Another very popular shower theme. I recommend keeping things delicate and fresh with light colors and lace—no neon-pink corset cookies, please! This rustic vintage shower uses lingerie as an accent rather than the focus and the results are so sweet.
3. Carnival
A carnival theme is a great excuse to go crazy with colors and candy—plus, it brings out the kid in everyone. I love this chic fairground shower with an old-timey iron cart serving as a snow cone bar and pinstriped table linens lined with bursts of colorful blooms.
4. Spa
Book a spa day or host your own pampering party at home. There are tons of easy spa treatment kits available, from do-it-yourself facials to this floral foot bath. Ask everyone to wear fluffy robes and slippers to complete your total relaxation. (Image via Gardenista)
5. Travel
If the bride is a world traveler, channel her wanderlust with a vacation theme. Choose her favorite destination to inspire the decor and food (Parisian niciose salad or Italian caprese), or incorporate lots of her favorite locales and tie them together with maps, vintage luggage and a passport invitation. A great gift theme: the honeymoon! (Image via Sarah Tucker)
6. Garden Party
Head to a nearby garden store, a public garden or a greenhouse, or host in your own back garden. Flowers are the centerpiece, but it’s great to get your hands a little dirty as well. A make-your-own-terrarium class provides a unique activity as well as a long-lasting favor. (Image via Ruffled)
7. Fiesta
Who doesn’t love a fiesta? The colors are bright, the food is delicious and the drinks are strong—the perfect inspiration for a fun backyard bridal shower (check out more ideas here). (Image via Little Miss Party)
8. Nautical
Perfect for a boathouse brunch, a luncheon by the lake or a beach picnic . Nautical can mean whatever you want it to, whether you go with the classic sailing style with blue and white stripes (and a hint of navy sequin to glam it up, of course) or translate it into a breezy beach theme with sea glass greens and a touch of sand. Check out our Nautical Inspiration Board on Pinterest for more ideas. (Image via Style Me Pretty)
9. Picnic
Imagine a backyard party complete with lawn games, hearty boxed lunches, and plenty of craft beers. It’s casual, colorful and just plain fun (who’s bringing the croquet set!) (Image via Eric Kelley Photography)
10. Cocktails with Class
Get your girlfriends together to create and sample a few new cocktails. Everyone should know how to make a signature drink! I love The Sweetest Occasion for unique cocktail recipes (check out her Cherry Blueberry Smash for a yummy summer sip). (Image via The Sweetest Occasion)
11. Get Crafty
If you have a full-on DIY bride on your hands and a group of girls who don’t mind getting crafty, offer to help with a few of her wedding projects. Just make sure the shower doesn’t turn into a work day. Tackle one or two projects, then spend the rest of the time enjoying nibbles, cocktails and each other’s company. (Image via Gather Events) Continue reading