16 Unique Bridal Shower Ideas

Put a Twist on Traditional Bridal Showers

For a bridal shower as unique as the newlyweds-to-be, opt for a theme that ties the event together. From games and food to favors and gifts, a unified motif helps the party feel purposeful and coordinated. Whichever way you go, be sure to ask for their input so the shower reflects their hopes for the event.

• Throw a Coed Couples Shower

  Create an inclusive list of invitees that allows the gents to join in on the fun, too. Another plus: couples with mixed wedding parties can enjoy an event that welcomes everyone. Depending on their preferences, you can keep the rest of the shower conventional—from the menu to the games—or depart from tradition with a more relaxed affair. Consider moving the festivities outdoors instead and swapping out bingo and trivia about the soon-to-be newlyweds for lawn games that get everyone moving. For a personalized twist, consider hosting the celebration in the evening at one of their favorite bars or restaurants. Then, customize the menu offerings according to their favorite entrees and cocktails. Or, highlight a specialty drink and meal reminiscent of a special date in their relationship. Let guests in on the significance with a printed card or a short speech before the food is served.

• Let Dessert or Breakfast Dictate the Menu

  Rather than serving a traditional lunch menu, satisfy your guests' sweet tooth with a dessert bar. Create a smorgasbord of the couple's favorite treats—from cake and pie to donuts and cookies. Wash the treats down with coffee and tea served in coordinating mugs. If you're hosting a morning gathering, opt for brunch favorites served buffet-style, including deviled eggs, bacon, waffles and yogurt bowls. Set up a mimosa bar with a few bottles of champagne and pitchers of orange and cranberry juice. A tray containing garnishes—orange slices, strawberries or cranberries—elevates the presentation.

• Turn the Occasion into a Staycation or Vacation

  Use the wedding shower as an excuse for a group getaway. This is a thoughtful option if loved ones are spread out across different cities and states. Be sure to choose a location that's central to the group to lessen travel time. Think about limiting the guest list to those closest to the guest of honor for a more manageable trip. Once RSVPs are received, book accommodations in a hotel or rent a more private space, such as a house or condo. Then, coordinate activities the entire group can do together. Because bridal shower games help guests get to know one another, they're best scheduled for early in the trip. Be sure to include downtime as well as relaxing group activities. Massages or spa treatments pamper the guest of honor and guests alike. As invitees will likely pay their own way, be sure to indicate on the invitation that the true gift is their presence on the trip. You should still list a registry as some guests may not be able to attend but want to show their support for the couple. Lastly, so guests won't have to travel twice, think about combining the shower and bachelorette party into a single event.

• Host an Eco-Friendly Wedding Shower

  Are the lovebirds passionate about the environment? Adopt an eco-friendly theme when it comes to the menu, activities and gift display. First, determine food and drink offerings that leave a small ecological footprint, from a locally sourced organic meal to drink selections from a sustainable vineyard. Choosing local selections not only results in an environmentally friendly eating experience but also delivers fresh flavors. As for decor, decorate the table with potted plants or succulents—rather than cut flower centerpieces—in glass vases that double as party favors. Opt for a display shower by requesting that guests leave their gifts unwrapped to save on paper waste. Showcase the presents on a nearby table, having each gift-giver write his or her name on small cards made from recycled paper.

Switch Up the Bridal Shower Activities

Looking for a group activity to serve as an alternative to classic shower games? Rather than hosting a shower that's centered around a formal meal at a banquet hall or restaurant, organize the day's events around a meaningful activity the couple enjoys doing together. Take the whole group into account (their grandmothers may not want to run a 5K). Even if they settle on a more active event, be sure to end the celebration with a party that everyone can attend.

• Schedule a Tasting at a Brewery or Winery

  Are the newlyweds-to-be into sampling craft brews or award-winning vintages? Host the bridal shower at a private locale with a brewer or sommelier who can demonstrate the finer points of tasting as well as the process of creating their specialty beverages. Some venues also serve food. If not, reconvene afterward at a nearby restaurant for a meal, dessert and gifts.

• Go on a Day Trip

  For a unique twist on celebrating the upcoming union, invite the couple's friends and family on a day trip to the local aquarium, zoo, beach or amusement park. These activities work best with guests capable of being on their feet for a few hours, though older relatives may still enjoy the sights with accommodations such as a wheelchair or breaks to sit and rest. Then, rent a private room to share food and gifts with the couple after seeing the sights.

• Take a Class or Workshop Together

  Use the wedding shower as an opportunity for the whole group to learn or improve upon a skill. From classes on cooking and flower arranging to cookie decorating and applying makeup, workshop-based showers allow everyone to bond over a shared experience. They also encourage people from different aspects of the couple's lives to get to know each other during the party. For more ideas, consider classes on painting, wood sign making and pottery. Whichever way you go, be sure to ask for group rates or hire a professional to make a house call. Another idea to lower the price tag is to task a crafty bridesmaid with teaching the group a DIY project that they can take home. For instance, if the shower falls near the winter holidays, consider having each guest make their own wreath—providing pine branches, holly, pine cones and faux snow so loved ones can unleash their creative side. Whichever way you go, be sure the item the group is making is something that can be kept as a favor rather than something for the wedding. Remember to leave time afterward for the meal, dessert and gifts.

• Play Games Together

  If the happy pair is into games, invite loved ones to share in their passion with a shower hosted at a local arcade or mini-golf center. Offer prizes for high scores, or set up a station where guests can challenge the happy couple to a two- or four-person game. To up the entertainment factor for others watching, opt for a high-energy race or dance-off. If you prefer to keep the shower at home, try setting up a scavenger hunt in the nearby neighborhood. Print clues that lead guests to landmarks important to the couple, such as a favorite brunch place, coffee shop or park. Have the last clue lead back to the party, where the meal or dessert is waiting. For a more laidback take, work in party-style board games in place of classic shower games at a more traditional event.

• Get Active

  Share the couple's love of sports by encouraging guests to join in on the fun. Specify on the invite that guests should plan on wearing comfortable shoes and fitness clothes. Then, take a group fitness class together—yoga or dance, for instance—or host a themed 5K. Be sure to designate a spot for non-participating guests to gather and cheer. Once all runners have completed the race, celebrate with a party at the finishing line. For less-structured physical activity, host a portion of the event at an ice or roller rink where guests can mingle while they skate. Retire to a private room for food and dessert, or reconvene at a local restaurant to enjoy a warm meal.

Shift the Focus from Traditional Gifts

Since many partners are waiting longer to marry, they may already have the things they need to begin their new life together. If that's the case, it's fine to step away from the classic approach to gift giving in favor of one that better fits the couple.

• Invite Loved Ones to Stock the Bar

  Invite guests to a cocktail-themed shower where, instead of kitchen gadgets or bathroom accessories, they bring gifts to stock the home bar. From spirits, beer and wine to aeration gadgets and specialty cocktail glasses, these gifts provide the perfect excuse for the couple to host post-wedding parties. For provisions, serve hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. If a certain mixed drink holds a significant meaning for the couple, make it the focus of the evening. For instance, serve sazeracs if they love New Orleans or sangria if they recently traveled together in Spain. Alternatively, showcase the pair's cultural heritage with drinks or appetizers from their family's country of origin.

• Try a Group Gifting Registry

  Do the newlyweds-to-be have housewares covered, but still need to update their home furnishings? Rather than hosting a classic shower centered around opening gifts, have them register for a few larger pieces instead. Then, use the time normally spent opening gifts at the shower for socializing, sharing marriage advice and stories, or playing additional games. Read our guide to group gifting for more ideas on what to add to the registry.

• Use the Honeymoon Destination as the Wedding Shower Theme

  If the newlyweds are taking a trip somewhere exotic after they exchange vows, use the location as inspiration for the bridal shower, too. For instance, if their travel destination is an island getaway, plan the wedding shower's menu around a beach theme. Invite the guests to dress for the occasion as well. Then, serve cocktails with tropical flavor—for instance, piña coladas, mai tais, blue Hawaiis or palomas. For lunch, settle on island fare such as seafood or grilled chicken. When it comes to games, have trivia and bingo custom-printed on stationery featuring seascapes or sandcastles. Encourage loved ones to leave "messages in a bottle" for the happy couple at each table—advice about love and marriage written on paper and rolled up inside empty wine bottles. Bring the gift-giving in on the theme as well. On the invitations, ask invitees to help the pair prepare for the honeymoon by upgrading their traveling essentials—from luggage and tote bags to coordinating slippers and robes for the happy couple.

• Celebrate the Encore Wedding Couple

  Is this a repeat marriage for one or both of the couple-to-be? Unlike first marriages, encore couples may already have their own dinnerware, cookware and home accessories. Celebrate the new union by turning the event into an outing, and—instead of gifts—encourage guests to shower the pair with advice and recipes instead. Just remember that if one partner already had a shower, guests who attended the first wedding aren't expected to provide presents again (though they certainly can). On the other hand, if the guest of honor previously eloped, he or she may want a more traditional shower.

• Involve Blended Families in the Party

  If children will be joining the new family after the wedding ceremony, involve them in the day's events. This shows the marriage isn't only about the happy couple, but the creation of a new family. If kids will be moving to a different house after the big day, consider having them contribute ideas to the registry by selecting a few products that will help them feel at home in their new space. For little ones, think bedding, storage items and a stuffed toy or two. Encourage older children to help pick out upgrades for items the couple may already have as well as new products that everyone can use together. Specialty kitchen items—waffle, ice cream or popcorn makers—are always a solid choice, as they create an opportunity for the new family to bond as they make a fun meal or snack together in the kitchen.

• Recognize Older Couples with a Shower

  For older couples or those who are celebrating an encore wedding, you can make the most of the occasion by hosting a shower with a few twists. When it comes to a gift registry, encourage the couple to register for upgrades—for instance, new cookware, a souped-up coffeemaker or new travel accessories if they plan on jet setting throughout their golden years. In lieu of traditional shower games, concentrate on the relationships between the guests and the couple: ask those close to the guests of honor (whether children, siblings or friends) to give speeches during the party.

• Use the Wedding Shower to Further a Cause

  If the happy couple would prefer not to receive any gifts at the shower, consider using the event to further a cause they care about while celebrating the upcoming marriage.

• Volunteer Together

  Make the occasion memorable by packing meals, visiting an animal shelter or contributing to a building project. Once the work is done, gather the group together for a photo followed by a trip to a local bar or restaurant.

• Fundraising

  To suit the pair who may already own kitchen gadgets and bathroom accessories, make the day special by dedicating it to a cause that's important to them. Instead of wrapped presents, encourage the invitees to donate to an organization that's near to the couple's heart. Research charities ahead of time to determine the best options.

Feeling inspired? Whether you're hosting a loved one's wedding shower or finding ideas for your own, share your own unique bridal shower ideas and pictures with us at the hashtag #CrateStyle.