10 Fun Themes for an Unforgettable Bridal Shower

Make the bride-to-be feel extra special before her big day.

Retro Shower - Preparation is the key to planning a bridal shower that the bride-to-be will cherish for years to come. But, let’s admit it, there’s often a looong list of tasks that lead up to the festivities. We’ve rounded up a mix of original and traditional shower theme ideas to choose from so that you can focus on organizing an unforgettable event. By Patrice Peck Retro showers are a great way to create a multi-generational experience with the added benefits of elderly wisdom and secret recipes. A few popular ideas include a pin-up girl party, a 15th century masquerade and a Great Gatsby shindig. (Photo: Zero Creatives/cultura/Corbis)

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Retro Shower - Preparation is the key to planning a bridal shower that the bride-to-be will cherish for years to come. But, let’s admit it, there’s often a looong list of tasks that lead up to the festivities. We’ve rounded up a mix of original and traditional shower theme ideas to choose from so that you can focus on organizing an unforgettable event. By Patrice Peck Retro showers are a great way to create a multi-generational experience with the added benefits of elderly wisdom and secret recipes. A few popular ideas include a pin-up girl party, a 15th century masquerade and a Great Gatsby shindig. (Photo: Zero Creatives/cultura/Corbis)

Boobies! - This month is all about breast cancer awareness, and we dig it: prevention is key. But we also need to spend some time celebrating our breasts, in all their forms. Whether you’re sporting AAs or DDs, let’s take a moment to shower our boobs with appreciation, shall we? By Kenrya Rankin Naasel  (Photo: Granger Wootz/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Destination Shower - We're pretty sure the bride-to-be would love a chance to get away with her gal pals for a weekend, so why not take the bridal shower on the road? The beach or the countryside would both make for guaranteed good times, as would a private vineyard tour and wine tasting or a spa retreat. Just make sure that the most organized ladies of the group start planning way in advance. (Photo: Granger Wootz/Blend Images/Corbis)

Try a Glass of Wine - Did you know that a 5 oz. glass of wine has only 110-130 calories? Slash even more calories by asking for a wine spritzer — which is wine (red or white) with sparkling water and ice. (Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery)

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Tasting Shower - Hardcore foodies and wine connoisseurs will definitely appreciate a gourmet-themed tasting shower, filled with quality niblets and highly rated vino. Think chocolate truffles, acorn-fed Ibérico ham and a bottle of Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru. Invitees can either bring gifted glassware or bakeware so the bride-to-be can continue honing her great taste.  (Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery)

Photo By Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

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Location-Inspired Shower - If going to a far off destination isn't an option, why not bring the destination to the bride? Location-inspired themes are a great way for the bride-to-be to immerse herself in her favorite foreign country's culture without leaving town. Imagine getting the fiesta started with a Mexican-inspired celebration, channeling our inner Francophiles with macaroons and cheese-filled Parisian pastries or kicking off the festivities with a South African affair. The world is your oyster! (Photo: burwellphotography/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: GettyImages

Roller Skating Shower - Let's face it! Ever since you've seen Beyoncé’s "Blow" music video, you've been dying to have your own night to remember at the local skating rink. Well, if it's your bridal shower party, then you can most certainly make that the theme. No choreographed moves necessary. You and your guests will get to relive your childhoods while toasting the bride-to-be's future.  (Photo: David Selman/Corbis)

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Roller Skating Shower - Let's face it! Ever since you've seen Beyoncé’s "Blow" music video, you've been dying to have your own night to remember at the local skating rink. Well, if it's your bridal shower party, then you can most certainly make that the theme. No choreographed moves necessary. You and your guests will get to relive your childhoods while toasting the bride-to-be's future.  (Photo: David Selman/Corbis)

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Tea Party Shower - Whether you have a traditional get-together or something skewing more Mad Hatter, a lá Alice in Wonderland, tea parties have become a favorite bridal shower theme for a reason. Just watch the fun unfold as the bride-to-be's favorite ladies rock their biggest, boldest hats while sharing advice and laughs over dainty treats and elegant place settings. (Photo: Natalie Halford/Corbis) 

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Tea Party Shower - Whether you have a traditional get-together or something skewing more Mad Hatter, a lá Alice in Wonderland, tea parties have become a favorite bridal shower theme for a reason. Just watch the fun unfold as the bride-to-be's favorite ladies rock their biggest, boldest hats while sharing advice and laughs over dainty treats and elegant place settings. (Photo: Natalie Halford/Corbis) 

Testing, Testing - How a fragrance smells in the bottle isn’t how it’s going to smell on you. So spray it on and give it time to work. Sometimes winter scents can be heavy and may need 10 minutes or so to settle down. Also, always ask for a sample to take home to try for a week. That way you don’t commit and realize that you hate it. (Photo: Rick Gomez/Corbis)

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Beauty Shower - Most of us have a cosmetics-obsessed friend. You know, the one who spends most of her time strolling around Sephora or watching the latest YouTube makeup tutorials. If beauty is your friend's middle name, then she'd probably love nothing more than adorning her loved ones and herself at her bridal shower. And, thanks to at-home perfume bar kits and traveling makeup artists, your girl's beauty wishes can easily come true.   (Photo: Rick Gomez/Corbis)

The Great Outdoors Shower - Sometimes, throwing a unique bridal shower means not only thinking outside of the box, but outside of the neighborhood, too. Having a bridal shower in the depths of nature, like at a ski lodge or a campground, is a pretty unorthodox idea that guarantees beautiful pictures, fun activities and amazing memories. Older and non-outdoorsy guests can chill near the fireplace, roasting marshmallows, while the more athletically-inclined explore and hit the trails. (Photo:  JACQUES Pierre/Hemis/Corbis)

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The Great Outdoors Shower - Sometimes, throwing a unique bridal shower means not only thinking outside of the box, but outside of the neighborhood, too. Having a bridal shower in the depths of nature, like at a ski lodge or a campground, is a pretty unorthodox idea that guarantees beautiful pictures, fun activities and amazing memories. Older and non-outdoorsy guests can chill near the fireplace, roasting marshmallows, while the more athletically-inclined explore and hit the trails. (Photo:  JACQUES Pierre/Hemis/Corbis)

Lingerie Shower - Does the bride-to-be like her romance a little more risqué? If so, a girls-only lingerie party is in order. To stick to the sexy theme, serve foods that are known aphrodisiacs, like chocolate. As for the beverages, guests are unlikely to forget specially made cocktails such as "the panty dropper" or "the striptease." (Photo: Ay Mujer via Etsy)

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Lingerie Shower - Does the bride-to-be like her romance a little more risqué? If so, a girls-only lingerie party is in order. To stick to the sexy theme, serve foods that are known aphrodisiacs, like chocolate. As for the beverages, guests are unlikely to forget specially made cocktails such as "the panty dropper" or "the striptease." (Photo: Ay Mujer via Etsy)

Brag About Each Other - Be each other’s biggest support system! It serves as a little reminder to your mate that their achievements and accomplishments, whether big or small, aren’t going unnoticed. It also brings about feelings of love and acceptance, as well as a sense of pride and togetherness. (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Co-Ed Shower - Why not let the guys join in on the shower fun? A co-ed shower is a great idea for couples who share the same group of friends and don't want anyone to feel left out of the celebrations. It's also a great opportunity for the bridesmaids and groomsmen to meet before the big day. As for the setting, the shower can take place anywhere from a backyard (barbecue!) to the couple's favorite restaurant or bar. (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Blend Images/Corbis)