There is no doubt that bridal showcases have come a long way. Gone are the days when a shower meant Bridal Bingo rings and Toilet Paper Gowns (anyone remember that?) Brides today have abandoned traditions that lack personal meaning. to support gatherings that reflect their style — and really have fun! So when I suggested hosting our executive producer Michelle’s wedding reception last month, we were both excited to take a new, problem-solving approach. dinner party style The gathering feels cool and idyllic like the bride-to-be.
Even though showers have evolved, I still regularly receive questions about how to plan a bridal shower. In fact, “bride shower ideas at home” was the most searched term, suggesting that while the shower could be more comfortable, there was still a desire to make the occasion special. unique, unique and creative. So today we partner with Evite to create yours The ultimate guide to throwing a bridal shower at home with everything you need to know, from choosing a theme to creating a menu to choosing the perfect Eve invitation (and what to write on them!)
Scroll to see a great collection of at-home bridal shower ideas, with tips to make your next one stress-free, just fun.
Define guest list
Traditionally, attendees include the wedding party, female family members and close friends on the wedding guest list. However, since weddings are often less of a conventional approach these days, brides can get married too! For Michelle’s upcoming wedding, we wanted to give the corporate team an opportunity to celebrate her big milestone, so we invited our close team of collaborators to gather for dinner at her home. I.
Choose a theme
“Theme” is a loose term, as just about any detail can inform the direction of a bride’s shower. It could revolve around a favorite meal or dish. Color can be a theme — or even a song lyrics! Here are a few ideas to get your wheels spinning.
Theme ideas for bridal bathroom at home:
- Inspired by a movie
- Era themes (’70s,’ 90s, etc.)
- Garden party
- Stylish themes (boho, girly, minimal, etc.)
- Flower
- Backyard party
- Tea Party
- Moments of happiness
Whichever theme you choose, let it be a guide post as you define the color scheme, menu, invitations, decor, and offers. Michelle requested the Greek theme, so I was happy to “take us” to a Greek Island for the evening, with a fresh Mediterranean menu, confetti and everything blue and white!
Choose an invitation
Since the bridal bath has evolved, it only makes sense that the invitation process also has! I’m a big fan of sending out invitations to gatherings of any kind — not only is it a simpler digital approach for hosts, but it’s also an easy way for guests to respond and share. Review the details of the party.
The newly launched Evite has thousands of new designs and modern invitations, with both free and premium options. There are cartoon designs and hand-drawn illustrations (which I love for kids’ parties), and beautiful selections by a wide range of artists.
I chose this beautiful orange flower theme invitation by artist in LA, Phoebe Tillem. It was the perfect subtle nod to our summer Greek island theme, and it literally took me 20 minutes to fill out the party details, email the invitation to the guest list. mine and started tracking RSVP.
Simple decor makes a statement
When it comes to decorating the bridal bathroom at home, first take an inventory of what you have. Which area of your home offers the best space for a party? How do you want your guests to feel from the moment they arrive until they sit down? Decide what you have to work on and what you need to supplement.
For Michelle’s bridal shower, we decided a dinner among friends was the way to go. I knew we would be eating around the table in my backyard and just wanted to add something special to bring the theme in. Simple but impactful decor is key for me, almost always accompanied by flowers. With our Greek theme, confetti is absolutely essential. We booked a table with a blue and white tableclothwoven positioning fabric and blue and white dishes, then simply place bright bougainvillea branches along the center of the table for the absolute easiest focal point — no flower arranging skills required!
Tips for decorating the bridal bathroom at home:
- Use what you have. Not only does it make more sense, but taking an inventory of how your home can inform the decor will simplify the storage process.
- Pick a “wonderful” moment. For this shower, it’s gorgeous bougainvillea. You can almost always count on flowers to enhance the decor, from the centerpiece to the serving table.
- Upgrade your board. Food is something you are sure to find at any bridal party. Whether you’re hosting an on-site meal or snacks, the table is where guests will gather — so make it shine! If it’s a meal, set location settings for each attendee, including a personalized location tag. If you’re setting up a spread, play with levels and small dishes to bring some fun to the design.
Menu design
You’ve got the added bonus of your own kitchen when you host it at home, but that doesn’t mean you have to use it. I chose a mix of store-bought dipping sauces, skewers bought from a nearby Mediterranean restaurant, and some chopped veggies for this delicious Greek-inspired menu. All that’s left to do is arrange everything on the serving plate — and that’s where the magic comes in. We poured the hummus into craft bowls, baked the bread in a hot oven, and sprinkled everything with fresh parsley. Food design is an extension of decor, so choosing a menu that is both beautiful and delicious is key.
Simple menu for bridal bathroom at home:
This is exactly how to plan dinner party menucomplete with all my past serving tips.
- Charcuterie table. The benefits of a charcuterie table many. But specifically for a party? It’s beautiful enough to pass as decoration in and of itself.
- Traditional tea. Cakes filled with jam and cream, macaroons, pia cakes. There’s something romantic and eerie about a tea party and bonus: it’s beautiful, too. (Here Bridgerton-inspired menu is perfection.)
- According to cuisine. Mark a memorable memory Parisian dinner or more colors Mexican Brunch.
What do you want to drink
One of my favorite entertainment tips is to prepare a special drink for guests to enjoy. I chose a crisp white and bright pink bottle for Michelle’s menu but a cocktail (or mocktail) always makes for fun.
Drink ideas for a party:
- Cocktails. Just like decor, simplicity is key. Try one of these three-ingredient cocktail for a quick and delicious sip. If you are hosting in the summer, this refreshing watermelon Is my hobby.
- Mocktails. You don’t need alcohol to make festive drinks—these recipes prove it. And if you want a fun detail, any drink is made extra special with marble.
- Wine or champagne. And if you are looking for the best pink, start here.
Play a game (that’s really fun)
Keep toilet paper under the sink and plan a game that won’t let guests secretly (or not so secretly) roll their eyes. Here’s a tip: the success of the game depends on the guests, so feel the crowd when you identify any special activities. Is it a lively horde? Play charades: wedding edition. Want to keep it low? Choose the newlywed puzzle.
For Michelle’s dinner party, we decided to take it easy and put conversation cards underneath each plate. Each guest gets a chance to respond, and that helps keep the conversation flowing throughout the night.
Conversation starters for a Bridal party:
- Worst day I’ve ever had…
- In the movie of my life, the roles of my partner and I will…
- If I could go back and witness a strange moment between my mate and I it would be…
- My first and current celebrity favorite is…
- The craziest thing I have ever witnessed at a wedding was…
- The best wedding movie is…
