Room By Room Theme
Guests are assigned to a specific room of the bridal couple's home and gift purchases are made relating to that room. For example, all the guests assigned to the kitchen would provide gadgets, dishes and linens. Guests assigned to the living room might bring movies, popcorn bowls, couch throws and computer accessories.Fill The Pantry With Recipe Cards
Filling the shelves of a new couple has its roots in the traditional shower. Ask guests to bring the recipe and non perishable ingredients for their favorite dish. Special bakeware or serving pieces are other areas to consider. The bride starts her married life with a full cookbook and all the ingredients to create these favorites.Animal Or Color Theme
If the wedding theme is centered around a specific color or image, the chances are very good this theme is a favorite of the couple. Ask guests to bring the gift of their choice within the specific color range or featuring the image the couple has selected for the wedding. For example, for a chocolate and blue wedding, dish towel, table clothes and matching place mats can all be found in those shades.Tea Party Theme
If the bride is a tea lover, this is the perfect theme for her. Ask guests to bring anything tea-related such as specialty blends, books, hand painted tea pots and kettles. If the gathering will be more intimate, ask guests to search their local thrift and antique shops for a delicate cup and saucer pair. Offer these dainty gifts to the bride as her own personal tea set with each piece specifically chosen for her.Holiday Theme
Divide guests into groups to select gifts related to the major holidays. Many new couples have nothing in the way of Christmas ornaments or New Year's serving pieces. Include any religious holidays the couple will celebrate such as Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. If the couple is big into decorating for every holiday, include Halloween, the Fourth of July and Easter.Seasons Shower
This type of shower is perfect if you want to keep a loose theme, but allow guests room to bring a variety of items. Guests are divided into the four seasons and asked to bring something which represents or would be used during spring, summer, fall or winter. If this theme is too broad, narrow the choices to the season of the wedding or the one that will occur a few months after the wedding.General Bridal Shower Guidelines
When hosting or planning a bridal shower, a few words of caution apply. First, make sure you offer guests enough options for gifts to fit any budget. Secondly, keep the games within the bounds of the bride's limits. Risque games are legendary at bridal showers, but keep things toned down if you will offend guests such as the bride's mother or grandmother. Think about whether those types of games would be better suited for a bachelorette party. Plan for relaxing time as well as structured games and events. Guests will want to chat with the bride and their friends, which can be impossible if every minute is scheduled. Talk with the bride concerning her wants and needs for this shower. You may have always wanted to throw a Disney shower, but if that is not what the bride wants or needs, you must honor her wishes.Choosing the bridal shower theme and then hosting this important party is a big responsibility. It is also an honor to assist such a lovely woman in the first steps of her new married life. Plan the shower around a gathering of friends and family with the intention of showering their love on the bride. Regardless of your theme, with that as your guide, you will be host to a wonderful shower of both gifts and memories.