How to Choose the Perfect Bridal Shower Theme Based on Personality

Hey girl! So your bestie is getting married and you’ve been tasked with throwing her bridal shower? Exciting! But also… overwhelming, right? I totally get it. The pressure to create this magical day that she’ll remember forever can be a lot. But here’s my number one tip: focus on HER. Not what’s trending on Pinterest, not what her mother-in-law thinks is appropriate, what will make YOUR friend feel celebrated and special.

Let’s break down how to pick a theme that screams “this is so YOU!” for the bride-to-be.

First, Let’s Spy (Just a Little)

Okay, so if this is a surprise, you need to channel your inner detective. Check her Pinterest boards (she definitely has wedding ones), peek at her Instagram saves, or casually bring up party themes in conversation. “That garden party on Emily in Paris was gorgeous, right?” See what she responds with!

If it’s not a surprise, even better! Take her out for coffee and just ask what would make her feel special. Sometimes the direct approach saves everyone a lot of guesswork.

Matching Themes to Her Vibe

For Your Romantic Friend

You know the one, she cried during The Notebook and has fresh flowers in her apartment at all times. She deserves a shower that feels like stepping into a fairytale:

• A garden tea party with vintage china and flower crowns
• A “favorite love stories” theme where decorations reference romantic books or movies she loves
• A “love language” shower where each activity connects to the five love languages
• A “secret garden” theme with fairy lights, floral arches, and botanical cocktails
• A “romantic poetry” brunch where each table features verses from famous love poems

For Your Adventure-Seeking Friend

This girl has more passport stamps than pairs of shoes and is always planning her next trip:

• A travel-themed shower where each food station represents a place she’s loved visiting
• An outdoor adventure day, maybe start with brunch and then do something active she loves
• A “destinations” shower where each element represents bucket list places she wants to honeymoon
• A “glamping” themed celebration with luxury picnic setups and outdoor games
• A “passport to love” party where each activity represents a different country she’s visited or wants to visit

For Your Luxury-Loving Friend

She’s the one who knows all the designer names and never has a hair out of place:

• A champagne and macarons afternoon with everything in her wedding colors
• A spa day bridal shower where everyone gets pampered
• A black, white, and gold themed elegant cocktail party
• A “breakfast at Tiffany’s” inspired gathering with blue accents and classy hors d’oeuvres
• A rooftop brunch with mimosa bar and city skyline views

For Your Creative Friend

This bride makes her own jewelry or writes poetry or has an Etsy shop on the side:

• A DIY party where guests each bring a craft to work on together
• An art class shower where everyone paints the same thing but with their own twist
• A maker’s celebration where she can teach everyone something she’s passionate about
• A “color palette” party where all decor, food, and activities coordinate with her favorite colors or wedding palette
• A creative writing workshop where everyone contributes to a collective wedding wish book

For Your Nostalgic Friend

She’s always talking about “the good old days” and has kept every concert ticket since high school:

• A decade-themed shower based on her favorite era
• A “childhood favorites” theme with all the snacks, games, and movies she loved growing up
• A “through the years” celebration with photos and memories from different phases of her life
• A “mixtape” themed party featuring playlists from different important moments in her life
• A “school days” theme recreating elements from when/where the couple met if they were college sweethearts

For Your Foodie Friend

Her Instagram is 90% food pictures and she has reservations at that new restaurant before anyone’s heard of it:

• A cooking class where everyone learns to make her favorite dish
• A wine or cocktail tasting with food pairings
• A “restaurants of her life” theme with food stations inspired by meaningful meals
• A “bake-off” competition where guests bring their signature dishes and the bride judges her favorites
• A global street food festival featuring bite-sized versions of her favorite international cuisines

Seasonal Magic

The time of year can totally help narrow down your theme options:

Spring bride? Lean into floral themes, garden parties, or “showers” puns with umbrella decorations and rain boot vases.

Summer girl? Consider pool parties, tropical themes, or outdoor movie nights under the stars.

Fall favorite? Apple picking excursions, harvest themes with rich colors, or cozy bonfire gatherings work beautifully.

Winter wedding? Try a hot cocoa bar, a snuggly pajama party, or a winter wonderland theme with lots of sparkle.

Making It Work (Without Breaking the Bank)

Let’s be real—some themes are pricier than others. If you’re dreaming of a spa day but working with a pizza party budget, get creative:

• DIY face mask stations instead of professional treatments
• Potluck-style food where each guest brings something themed
• Focus splurges on one or two elements that really matter to her (maybe amazing food but simpler decorations)
• Thrift shop treasure hunts for vintage decor instead of buying new
• Digital invitations instead of printed ones (save on postage too!)
• Borrow decorations from friends who recently hosted parties
• Host at someone’s home instead of renting a venue
• Make your own photo booth with a cute backdrop and props you create yourself
• Use plants or greenery from your garden instead of expensive flower arrangements
• Shop dollar stores for basic supplies and customize them yourself
• Create a signature cocktail instead of stocking a full bar
• Ask a friend with baking skills to make a special dessert instead of ordering one
• Use fabric scraps to make bunting or table runners instead of buying new
• Check Facebook Marketplace or local buy-nothing groups for party supplies

The Extra Special Touches

Whatever theme you choose, here are some ways to make it feel extra personal:

• Create a playlist of songs that are meaningful to her
• Ask guests to bring a photo of themselves with the bride and create a display
• Have everyone write down a piece of marriage advice or a memory with the bride
• Incorporate elements from her cultural background or family traditions

Remember, It’s All About Her

At the end of the day, the perfect bridal shower isn’t about how Pinterest-worthy it looks, it’s about how it makes her feel. Some brides would be mortified by a giant lingerie display opening session, while others would find it hilarious. Some want all the attention, while others would prefer low-key gatherings.

Trust your instincts. You’re her best friend for a reason, you know what will make her face light up better than anyone else!

And hey, if you’re still stuck between a few theme ideas, it’s okay to just ask her what she prefers. The best gift is a day where she feels completely seen and celebrated exactly as she is, wedding planning is stressful enough without attending a shower that doesn’t feel like “her” at all.

Now go plan something amazing! And remember to take some pics! 💕