Home Bridal Shower Ideas | Redfin

With wedding season upon us, you may have been tasked with hosting a bridal shower. While there’s a plethora of venues to host at, consider keeping it intimate, save some money, and host it at home. If you’re not sure how, don’t worry – we’re here to help with 17 home bridal shower ideas compiled from experts all over the country. Whether you’re throwing a bridal shower for your sister at your home in Nashville, Tennessee, planning a shower for your lifelong best friend at your rental home in Portland, ME, or even hosting at your apartment in San Jose, CA, you’re sure to find some inspiration here.

Home bridal shower theme ideas

“Hosting a bridal shower at home is a cost-effective and intimate way to celebrate, giving you the freedom to decorate in advance and enjoy the event without time limits,” says Meeka Hughes, owner of event planning service Leave It To Meeka. With this freedom, consider picking a theme to center the shower around. “Whether you create a bride at the disco-themed bash or a relaxing spa retreat, a well-planned theme sets the tone for a memorable experience. Plus, an at-home setting allows for a cozy, personalized touch that no rented venue can match,” adds Meeka.

1. Farmers market theme

“Bridal showers in 2025 are all about fun, creativity, and unique themes,” says Amanda Marron, owner of West Monroe Events. She suggests going with a “‘Fresh Off the Market’ theme, inspired by a chic farmers market aesthetic.” Think farmers market vibes with rustic decor, fresh florals, baskets of seasonal fruits, and hand-lettered chalkboard signs. 

2. Have an outside picnic

“Transform your backyard or living room into a dreamy picnic setup with layered rugs, floor cushions, and low tables,” suggests Alexandra Garnica, owner and lead planner of Desert Flower Events. At this elevated picnic, “serve seasonal small bites, chilled wine, and feature light floral arrangements for a relaxed and stylish gathering,” recommends Alexandra.

3. Host a tea party

“With the rise in popularity of Bridgerton, elegant tea parties are also a popular choice, perfect for stylish outfits and charming small bites,” says Amanda. You can thrift teacups, gather fresh blooms, lay out doilies, dress up, and enjoy sipping, nibbling, and celebrating the bride-to-be. “No matter the theme, fully embracing it with décor, drinks, and activities makes the celebration unforgettable,” Amanda adds.

Home bridal shower decor ideas

Theme or no theme, you can easily create the perfect bridal shower setting with decorations. If struggling between blue ribbons or pink peonies to adorn your space, these six decor ideas are sure to help you out.

4. Dress up your space with fabric

“There are three elements of design that always make or break the overall vibe of an event: florals, linens, and/or chairs,” says Kate Balbi, senior lead planner of Becca & Co. If you’re choosing to focus on linens, Kate suggests “a really great linen with either a pattern or a texture (i.e. velvet).” 

Whatever fabric you opt for, “make sure it fits the theme of your shower and color palette,” reminds Kate. “The goal should be for it not just to be beautiful to look at, but a conversation piece for the guests to talk,” adds Kate.

5. Thrift your tablescape

For the table settings, consider hitting the second-hand shop. “Spend time perusing your local thrift store to find dining ware, cutlery, glassware, vases, table linens, etc.,” suggests Sofi Melvin, lead planner and owner of Philosofi Celebrations. As an extra bonus, “you could even gift your friend or family member your finds after the event,” adds Sofi.

6. Have a balloon backdrop

If flowers aren’t your cup of tea, take this suggestion: “For decor, consider working with a local balloon artist to create a fun backdrop to take photos,” recommends Haines Jones, lead planner and owner of Significant Events. “This not only creates a great photo opp for all of your family and friends, but it’s also a great wow factor for the day – especially if flowers just aren’t your cup of tea,” says Haines. If you’re unsure what you want the backdrop to look like, Haines suggests finding inspiration online or “choosing a color palette and letting the balloon artist work their magic.”

7. Use customizable decor

“Just because your bridal shower may be in a familiar place, that doesn’t mean you can’t customize it to make your special day even better,” says Ben Camerota, owner of MVP Visuals. Consider adding a special touch with “a personalized tent for food and drinks, a welcome banner, or beautiful table linen with the wedding date or phrase,” suggests Ben.

8. Add personalized details

Don’t forget the small things! Cassie Lopez, co-owner of Wild Social Micro Weddings, suggests “keeping it elevated, but low-stress with a simple color palette and little details like custom beverage napkins or personalized place settings.” Another idea to make it feel extra special without a ton of effort is to have “a memory jar where guests can share their favorite stories and well wishes.”

Maddie Shafer, owner of Fruitful Events, reminds us that it’s easy to refine and transform a space with the details. She suggests “using signage, specialty linens, elegant place settings, fresh flowers or balloons (or both, where they fit!), and beautifully designed stationery to enhance every area where guests will gather.”

Dana Ashley, founder and lead planner of Dana Ashley Events, suggests “details like custom cocktail stirrers etched with the couple’s initials or a playlist built from their favorite songs make the entire experience feel curated, not cookie-cutter.” She also recommends “setting up a discreet ‘refresh and reset’ kit in the powder room with mints, blotting papers, and a personal note from the bride thanking guests for being part of her day.”

Home bridal shower drink ideas

It’s not a party without drinks (alcoholic or not), so peruse below for some beverage inspo.

9. Make a punch bowl (or two)

“When hosting an event at home, it’s key to get a drink in hand for your guests sooner rather than later,” says Anna Paschal, founder of Wed In Maine. The solution? Anna recommends something pre-batched and easy to serve–like a punch bowl. “It’s decorative, makes serving effortless, and it can have an on-theme name, plus who doesn’t like drinking something from a teacup?” asks Anna. To accommodate all guests, consider two punch bowls – a cocktail one and a mocktail one.

10. Feature a signature cocktail

Another route is to have a signature cocktail or mocktail (or both) for the event. Lauren Gill, blogger of Lifestyles By Lauren, suggests picking a cocktail “that matches the bride’s personality and party theme.”

You could also “name the cocktail after the bride or the couple,” suggests Naomi Anderson, founder of Artful Events & Design. The cocktail options are endless like “a champagne cocktail with edible gold flakes or flowers, or a classic martini served in elegant glasses,” says Naomi. Or “a lavender lemonade spritz for a touch of floral sophistication,” recommends Lauren.

11. Have a mimosa bar

“For an elegant yet stress-free bridal shower, consider a DIY mimosa bar,” suggests Nicole Whitcomb, owner of The Perfect Touch. “Set up a beautiful station with a selection of fresh juices like orange, peach, and pomegranate, along with chilled champagne or sparkling water for a non-alcoholic option,” continues Natalie.

Raleigh, NC, wedding planning services Tying the Knot recommends “adding bowls of fresh fruit for garnish, decorative signage, and pretty glassware to elevate the look.” 

This bar idea is “a simple yet elegant way to add a festive touch while allowing guests to customize their drinks to their liking,” adds Marisa Manna Ferrell, president of So Eventful.

Home bridal shower activity ideas

“Keep your guests entertained by offering fun activities they can work on throughout the event rather than in one set game time,” suggests Sarah Rodriguez, owner of Sarah Kathleen Events. There’s really no shortage of activities to pick from. For example, “a scavenger hunt or a ‘what’s in your purse’ game are easy options that can be edited to match your theme or colors,” says Sarah. If you’re looking for some other options, we’re sure you (and your guests) will enjoy one of the seven other activities described below.

12. Set up a bouquet bar

Add a fun and floral touch to your home bridal shower with a DIY bouquet bar. “Your guests will be able to create something and take home a few beautiful stems to enjoy afterwards,” says Mandy Hess, creative CEO and lead designer of MJM Designs. “Contacting your local florist shop or even picking a few bunches up from the grocery store would be a great option for an interactive activity for your guests to enjoy (and talk about later down the road),” adds Mandy.

13. Make flower crowns

Another floral-forward craft, consider creating memories and bonding over making flower crowns. Since “flowers bring beauty, joy, and energy to weddings, they can also do the same for your bridal shower,” says Holly Yee, owner and floral architect of Holly Yee Florals. “For an elevated, hassle-free experience, consider hiring a professional florist who can facilitate the activity and who can source all the flowers and supplies,” adds Holly.

14. Craft custom perfumes

“Bridal showers are about creating memories, and one of the most impactful memories can come through scents,” says Nikeva Lawrence, CEO of SouthWind Events. With this in mind, consider treating guests to a sensory experience with a DIY perfume-making bar.

“Guests can explore scent profiles and blend their own signature fragrance from curated essential oils and notes, guided by an expert or detailed recipe cards,” says Makayla Mowe, marketing and production coordinator at Emily Coyne Events.

“With a few simple materials – essential oils, a carrier oil (e.g. jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed, avocado), glass bottles and pipettes – a bride and her loved ones can create one of a kind, wearable fragrances that will invoke the memory of this special moment for months and years to come,” Nikeva continues.

“The personal, hands-on nature of this activity makes it a standout option for those looking to wow their guests with thoughtful touches, plus it’s especially meaningful for the bride, who can create a one-of-a-kind scent to wear on her wedding day,” adds Nikeva.

15. Try out the bride’s hobbies

“Hosting your bridal shower at home offers a warm, personal, and intimate setting to celebrate with your closest friends and family,” says Kieran DiEmidio, owner of 301 Walsh Events. To make it even more personable and intimate, opt to “tailor the bridal shower activities to the bride’s unique interests, such as a bridal scrapbook station, a DIY succulent kit, or an interactive wine aroma challenge,” suggests Kieran.

16. Create a cozy lounge

If you’re looking to have a more chill, laid-back vibe, Avis Glenister, lead event planner at Peach and Pearl Events, suggests “creating a cozy lounge space in your living room or backyard with your bride’s personal style in mind.” To do this, simply add “layered rugs, throw pillows, and candles to set the mood,” instructs Avis.

Don’t forget to add “plush pillows, some soft ambient lighting, and a few other elegant pieces to invite all your guests in to share stories about the bride and make wonderful last memories of this special day,” notes Donna Aleman, owner and lead planner of Ame Soeur Events. “To save a little bit on the expenses of renting lounge furniture, look around your home and find your favorite pieces to create the lounge area and have fun with it,” adds Donna.

17. Elevate the gift opening experience

If guests are bringing gifts to the bridal shower, Naomi suggests “setting up a beautifully decorated area where the bride can open [said] gifts. This could be in that cozy space as mentioned above, just add “a small table for the presents, soft lighting, and background music to make sure the space feels special for this moment,” notes Naomi.

Plan ahead and have fun

Whatever you’re planning, Tara Manuppelli, owner and lead planner of Lotus Events, reminds us to “be sure to create a flow of events for your bridal shower.” Similar to a cocktail hour, “allow time for guest arrival and mingling, and ensure enough time for gifts, activities, and eating,” recommends Tara. After all, “planning ahead with a schedule will allow your event to run smoothly and stress-free,” Tara notes.

One way to ensure the event runs smoothly is to set up informal stations, as successful speaker and writer Jessica Tepas suggests. For example, “Snacks might be in the kitchen, crafts on the dining room table, seating in the living room, and perhaps a bar cart in an underused corner for drinks,” describes Jessica. “This allows guests to mingle and have conversation in smaller pockets and offers the chance to flow from station to station, rather than getting caught in one particular space,” explains Jessica.

“So many of my couples are buying their first home right around the time they get married, which makes hosting a bridal shower at home feel even more meaningful. But truly, it’s less about where you host and more about the thoughtful details,” reminds Joelene Schultheis, founder and New England-based wedding planner of For Every Joccasion. 

“With a little planning and creativity, you can host a beautiful, stress-free celebration that feels effortless and unforgettable,” adds Meeka. Whether that be “transforming a backyard into a charming little soiree with cozy seating, having a mimosa bar and interactive games, or a build-your-own bouquet cart, with a few personalized touches (and maybe a vendor to help bring it all together), a simple space becomes something unforgettable,” concludes Joelene.