A wedding shower offers a couple the opportunity to gather select family members and friends together to celebrate their upcoming union. Though once known specifically as a bridal shower and meant only for women, modern customs have expanded the concept of this event to include all genders. As with most wedding-related gatherings, every year sees a variety of new and exciting trends for showers. If you’re currently planning a wedding shower, take a look at these popular ideas and gain a bit of inspiration for your own party. 

Taking the Party Outside

In recent years, outdoor gatherings have become quite commonplace when it comes to showers. Instead of spending a lot of money renting out a venue or trying to find a family member who has a home big enough to accommodate your guest list, you can save a good chunk of money and a lot of stress by exploring outdoor spaces. One way to approach this idea is by throwing a picnic wedding shower. Have your guests dress in casual attire and treat them to finger foods like sandwiches and fresh fruit for a gathering that is both relaxed and enjoyable. 

Adding a Touch of Class

If you’re looking for something more formal, another way to approach the concept of the outdoor wedding shower is by hosting a tea party. Though it was once considered the most popular theme for showers, the concept of the tea party fell out of style over the years. Recently, however, younger couples are diving into this option. With this type of party, guests are encouraged to dress in their finest outdoor outfits while they munch on delectable snacks like macarons and cucumber sandwiches. If it is too hot outside for hot beverages, offering iced tea is a perfect alternative. 

Using a Variety of Colors

Bright color palettes are also a trend worth looking into for your upcoming shower. Whether you’re hosting your event inside at a restaurant or outdoors in a park, utilizing bold colors in your decorating can be a wonderful way to let your bubbly personality shine through. Though simple colors like rose gold were very popular in the last decade, couples are now moving away from this choice in favor of colors that excite and entice. One easy way to include bold colors in your event is by working with a florist to come up with creative flower arrangements. 

Ditching the Alcohol

Though offering alcohol to guests is commonplace at most wedding-related events, there is no rule stating you must provide hard drinks. In fact, many couples are shying away from alcohol altogether when it comes to their showers. Instead, they are coming up with creative mocktail options. The beauty of a mocktail is that it allows you the chance to express your personality through a drink without worrying that your family members and friends are going to get too inebriated during the celebration. No matter your flavor preferences, there are a ton of clever ways to go about creating delicious mocktails.  

Including Activities

At a traditional wedding shower, guests will typically mingle and play a few games centered around the engaged couple. Though this can be entertaining, many current shower trends try to approach shower activities from a more engaging angle. One choice to consider is an “arts and crafts” table. Give your guests the option of creating flower arrangements, decorating cookies, or making centerpieces that they can take home as a souvenir. A little bit of crafting is a great way to get guests to interact over a shared experience, which is perfect when you want the group to get along. 

Planning a Fun Shower

There are many different options to consider when it comes to throwing a wedding shower. Whether or not you use the latest trends for your own event, knowing what is currently popular can easily offer some helpful inspiration.