We’re two months into 2019, and we’re starting to see some top bridal shower trends emerge. Often, wedding trends trickle down to bridal showers, and this is certainly the case again this year! Here are some of the top trends we’re seeing for bridal showers in 2019:
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2019 bridal shower trends: couples showers
Couples are forgoing the typical bride-only bridal showers and opting for a couples wedding shower instead. This allows both the bride and groom to attend the shower and also encourages guests of both sexes to attend. One of the big trends we’ve been receiving custom requests for our shower invitations is “I do” BBQ invitations. This is a really cute idea for a more casual affair outdoors that gets guests mingling and enjoying a casual celebration with the Mr. and Mrs.-to-Be.
2019 bridal shower trends: groom showers
Another trend that’s emerged is the groom shower. The men have decided that the bride shouldn’t be the only one that gets to have all the pre-wedding fun! We’re seeing groom showers where the best man holds a casual afternoon or evening barbecue where the guys all attend and bring gifts like tools, home improvement materials, sports items (think golf items, fishing items, etc.) and backyard gardening/maintenance gifts to “shower” the groom-to-be.
Activity-based bridal showers
Bridal showers are taking a non-traditional route by planning an activity-focused bridal shower. Rather than hosting a traditional luncheon/gift opening focused shower, bridal parties and bridal shower hostesses are opting for a group activity shower instead. This includes activities like:
- Going on a group hike instead
- Taking a cocktail mixing class
- Doing a wine tasting at a local wine store or winery, if you live close to one.
- Attending a paint party/art class
- Attending a floral arranging workshop
- Cooking lessons with a local restaurant/caterer
Destination bridal showers
Bridal showers are taking a non-traditional route by planning an activity-focused bridal shower. Rather than hosting a traditional luncheon/gift opening focused shower, bridal parties and bridal shower hostesses are opting for a group activity shower instead. This includes activities like:
Going away to celebrate isn’t just reserved for bachelorette parties anymore! Brides are opting to take the bridal shower on the road to celebrate. Places like Napa Valley for wine tours are becoming a popular bridal shower destination where the bride’s friends and loved ones travel to spend the weekend spoiling the bride-to-be.
Relaxed bridal showers
A big trend we’re seeing this year is a more relaxed bridal shower that’s not as formal. Hostesses are foregoing the traditional format of food, presents and games for more casual affairs like:
- A casual garden/backyard party
- Evening barbecues
- Display showers, where guests are encouraged to bring presents unwrapped with a gift tag/card attached instead to put on display for guests to see. This allows more time for mingling and visiting.
Bridal brunch
We’re getting a ton of requests for bridal brunch invitations and signs. Hosting a bridal brunch can be done one of two ways:
- The hostess(es) host a brunch in-house at the hostess’s home (see our post on hosting a brunch and bubbly shower for some great tips and food ideas!)
- Hosting at a venue like a restaurant or country club – this is less hassle and clean-up, but it’s certainly a more expensive option
Velvet textures
A big trend in weddings this year is unexpected textures, and velvet is leading the charge for textiles at weddings and bridal showers. You can incorporate this trend by using velvet tablecloths and table runners, velvet napkins, velvet chair covers/sashes, velvet photobooth backgrounds and velvet ribbon.
Neon signs
Although a bigger investment, custom neon signs are huge this year! Catchy wedding phrases, custom name signs, and “love signs” reign supreme for decor and can make a very cute addition to your decor or photobooth background at your bridal shower.
Balloons and balloon arches
Probably the biggest trend we’re seeing this year is balloon decor, balloon arrangements and balloon arches. They create a dramatic impact, especially when placed at an entrance or near the refreshment table. You can hire a local company in your area to create arrangements and arches for you, or you can opt for the DIY route as well. There are some adorable balloon packages you can purchase on Etsy for this.
Hanging flowers
Floral arrangements and centrepieces are taking a backseat to
Pastel flowers
Bold takes a backseat this year with blush, pale purples/blues and cream flowers taking center stage. We love the idea of a soft cream rose mixed with pastel florals to create a sense of calm in all the chaos!
Charcuterie tables
We’ve slowly seen the charcuterie board gain major momentum on restaurant menus around North America over the last few years, and now a big trend for weddings and catered parties, like bridal showers, is a charcuterie table. Think long wooden boards filled with all sorts of delicious charcuterie items for your guests to nibble on throughout the entire event.
Greenery showers
Green and white is a classic colour palette that will never go out of style, but we saw it become front and centre last year with couples opting for lots of green, leafy accents and white florals and that trend is NOT slowing down at all this year, spilling into event decor, bridal showers and baby showers, too! We’ve added a ton of greenery bridal shower invitations and coordinating items to our Etsy shop this year, and they continue to be a very popular hit for bridal showers and other events.
Sign up for this week’s trendy printable
We hope you enjoyed our top bridal shower trends for 2019! We also share weekly free printables for our VIP Pretty Printables Club each week. If you are planning a bridal shower in the next few months, this week’s printable will combine two of the trends you just read about. Don’t miss out – sign up today!
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