The weather is heating up. It’s summertime and we have some fresh and fun bridal shower ideas to celebrate your beautiful bride-to-be.

1. Ice Cream Bridal Shower

Summer is the perfect season for an ice cream social! Use a color palette of pastels (think “mint chocolate chip” green, “strawberry” pink, and “French Vanilla” yellow) to decorate. Fill tall sundae glasses with fresh flowers to place on tables. Set up an ice cream sundae “grazing table” with all the toppings, cones, and ice cream flavors that your guests will need to create a delicious treat. You can also get creative with the ice cream theme in the form of cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.

2. Backyard BBQ Bridal Shower

For a more casual and relaxed bridal shower, host a backyard BBQ. This is a great option if you want to make it a co-ed shower. Grill hamburgers and some chicken and veggie kabobs, and set up a burger toppings bar. Transform a potting bench into a well-stocked outdoor bar. Replace your typical shower games with lively lawn games like croquet and cornhole to keep the guests engaged in some friendly competition.

3. Tropical Pool Party Bridal Shower

Drinks with colorful paper umbrellas, flamingo floats, and palm fronds are key ingredients to a tropical theme bridal shower. Bathing suits can be optional but have towels ready for guests who choose to cool off in the pool. And make sure there are shady places (big umbrellas or a patio) to relax for any non-swimming guests; the bride’s grandmother may not be in the mood for a swim. Whip up some acai bowls and a big batch of mai tais. This theme makes another great co-ed shower option, but personally, I like the idea of a “girls-only” pool party.

4. Winery or Brewery Bridal Shower

Take the guesswork out of hosting and have a (local) destination shower. The backdrop of a beautiful winery is the perfect setting for an elegant shower, and most wineries have special event packages that offer catering or the option to bring in your own food. And if the bride prefers brews to wine tasting, a local brewery is another excellent location option.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Bridal Shower

A dreamy setting full of flowers, greenery, twinkle lights, and lanterns: what could be more romantic? While this theme works beautifully any time of day, hosting an evening event would be a unique change to the usual “brunch” time bridal showers. Those twinkle lights would really sparkle at dusk. Prepare a  seasonally inspired summer menu; you can find over 50 summer recipes here. And try this fresh fruit and ricotta whipped cream cake recipe for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Summer Celebrations

Whatever theme you decide for your summer celebration, keep it simple and sweet. Check out our Summer Bridal Shower board for more inspiration.