How to Throw the Ultimate Beach-Themed Bridal Shower

Transport your guests to paradise.
maddy sims the knot associate editor
by
Maddy Sims
maddy sims the knot associate editor
Maddy Sims
Former Associate Editor
  • Maddy is a Brand and Social Content Manager at Birdy Grey, and was a former associate editor at The Knot.
  • Maddy has written for several different publications, including HUM Nutrition, Insider, Bustle, Real Simple and Apartment Therapy.
  • Maddy has a Bachelor's degree in magazine journalism and a Master's degree in health, science and environmental reporting (both of which are from Northwestern's Medill School of Journa...
Updated Aug 11, 2021
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We love the idea of personalizing a wedding shower to make it feel special. If the bride-to-be loves sand and the sea or is having a beach wedding, lean fully into the aesthetic with a beach-themed bridal shower. Whether you can easily get to the waterfront or need creative ways to bring the shore to you, we're here to help you plan the ultimate beach prewedding party. We have ideas for an elegant seaside shower or a glittery mermaid-themed bash—and everything in between.

Throwing a beach party doesn't have to mean anchors galore and navy-and-white-striped everything (unless you want it to, of course). Consider a SoCal vibe with bright colors and surf-shack vibes, or lean toward something more elevated and romantic with lanterns, roses and a decadent raw bar. The good news? A waterfront setting is so pretty it'll do most of the work for you—all you need are a few on-theme touches to make the gathering extra special. But if you're a city dweller hoping to simulate the ocean breeze at an apartment or a local restaurant, these easy beach-themed bridal shower ideas will instantly transport your guests to paradise.

In this article:

Beach-Themed Bridal Shower Ideas

When it comes to beach-themed bridal shower ideas, the opportunities are endless. Go for a chic boho theme or a fun under-the-sea vibe—whatever party idea your guest of honor would like the most.

Elegant Oceanside Bridal Shower Theme

You can't go wrong with a classic beach-themed bridal shower. Transport your guests to a seaside oasis with this idea. To pull it off, you'll need light and airy decor. Use sheer, neutral linens on the tables (like white and cream) and dried flowers for your decor. To bring the theme to life, incorporate natural wood materials for a breezy, beachy bash.

Surf Shack Bridal Shower Theme

Your beach-themed bridal shower doesn't have to use all-white decor. Go for a surf shack-inspired look with fun colors (think: yellow, orange, pink, blue and green) and wooden accents. Keep things feeling casual with minimal decor and beach rattan accessories.

Boho Beach Bridal Shower Theme

Put a bohemian twist on a typical beach theme setup. Stick with neutral linens and decor, and then add in dried flowers and pampas grass. Use earthy, muted tones like rust, cream and blush to achieve a true boho vibe.

Under the Sea Bridal Shower Theme

While an under-the-sea-themed bridal shower seems difficult to pull off, it really comes down to color. Fill your space with aqua blue wherever you can: the walls, the chairs, the napkins, the table settings. Then, add in colors of the ocean (bright pink, orange, green and yellow) to bring the theme to life. Keep flowers to a minimum and instead opt for long strings of leafy greenery—like eucalyptus—for a seaweed-inspired look.

Mermaid Bridal Shower Theme

beach themed bridal shower mermaid
ASHLEY KELEMEN

If the bride-to-be is obsessed with all things mermaid, this theme is for you. Pull inspiration from the under-the-sea look by using aqua blue as your base. Then, add in pretty pastel hues (we love pink and purple), shiny glass accents and boho pampas grass. Take it to the next level by incorporating seashells too.

Nautical Bridal Shower Theme

Your nautical bridal shower theme doesn't have to be over the top. Achieve the vibe by incorporating distressed wood, white linens and navy blue accents. We love the idea of creating sea-inspired centerpieces to take the aesthetic one step further. Use bunches of white flowers, greens and wooden accents.

Tropical Bridal Shower Theme

A tropical theme is all about using the different colors in nature. Use a sunset color scheme (blush, orange and yellow) in addition to green for an island vibe. The number one plant we recommend getting? Palms! Look for mini palm trees, palm leaves and dried palms as well. Make the event feel like a luau with string lights and airy decorations, like tiki torches and lanterns.

Beach-Themed Bridal Shower Decorations

The key to pulling off a themed-party is in the details. Check out our favorite beach-themed bridal shower decorations, below.

Beach-Themed Wedding Date Banner

beach themed bridal shower banner

What's a wedding shower without a banner? We love this one because it simply lists the wedding date, so it could work for any to-be-wed or couple.

Ichabods Imagination Beach Bridal Shower Banner, $19, Etsy.com

Pampas Grass Decorations

beach themed bridal shower pampas grass

Nothing screams the beach like pretty pampas grass. Fill your space with it for a beachy, boho vibe.

Miss You Garden 5 Stems pampas grass, from $25, Etsy.com

Beach-Themed Bridal Shower Signs

beach themed bridal shower signs

Save time and money decorating your event with these printable signs. Hang them around the space to bring the beach theme to life.

Lemon and Line Creative Beach Bridal Shower Signs, $8, Etsy.com

Under the Sea Balloon Installation

beach themed bridal shower under the sea balloons

We love this beach-themed bridal shower decoration because it looks amazing but doesn't require much effort to assemble.

Kitchen Door Under the Sea Banner, from $12, Etsy.com

Beach-Themed Bridal Shower Welcome Sign

beach themed bridal shower welcome sign

Set the tone for the event instantly with this pretty beach-themed welcome sign template.

Golden Lead Paperie Beach Bridal Shower Welcome Sign template, $12, Etsy.com

Surf Shack Welcome Sign

beach themed bridal shower surf shack sign

Create your own little surf shack with this unique welcome sign. Your guest of honor can even bring it home as a reminder of the special day.

Lizton Sign Shop Surfing Shack, from $31, Etsy.com

Mermaid-Inspired Table Runner

beach themed bridal shower table runner

Unleash your inner mermaid with this fun table runner. Simply throw it on top of colorful linens, and you're done.

Party Treasures Co Mermaid Party fish net glitter decoration, $13, Etsy.com

Nautical-Themed Table Confetti

beach themed bridal shower nautical confetti

Sprinkle this pretty confetti on the tables at your bridal shower. It's a small touch that'll make a big difference.

Cayson and Co Navy, Coral, and Gold Anchor Confetti, $5, Etsy.com

Mermaid-Inspired Balloon Arch

beach themed bridal shower mermaid balloon arch

Create the ultimate Instagram backdrop with this mermaid-themed balloon arch.

50 Shades of Finds 150 pcs Mermaid Tail balloon garland arch kit, $34, Etsy.com

Beach-Themed Bridal Shower Games

beach themed bridal shower games

Not only will these beach-themed bridal shower games provide entertainment, they'll also serve as extra decoration on your tables.

Golden Leaf Paperie Beach Bridal Shower Games, $15, Etsy.com

Nautical-Themed Bridal Shower Banner

beach themed bridal shower nautical banner

Lean into your nautical theme with this adorable banner. It's the perfect backdrop for pictures too.

Picture Perfect Banner Anchored In Love Banner, $30, Etsy.com

Beach-Themed Dessert Toppers

beach themed bridal shower sunshine dessert toppers

Make your dessert table beach-themed with these fun toppers. We love the suns, but you can also get sunglasses and boardshorts.

A Savvy Soiree Vintage Surf Beach tropical theme cupcake toppers, from $8, Etsy.com

Beach-Themed Bridal Shower Invitations

Aloha, paradise! Invite your guests to the ultimate island getaway with these pretty beach-themed bridal shower invitations.

The Knot Invitations Mod Tropic Bridal Shower Invitations, $100 for 50 cards, TheKnotInvitations.com

Invite your guests out to the coast with these nautical watercolor bridal shower invitations. They're on-theme without feeling too over-the-top.

The Knot Invitations Coastal Love Bridal Shower Invitations, $100 for 50 cards, TheKnotInvitations.com

Time to party in the tropics. Get your guests excited for your beach-themed bridal shower with this palm-inspired design.

The Knot Invitations Palm and Protea Bridal Shower Invitations, $100 for 50 cards, TheKnotInvitations.com

Nothing screams beachy like pampas grass. Clue your guests into your beachy, boho theme with these gorgeous invitations.

The Knot Invitations Pampas Elegance Bridal Shower Invitations, $100 for 50 cards, TheKnotInvitations.com

beach themed bridal shower invitations

If your chosen theme is under-the-sea, these beach themed bridal shower invitations are for you.

Lemon and Line Creative Beach Bridal Shower Invite, $11 for a digital file, Etsy.com

beach themed bridal shower brunch invite

Get your guests ready for the ultimate beach-themed bridal shower brunch with these adorable invites.

Lemon and Line Creative Beach Bridal Shower Invite, $11 for a digital file, Etsy.com

beach themed bridal shower mermaid invitation

Calling all mermaid fans. These pretty invitations are for you. They'll clue your guests into the shower's theme immediately.

LOVELYWOW Studio Under The Sea Mermaid Tail Bridal Shower Invitation, from $2 each, Zazzle.com

Beach-Themed Bridal Shower Favors

Let your guests bring the seaside vibe home with one of these beach themed bridal shower favors.

Personalized Flip Flop Bottle Openers

beach themed bridal shower flip flop bottle openers

We can't get over how adorable these party favors are. Choose from 19 different designs and customize them with your event's information.

Shimmer and Confetti 35 personalized flip-flop bottle openers, $151, Etsy.com

Starfish-Shaped Soap

beach themed bridal shower starfish soap favors

This beach-themed bridal shower favor is pretty and practical. It'll look gorgeous on your tables, and your guests can use it after the event.

Suds Me Up Soapery 25 bulk star fish soap favors, $26, Etsy.com

Mermaid-Inspired Eyeshadow

mermaid inspired eyeshadow

For a luxurious beach-themed bridal shower favor, gift your guests a mermaid-inspired eyeshadow. We love this golden-pink color because it's fun but still wearable.

Stila Glitter & Glow liquid eye shadow in Wanderlust, $24, Sephora.com

SPF Lip Balm

beach themed bridal shower SPF lip balm

If you're going to the beach (or simply to a beach-themed bridal shower), sunscreen is a must. Make sure your guests are protected with this SPF-infused lip balm.

Evolution of Smooth Ultra SPF coconut lip balm, $4, EvolutionofSmooth.com

Sea Salt Body Bar

beach themed bridal shower sea salt bar soap

This bar soap is infused with skin-purifying sea salt, but is gentle enough to use on the body and face. Plus, it comes in pretty turquoise packaging.

Head Kandy Stay Salty bar soap, $8, HeadKandy.com

Coconut Oil-Infused Face Balm

beach themed bridal shower coconut face balm

Your guests can take the tropics with them thanks to this nourishing face balm made with coconut oil. This compact product can be used as a moisturizer or highlighter for that just-back-from-the-beach glow.

KORA Organics Noni Glow face balm, $22, KoraOrganics.com

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