Theme Showers 

When hosting a theme shower, be sure that theme of the shower is explained clearly in the invitation. Then, use the theme throughout the shower when choosing decorations, favors and even refreshments.

Wine Tasting Theme

All of the guests brought their favorite bottle of wine and we served fruit and crackers and cheese for the appetizers, everyone loved it.  We also had all the guests write down their "recipe for a happy marriage" on recipe cards and put them in a recipe box for the bride.  As a favor to the bride we also had everyone self-address an envelope, we drew one of the envelopes at the end of the shower for a door prize.  And - the bride had her thank you notes already addressed.

Garden Shower

The centerpieces were watering cans filled with flowers and gardening tools. The favors were a pair of gardening gloves with a packet of flower seeds.

Brunch

I had a Brunch in my backyard.  I put white lights on all the shrubs and trees. I scattered rose petals on table.  Also, I typed up and framed cute sayings, quotes, and stories about marriage and put one on each table. The bride got to take these home to use the frames as she wished. Instead of the traditional shower cake, I made ice cream pies with a chocolate mint sauce to serve as dessert.

Holiday Shower

My bridesmaids came up with the idea of a HOLIDAY shower.  Each guest was assigned a specific holiday (ie...Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter) and were asked to be creative and either get a gift directly related to the holiday or something in the style or colors (ex: pastel sheets, towels, or brightly colored candles, picture frames).

We did a Sunday (11:30am) brunch idea with mini muffins, egg bake ideas, champagne and orange juice, and fruit salad. This way people wouldn't have to take a large portion of their afternoon and it's early enough (all the packer fans could get home in time to enjoy the game!!)

Something for the Groom

Have all the guests bring a tool for the husband to be and the host of the party buys the tool box and you all fill it and when he comes to pick up his bride to be from the party he has a gift there for him.