21 Fun Bridal Shower Activities That Are Not Games
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You’ve picked the venue, you’ve settled on a date, now it’s time to answer the most important question of all—how do I make this the most memorable bridal shower ever? Lucky for you, we have your back.
Below we have detailed our four favorite categories of alternatives to traditional wedding shower games, with a total of 21 fab ideas of things to do. The great thing about many of these bridal shower activities is that they provide entertainment for the guests and also result in a lifelong gift for the bride and/or guest (double whammy!)
Still want to play a few fun games in between? Have at it with your bridal shower bingo and purse game! These bridal shower activities can often function as filler projects to be completed throughout the event and may also serve as simple decorative pieces.
Memory Makers
These activities are all about creating something special for the couple to hold onto long after the party’s over. From bucket list ideas to heartfelt advice, each one gives guests a chance to leave a personal touch that’ll be remembered for years. It’s all about making memories they’ll never forget.
1. Date Night Jar
Your bestie and her hubby will have much to celebrate after the wedding so what better way to shower them than with date night ideas? This is one of our favorite bridal shower activities because it is both fun and useful for the bride and her groom.
The details are simple—each attending guest must write their favorite date night ideas for the couple to choose from when they find themselves needing inspiration. As maid of honor, you want to challenge guests to be as creative as possible (without being impossible!). Encourage them to pull from personal experience to make their responses more heartfelt.
To set up, display our ‘Made by Modern MOH’ date jar sign (available in a range of themes) and enough matching cards for each guest to have one (we recommend printing off a few extras in case anyone has multiple ideas). To hold the cards, we suggest a keepsake box that can double as a gift to the bride!
Date Jar Sign & Cards
Personalized Keepsake Box
2. Advice for the Mr & Mrs
This activity is similar to the date night idea jar except this time guests will be giving their best marriage advice to the soon-to-be newlyweds. Gathering these words of wisdom from your bride’s loved ones is a thoughtful, sentimental gift that the couple can forever cherish.
Not to mention, as perfect as the bride and groom are for one another, it never hurts to have some help from those who have been down the same road!
For this activity, you simply need some of our themed ‘Made by Modern MOH’ advice cards and a box to hold the responses. As with the date night jar, it’s your responsibility as maid of honor to encourage guests to be as unique as they can with their advice. The more specific, the better.
Once everyone has filled out their cards, it’s up to the bride to decide if she wants to read each one out loud or keep them between her and her groom.
MODERN MOH TIP: If there are any important guests that cannot make it to the shower, be sure to reach out to them and ask for their piece of advice as well so you can add it in with the others.
Advice & Wishes Cards
Keepsake Box
3. Customized Cookbook/Recipe Box
Where the date night jar is great for special occasions, this handmade collection of family and friends’ recipes is perfect for all the times in between. We love this idea because it is a unique and personal gift that the couple will find resourceful throughout their many years of marriage. To top it off, this is a keepsake that can be added to and passed on to their children someday.
As always, it is up to you as maid of honor to decide how to go about pulling it off and how personalized you wish it to be. If the purpose of the cookbook/recipe box is to be a group activity, we suggest purchasing a blank recipe book so guests can take turns filling out their recipes at the shower (make sure you include this in the invitation so they come ready with the details!)
If you want this to strictly serve as a gift for the bride and groom, mail out our ‘Made by Modern MOH’ recipe request cards with the invitations and have guests fill them out prior to the shower. At the shower, set up our matching sign next to a box so guests know where to leave their cards.
Whichever route you choose to take, we guarantee this customized cookbook/recipe box will be the hit of the shower!
Recipe Request Sign
Recipe Request Cards
4. Anniversary Wishes
This bridal shower activity is the gift that keeps on giving—a collection of well-wishes for the couple to open and read on each major anniversary. We love this idea because it allows the bride and groom to relive the great times they experienced leading up to their wedding and to remember all the loved ones who supported them along the way.
For you, the execution is simple: Print out enough of our ‘Made by Modern MOH’ anniversary cards (in your chosen theme) as there are guests, labeling them 1 to whatever that number is. If you have a high guest count, feel free to include the 1, 3, 6, and 9-month marriage marks as well.
Shuffle the cards and pass them out to all guests, who in turn must write their wishes for the couple as they celebrate that particular anniversary. While many of these cards might result in duplicate responses (“I hope you’ve had a baby by now!”), opening these cards will be something husband and wife can enjoy for years to come.
Anniversary Wishes Cards
Keepsake Box
5. Favorite Memory
Here’s a sweet way to shower the bride with love—have each guest jot down their favorite memory with her on a card. It could be that time you both laughed until you cried, or when she came through in a pinch. Then, drop those cards into a chic bowl or box for the bride to take home. It’s up to her if she wants to read them aloud.
This activity is fairly similar to the Who Am I bridal shower game. The main difference is that the Favorite Memory gives the bride a keepsake instead of making it into a guessing game. Either way, the memories may be the same and it’s up to you which way you’d like to do it.
Later, when she’s unwinding after the big day, she can read through these notes and relive those special moments she’s shared with those that mean the most to her. It’s a simple, sentimental activity that gives the bride-to-be a treasure trove of memories to last a lifetime.
6. Bucket List
Ready to dream big? This activity is all about helping the bride and groom-to-be craft their ultimate bucket list. It has some similarities to the Date Night activity, just think bigger! We love this idea as it has a practical element to it and also some sentimentality as the couple can think of their loved ones when they complete the experience.
The setup is simple—you simply need enough ‘Made by Modern MOH’ themed bucket list cards for each guest, a box to hold the responses, and some pens or pencils. Then encourage the guests to write down one must-do adventure or experience they think the couple should tackle—whether it’s skydiving, starting a garden, or planning a trip to Paris. The sky is literally the limit!
Once everyone’s done, collect the cards in a stylish bowl or box, giving the bride and her groom a collection of exciting goals to look forward to after they tie the knot. It’s a fun way to spark new ideas, inspire their next big adventure, and maybe even plan a few future girls’ trips together!
MODERN MOH TIP: Encourage the bride to send a picture of them doing the activity to the guest who suggested it! It can be the gift that
Bucket List Cards
Keepsake Box
DIY Delights
Time to get hands-on! These activities let guests tap into their creative side, from designing jewelry to decorating cupcakes. The best part? Everyone leaves with something they made, making the memories that much sweeter.
1. Bouquet Bar
Let your creativity bloom with a flower arranging or flower crown station that adds a touch of nature’s beauty to the bridal shower. This is perfect for a spring or summer theme, such as a garden party or boho bridal shower. Although, with the right florals and accessories, this can fit into any time of year.
First things first, you’ll need to set up a table with a variety of fresh flowers, greenery, and all the tools needed to create stunning arrangements or delicate crowns. Guests can mix and match their favorite blooms, experimenting with colors and textures to make their perfect bouquet or boho-chic crown.
Not only does this activity offer a relaxing, hands-on experience, but it also gives everyone a beautiful, personalized creation to take home. It’s the perfect blend of DIY fun and natural elegance, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love playing with flowers?
MODERN MOH TIP: Provide some simple guidelines or inspiration to help those who might be new to floral design or creatively-challenged.
2. Jewelry Making
Add a little sparkle to the day with a jewelry-making activity that lets guests design their own custom pieces. Whether it’s crafting dainty bracelets, stylish necklaces, or even trendy bolo ties, this hands-on activity is all about creativity and self-expression and can easily be tied in to any shower theme.
Set out a selection of beads, charms, and all the necessary tools, and watch as everyone gets to work on their unique designs. It’s not just a fun way to pass the time, it’s also a great opportunity for guests to create something special they can wear long after the party is over.
We recommend having a few completed pieces on display for inspiration. You can also consider highlighting some of the bride’s favorite styles and encouraging the guests to make some pieces for the bride-to-be to take home with her as mementos of this special occasion.
3. Pottery Painting
Unleash your inner artist with a pottery painting session that’s both relaxing and rewarding. This activity is perfect for letting guests express their creativity while enjoying a bit of quiet, reflective time amid the bustle of the shower.
You can work with a local pottery studio to provide some of the materials and fire the pieces afterward. At the shower, set out a selection of plain pottery pieces—think mugs, plates, or cute trinket dishes—and paints in a variety of colors, brushes, and stencils.
Whether they go for bold, bright patterns or something more subtle, each guest will end up with a one-of-a-kind piece. It’s a soothing, therapeutic way to spend the afternoon, and the finished pottery makes for a personalized keepsake.
Keep in mind, if you go for pottery that needs to be kiln-fired, you may have to find a way to get the items to your guests after the shower. These generally produce a much nicer finish. However, you can use paints that dry and finish on-site that your guests can take with them at the time. It’s up to you.
4. Perfume Bar
Create a scent-sational experience with a DIY perfume bar where guests can blend their own custom fragrances. Set up a table with a selection of essential oils, fragrance notes, and pretty bottles for everyone to mix and match their favorite scents.
Whether they’re into floral, fruity, or something totally unique, each guest can mix a signature perfume to their taste. This activity not only adds a touch of luxury to the bridal shower, but it also gives everyone a personalized keepsake they’ll love to use. Who can resist a beautiful bottle of perfume that’s been custom-made just for them?
For more guidance on setting up a perfume bar click here. Top tip: have some coffee beans on hand to clear those olfactory senses!
5. Sweet Treat Decorating
Sweeten up the bridal shower with a cupcake or cookie decorating station that’s as fun as it is delicious. This can be done as part of a dessert table or set up a completely different station.
Set out an array of freshly baked cupcakes or cookies, along with a spread of colorful frostings, sprinkles, candies, and edible decorations. Guests can get creative as they design their own edible masterpieces, whether they’re going for a simple, elegant look or an all-out sprinkle explosion.
This can easily be tailored to fit into any shower theme simply by changing the type of cookie and toppings. Having a winter shower? No problem, go for gingerbread cookies! Lemon-themed? Be sure to have lemon cupcakes on hand!
It’s a lighthearted, hands-on activity that’s perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth while having some fun. And the best part? No prizes necessary as everyone gets to take a tasty treat home for later, if they have any left!
Masterclass Moments
Want to level up the fun? Bring in an expert to lead an activity and add a little flair to the shower. Whether it’s mixing cocktails, painting portraits, or finding your zen with yoga, attendees will walk away with new skills—and plenty of memories to match.
1. Painting Spouse-to-Be’s Portrait
Time to unleash some inner artists! With the help of a local artist, this activity has celebrants painting a portrait of the spouse-to-be—no artistic talent required. The expert guest will walk everyone through the process, turning what might start as a stick figure into a surprisingly recognizable masterpiece.
It’s all about creativity, a few laughs, and maybe a little friendly competition. Plus, the finished portraits make for hilarious and meaningful keepsakes that the couple will treasure (or chuckle at) forever.
2. Mixology Class
Shake things up with a mixology class led by a seasoned pro. Guests will learn the art of crafting the perfect cocktail (or mocktail) from scratch. With a little flair and a lot of fun, the expert will guide everyone through mixing, muddling, and garnishing their creations from a selection of ingredients.
It’s not just about making drinks—it’s about learning some tips of the trade and sipping on something fabulous. By the end, everyone will be their own favorite bartender, ready to impress at any future gathering!
MODERN MOH TIP: Have the bride taste the creations at the end and pick a winner. Then the bride and groom can feature that as a signature cocktail at the wedding.
3. Yoga Session / Meditation and Mindfulness
Wedding planning can be a hectic and stressful time. So bring some mindfulness to the bridal shower with a calming yoga session or a guided meditation. Bring in an experienced instructor to lead an activity that is all about unwinding, reconnecting, and finding a moment of peace amidst the excitement.
Whether you’re stretching out the stress with yoga poses or quieting the mind with meditation, it’s the perfect way to bring a little zen to the celebration. Plus, it’s a thoughtful nod to wellness that everyone will appreciate. Combine this with some cleansing juices and healthy snacks and you’ll feel like you’re at a wellness retreat instead of a bridal shower!
4. Spiritual
Add a touch of mystery and wonder to the day with a session led by a spiritual guide. Whether it’s individual tarot card readings, astrology insights, or a guided manifestation workshop, this activity invites guests to explore the mystical side of life.
The bride and her guests can tap into intuition, have a little fun with the unknown, and maybe even uncover some surprising insights about the future. This is a unique, engaging experience that’s sure to leave everyone intrigued as well as entertained.
5. Spa or Skincare Sessions
Treat the bride and guests to a little luxury by creating a spa at home. Think mini facials, makeup tutorials, or even a skincare workshop—led by a professional who knows their stuff. It’s a chance to pamper everyone with some top-tier beauty tips, relaxation techniques, and maybe even a few new tricks for their beauty routine.
Whether it’s learning the perfect smokey eye or simply enjoying a soothing face mask, this activity turns the shower into a practical and rejuvenating experience. Who said bridal showers had to be stressful?!
Fun Festivities
Ready to bring the energy? These activities are all about getting everyone involved and having a blast. From selfie stations to karaoke, these interactive options guarantee laughter, great memories, and maybe even a few surprise performances!
1. Selfie Station
Thanks to modern technology and social media, we all know there will be nonstop picture-taking at the bridal shower. So why not go all out and spice it up a bit with a DIY selfie station? This is a super fun and entertaining way to create and record memories of this special day. It also eases the pressure off your BFF to take the same boring pictures all day long.
First things first, you must display our ‘Made by Modern MOH’ selfie station sign. Next, you will need a personalized photo booth frame to match your theme and/or some bridal shower props guaranteed to bring the laughter. Lastly, consider adding a fun backdrop to make it a picture-perfect setup!
You as maid of honor or a bridesmaid can serve as the photographer, using your camera phone to record as many pictures as possible. Later on, you can add these pictures to a shared photo album for the bride to do with as she pleases.
Selfie Station Sign
Photo Booth Frame
Bridal Shower Props
Fringe Foil Backdrop
MODERN MOH TIP: Take it up a notch by gifting the bride a guestbook so she can create her own bridal shower photo album. Want to really go all out? Purchase an instant polaroid camera or photo printer so the photos can be added on the spot and guests are able to write personalized messages alongside (This gift is especially great because it can be used again at the bachelorette party, wedding, and honeymoon too!)
Photo Guestbook
Instant Polaroid Camera
2. Karaoke
Maybe you have the next great pop star in your midst? Find out with a karaoke session that’s sure to be the highlight of the bridal shower. Karaoke is the perfect activity to get everyone laughing, singing, and having fun.
All you need is a karaoke machine or a good playlist of instrumental tracks and a microphone to get the party started. From belting out ‘80s power ballads to nailing the latest hits, guests can take turns showing off their singing skills—or just have fun trying!
This activity is a fantastic way to break the ice, especially if you have a mix of guests who might not know each other well. You can encourage guests to form teams or duos if they’re feeling a bit stage-shy, or just cheer on the performers if they don’t want to have a go.
3. Newlywed Game
This version of the classic newlywed-to-be game puts the groom in the “hot-seat” before the shower, where he answers a series of fun trivia questions about the bride or their relationship, such as her bra size, favorite food, and where was their first date. It’s always a good idea to throw in a few unexpected or humorous questions to keep everyone on their toes!
At the shower, ask the bride what she thinks the groom-to-be’s responses were. You can also invite the guests to guess his answer before revealing what the groom actually said. Whether the answers are spot-on or way off, the Newlywed Game is a great way to get everyone laughing, while also sharing some sweet and funny stories about the couple.
MODERN MOH TIP: Use a Q&A video maker like Celebrate.buzz to add a nice visual element and an extra level of fun. Set up a screen somewhere and playback the groom’s responses instead of just reading them out.
4. Tasting Station
Tickle your taste buds by adding a tasting station to your bridal shower! Whether you’re sampling wines, cheeses, chocolates, or coffee, a tasting activity is the perfect way to indulge your guests and spark some lively conversation.
There are a number of ways that you can set this up. One way is to set up a tasting station with a variety of samples, each with a brief description to guide the experience. Then guests can savor each bite or sip, sharing their thoughts and discovering new favorites along the way. You can provide them with small notecards to jot down their favorites and impressions.
Alternatively, have a little fun and set it up as a blind taste test! See if your guests can tell the difference between different wine varieties or coffee from different countries just by tasting!
Either way, this activity is all about enjoying flavors, learning something new, and connecting over shared tastes.
MODERN MOH TIP: Have small samples of each of the different items being tasted so that your guests can take home their favorite choice as a favor.
5. Dance Party
Get the party moving with a dance session that’s all about fun, laughter, and maybe a few new moves! Maybe you can all learn a simple line dance, a few salsa steps, or a TikTok-worthy routine, or just turn on the tunes and let the music take you. Either way, this activity is sure to get everyone up and enjoying themselves.
The beauty of this activity is that it’s not about having perfect moves—it’s about having a great time together, laughing at the missteps, and celebrating those moments when everyone’s in sync. By the end of the party, you’ll have a group of dancing queens ready to show off their skills. You may want to set a time limit on the activity, or there won’t be time for anything else!
MODERN MOH TIP: Choose popular, upbeat songs to keep the energy high. And if you go with a set routine, be sure to film the final routine so everyone has a fun video to remember the day by!
Final Thoughts
No matter what vibe you’re going for, these bridal shower activity ideas have you covered. Whether your guests are crafting, laughing, or hitting those high notes in karaoke, the goal is to make sure everyone has a blast while creating lasting memories for the bride-to-be.
The best part? You don’t need to be a party planner extraordinaire—just a few creative ideas, some personal touches, and you’re all set to throw a shower that everyone will be talking about long after the big day. Have fun with it, because at the end of the day, it’s all about celebrating love and making sure the bride feels like the queen she is!
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