The bridal shower is an old tradition that became an opportunity for the bride to be given household items with which to start her new life. The modern bridal shower is still an occasion for giving gifts but they are now a chance for the bride to celebrate with her friends and family.

The plan for most bridal showers is predictable – the guests come, they play a few games, they watch while the bride opens her gifts, they eat and then go home again. One bridal shower is pretty much the same as the next.

What if you could plan a bridal shower that was different? Be creative to host a bridal shower with a spark of difference? These great ideas will help you plan and then host a creative bridal shower that will be the talk of the town.

Try to think of a venue with a difference. What about organizing a picnic in a park? Maybe you have a park with a bandstand you can use for free, or you could spread colorful picnic rugs under a big shady tree. Large market style umbrellas could be used for shade and in case of rain.

What about a progressive bridal shower? The first house is where everyone meets and plays the games before moving on to the second house where the bride unwraps her gifts while the guests enjoy some wine and savories, and then the whole party goes to the last house for dessert, cake and coffee. Plan imaginative games that can be played during the trips between houses.

Consider holding a small bridal shower in a coffee shop or small restaurant. Take the time to look for a venue with a difference.

Set up a bridal shower with a real difference by transforming your home into character, like an Arabian harem. Have lavish decorations and ask all the guests to come dressed up to match the theme. Try to come up with variations that are more fun than the traditional themes.

You might decide to hold the bridal shower at a different time to the traditional Saturday afternoon. A weekday evening brings a completely different feel to a bridal shower, or you could have a breakfast bridal shower. Think of a different time to hold the shower and let guests enjoy their weekends.

Plan your theme around your creative venue to make a complete story out of the occasion. It isn’t necessary to stick with the wedding them for a bridal shower. Choose a theme that the bride would really enjoy, even if the venue is not different. Maybe she plays golf, or does yoga, or loves snow skiing. Any of these activities could form a themed bridal shower and guests could be encouraged to dress to the theme as well.

When it comes time to plan the invitations, you will be inspired by your theme and the venue. Create an imaginative invitation by using the theme; you could use a real leaf for an outdoor theme. Hand delivered invitations are a lovely touch, whether you use a courier or have someone dress up in the theme of the shower.

When you are deciding on what refreshments to serve, be inspired again by the theme. Be creative in your choice and display of the food. Get friends who are great cooks to help you create food that is something special.

The benefits of bridal shower themes are widely known. Take a look at Bridal Shower Etiquette for more details.