The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Stylish Wedding Shower with Wine
Planning a bridal shower is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the bride-to-be (and possibly the groom if you're throwing a co-ed bridal shower). Whether you're curating an intimate gathering or a lively event, choosing the right wedding or bridal shower theme, wine selection, and menu will set the tone for an unforgettable celebration.
This guide covers five trending wedding shower themes with everything you need, including wine pairings, food menus, decorations, activities, and wedding shower party favor ideas. Plus, we’ll break down the bridal/wedding shower checklist and how much wine and beverages you’ll need!
Citrus Wedding Shower 🍋🌿
Bright, fresh, and full of zest, a citrus-themed wedding shower brings Mediterranean sunshine to the celebration. Think lemon-yellow decor, fresh greenery, and vibrant, citrus-infused flavors. The citrus theme even opens the door to a Tuscan or Italian inspired soiree, with options for more rustic elements.
Wine & Beverage Menu:
- White Wine: Albarino, Vermentino (crisp and citrus-driven)
- Rosé: Provence Rosé (light and refreshing) like Two Birds One Stone, or make it a sparkling rose, we suggest Famiglia Pasqua's "Romeo + Juliet" Prosecco Rose
- Sparkling Wine: Prosecco or Franciacorta (Champagne style Italian sparkler)
- Red Wine: Gamay (light and fruit-forward to balance the citrus theme) or Schiava (super light Italian red wine), for an equally food friendly wine we suggest Canepa Koch's "The Dude" Pinot Noir
- Other Drinks: Limoncello spritz, fresh citrus mocktails, Aperol spritzes (obviously)
Complementary Food Menu & Pairings:
While the entire menu doesn't have to have citrus, here are some ideas
- Citrus-marinated shrimp skewers (Albarino)
- Goat cheese crostini with lemon zest and honey (Provence Rosé)
- Mediterranean chicken salad with oranges and almonds (Vermentino)
- Orange glazed duck bites (Gamay/Schiava/Pinot Noir)
- Lemon tartlets and key lime pie (Prosecco or La Montecchia's Fior d'Arancio Sparkling Moscato)
Decor Ideas:
- Bright and cheery citrus inspired colors - corals, yellow, white, orange
- Lemon, orange, grapefruit, lime centerpieces
- Greenery with white and yellow floral accents
- Citrus garlands and bright linen napkins
Activity:
DIY Spritzer Bar – Let guests create their own sparkling cocktails. Include different sparklers - prosecco, italian sodas, sparkling waters, berries, citrus slices, different fruits (melons, pineapple, mango), cucumber slices, fresh herbs, edible flowers, herb infused simple syrups (mint, lavender, basil, etc.)
Party Favor Ideas:
Mini bottles of Limoncello with custom labels, lemon soaps, marmalades, mini olive oils/vinegars
Garden Party Chic 🌿🌸
Elegant, airy, and perfect for an outdoor gathering, this theme incorporates lush florals, rustic charm, earthiness, natural fabrics and textures.
Wine & Beverage Menu:
- White Wine: Lightly oaked Chardonnay, Viognier/Torrontes (notable floral aromas)
- Rosé: Dry Rosé (perfect for warm afternoons)
- Sparkling Wine: Champagne or Prosecco or Cava
- Red Wine: Pinot Noir (light and versatile), Thacher Winery "Working Holiday" GSM Blend
- Other Drinks: Lavender lemonade, herbal iced teas
Complementary Food Menu & Pairings:
The following suggestions all have elements of things that you can find or grow in a personal garden - herbs and fruit/vegetables
- Cucumber tea sandwiches (Chardonnay)
- Lavender honey goat cheese tartlets (Viognier)
- Wild Mushroom Crostini (Pinot Noir)
- Herb roasted lamb lollipops (GSM Red Blend)
- Caprese skewers (Rosé)
- Lavender shortbread cookies, fresh fruit tarts, chantilly cakes (Sparkling)
Decor Ideas:
- Vintage teacups and floral plates with potted flowers
- Wood/natural elements: burlap, wood crates, palm leaf plates
- Hanging string lights and rustic wooden accents
- Potted flowers arrangements with wildflowers and roses
Activity:
DIY Floral Arranging Station. Grab some buckets and florals - big blooms, filler flowers, and greenery. Don't forget pruning shears, kraft paper for wrap, and some ribbon or twine to tie it together.
Party Favor:
Mini potted succulents or custom seed packets, mini herb or flower pots, mini jams
Floral Frenzy 🌺🌷
Theme Description: If the bride-to-be loves flowers, why not embrace a floral extravaganza? Think bold colors - romantic pinks, deep purples, fresh greens - lush bouquets, and a vibrant setting.
Wine & Beverage Menu:
- White Wine: French Sauvignon Blanc, Rhone Style White Blend (floral and aromatic)
- Rosé: Sparkling Rosé (fruity and fun)
- Sparkling Wine: Champagne or Cremant
- Red Wine: Grenache (fruity and floral notes), Runquist Petite Sirah (deep and lush)
- Other Drinks: Hibiscus sangria, elderflower mocktails
Complementary Food Menu & Pairings:
- Strawberry and Goat Cheese Bruschetta (Sparkling)
- Lavender honey chicken skewers (Rhone Style White Blend)
- Pomegranate and arugula salad (Sauvignon Blanc)
- Blackberry lavender cake, blackberry creme puff (Runquist Petite Sirah)
-
Raspberry chocolate truffles (Grenache)
Decor Ideas:
- Floral arch or wall for a statement backdrop
- Rose petal table runners and floral-patterned tableware
- Floral ice cubes and floral menus/placecards
- Hanging flower chandeliers
Activity:
DIY Pressed Flower Art – Guests create keepsake floral art.
Party Favor:
Floral-infused honey jars or rose-scented candles, floral themed trinket dish that serves as a placecard ("Thank you for coming, Mary")
Tropical/Beach Bridal Shower 🌴🍍
Theme Description: For a fun and relaxed vibe, a tropical-themed wedding shower brings island energy with lush decor, exotic flavors, and refreshing drinks.
Wine & Beverage Menu:
- White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc (tropical and fresh)
- Rosé: Grenache or Mourvedre based Rosé (juicy and fruity, often with a watermelon edge)
- Sparkling Wine: Cava and Sparkling Moscato - La Montecchia Fior d'Arancio
- Red Wine: Medium bodied Cabernet Sauvignon (fruity and versatile) and Zinfandel (bold with a little spice)
- Other Drinks: Pineapple mojitos, coconut water coolers
Complementary Food Menu & Pairings:
The following food menu is Hawaiian inspired - incorporating fresh tropical fruits, fresh fish, and quintessential teriyaki mains.
- Pineapple shrimp skewers (Albariño)
- Mango and avocado salad (Chenin Blanc)
- Teriyaki style bowls (Cabernet Sauvignon)
- Build Your Own Poke Bowls (Rose or Sauvignon Blanc)
- Hawaiian BBQ sliders (Zinfandel)
- Coconut macaroons, Coconut Cream Pie minis, Pineapple Upside down cupcakes (Sparkling Moscato)
Decor Ideas:
- Palm leaves and tropical flowers - orchids, monsterras, hibiscus
- Pineapple centerpieces, grass table skirts, bright colors, colorful photo wall
- Tiki torches and string lights, tiki poles, limbo game, drink umbrellas
Activity:
Lei-Making/Floral Crown Station – Guests design their own Hawaiian leis or crowns
Party Favor:
Mini bottles of coconut rum or tropical-scented candles, beach towels, mini vacay kits (sunglasses, sunscreen, dried pineapple snacks, etc.), mini monsterra wooden charcuterie board, tiki glasses
Bridgerton-Inspired Shower 🎭💎
Theme Description: Step into the world of regency romance with an elegant, royal-inspired celebration featuring vintage charm and high society flair.
Wine & Beverage Menu:
- White Wine: Chablis or other French whites (elegant and refined)
- Rosé: French Rosé (delicate and crisp)
- Sparkling Wine: Champagne or Cremant
- Red Wine: Bordeaux Blend (rich and sophisticated) or "Readers" Merlot/Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon
- Other Drinks: Earl Grey-infused cocktails, tea service
Complementary Food Menu & Pairings:
- Smoked salmon tea sandwiches (French white wines)
- Buttered scones with jam (French Rosé)
- Beef Wellington bites (Red wines)
- Lemon elderflower cake (Champagne)
Decor Ideas:
- Gilded china and candlelit tables, scalloped edging
- Velvet table runners and lace accents
- Vintage-style furniture and royal blue details
- Pastels - delicate florals (light blue and purples, pale pinks)
- Bee theme - geometric patterns
- Soft draping
Activity:
Paint n Sip - Paint a mini canvas, flower vase, or take home bottle of wine
Party Favor:
Pearl hairpins, or consumables - herbal teas, honeys, specialty desserts (cookies, macarons) to go with mini bottles of sparkling/wine
Bridal Shower Checklist & Planning Tips 📝
How Much Wine to Buy:
- Plan for one bottle per two guests for a two-hour event.
- A standard 750ml bottle of wine contains five 5oz pours. Here’s how much wine to plan for:
|
Guests |
2 Glasses Each |
3 Glasses Each |
4 Glasses Each |
|
10 |
4 bottles |
6 bottles |
8 bottles |
|
20 |
8 bottles |
12 bottles |
16 bottles |
|
30 |
12 bottles |
18 bottles |
24 bottles |
|
40 |
16 bottles |
24 bottles |
32 bottles |
|
50 |
20 bottles |
30 bottles |
40 bottles |
Splitting the Wine Selection by Season:
- Spring/Summer Showers: 50% White & Rosé, 30% Red, 20% Sparkling
- Fall/Winter Showers: 40% White & Rosé, 40% Red, 20% Sparkling
- Other Beverages: Have a variety of mocktails, tea, coffee, and sparkling water.
Additional Tips:
-
- Send invites 4–6 weeks in advance.
- Plan for the event to be 2- 3 hours long
- Choose a mix of seating and mingling spaces.
- Provide thoughtful party favors that fit the bride and groom, winners or games/activities could even take home centerpieces
- Have fun and beautiful spots/stations that guests can take photos in
- Create an easy-to-follow bridal shower checklist for stress-free planning.
With these wedding shower themes, wine menus, and activities, you’ve got a head start on hosting an elegant and memorable celebration. Cheers! 🥂
Did you know?
Sippin Somm Wines offers event consulting services. We assist planners in selecting wines for special events and occasions, tailored to the food menu, client preferences, and budget. Consultations also include a wine tasting session.
Want to work with us? Let's sip! Reach out to us - info@sippinsommwines.com