Table setting at a bridal shower tea party

Planning a bridal shower is a huge honor and a lovely way to celebrate the bride-to-be. Whether she happens to be a tea lover or simply prefers a more relaxed prenuptial gathering, a bridal shower tea party is the perfect celebration.

Discover some of our favorite bridal shower tea party ideas — including themes, decor, activities, food, and party invites — for a truly memorable event.

14 Ideas for Hosting a Beautiful Bridal Shower Tea Party

While bachelorette parties tend to be a little more raucous and often take place in the evening, a bridal shower is usually a daytime affair that focuses on showering the bride-to-be with gifts. Not surprising that a bridal shower tea party is an ideal fit! Whether you’re planning a modern coed wedding shower or a traditional bridal shower, consider these tea party ideas to celebrate the guest of honor.

1. Pastel Color Scheme

Bridal shower tea party: Dainty Doily Invitation

Design: Jen Montgomery

Matching invite: Dainty Doily Invitation

For a romantic and sweet bridal shower tea party, you can’t miss with a pastel color palette. Soft pinks, purples, blues, yellows, and greens work beautifully alongside delicate china teacups and vases filled with wildflowers or roses. Use this color scheme throughout your table settings, tea party decorations, and invitations to create a cohesive look.

2. Boho-Inspired Tea Party Theme

If you’re looking for a bridal shower theme beyond a traditional tea party, consider making it a boho-inspired experience.

Introduce rustic elements with natural woods and fabrics like linen, burlap, silk, and jute. You’ll also want plenty of greenery to decorate your tables, place settings, and signage. Host the party outside under a canopy of string lighting and warm lanterns, or get cozy indoors with oversized cushions and giant vases of dried pampas grass.

3. Tea Party Bridal Shower Invitations

High Tea Invitation

Design: Kid Collective

Matching invite: High Tea Invitation

Step up the anticipation for your bridal shower tea party with themed party invitations. Whether you’re hosting a vintage-inspired soiree or something more contemporary, Greenvelope has an invitation design to match.

Our tea party invites offer plenty of tea party-inspired elements, including teapots, flowers, doilies, and pastel colorways. Each design is easy to customize so you can make changes to the layout, fonts, colors, and wording as you please.

Prepare your guest list of bridesmaids, wedding party members, family, and close friends, then send your beautifully personalized invites on their way. Once the invites are sent, track and manage RSVPs from a simple online dashboard to make your bridal shower planning process even easier.

4. Handwritten Welcome Sign

Direct your guests to where the party is happening and amplify your theme with the help of a handwritten welcome sign. Use a chalkboard to write a welcome message like “Tea time” or “Afternoon tea party this way.” For a boho celebration, consider using a wooden sign instead. For a modern theme, a plexiglass or mirror sign is a great option.

5. Flower-Filled Centerpieces

Afternoon tea and florals go hand-in-hand, and what better way to honor this connection than with vases brimming with beautiful blooms?

Look for flower stems and blooms in colors that match your color scheme or theme. Put the arrangements together yourself or work with a local florist to create a collection of eye-catching centerpieces.

6. Matching Table Linens

While the centerpieces may take center stage, the right table linens can make the experience feel even more luxurious. Rent or buy tablecloths and napkins in high-quality fabrics (like linen or cotton) that complement your theme. Soft neutral tones are a great option or choose a floral print for a more vintage vibe.

7. Vintage Tea Sets

Afternoon Tea Invitation

Design: Lisa Travis

Matching invite: Afternoon Tea Invitation

It’s not a tea party without a tea set, and one of the most popular options for bridal shower tea parties is to go with a vintage collection.

Ask family members and friends if they have any beautiful tea cups, saucers, and cake stands you can use, or scout around your local thrift stores. If you can’t find any, consider renting these from a specialist company and enjoy the nostalgic feel that these tea sets bring.

8. A Variety of Delicious Teas

Alongside tea cups and saucers, another must-have is the tea itself. Fill teapots with a range of different teas, including caffeine-free options. English breakfast tea, Earl Grey, chamomile, mint, rooibos, and green tea are all popular choices. Pour guests a cup of tea or invite them to help themselves whenever they’d like a fresh cup.

9. Traditional Tea Sandwiches

At a tea party, nothing complements the tea better than a selection of miniature tea sandwiches. Arrange these tiny delicacies on cake stands at the table or buffet-style on platters. Finger sandwiches are the go-to for afternoon tea parties. Traditional sandwich options include salmon and cream cheese, cucumber, egg salad, and beef and horseradish.

10. Miniature Desserts

Treat your guests to a beautiful collection of mini desserts to sample. Favorites include cupcakes, macarons, cookies, brownies, tarts, and pastries. Make sure there’s a mix of fruity and chocolate flavors with something for guests of all dietary needs. Don’t forget traditional afternoon tea scones along with cream and jelly.

11. Tea Cookies

Who doesn’t love a themed cookie? Order custom cookies or bake them at home and encourage guests to join you in icing and decorating them at the party. This is a relaxing activity that has the bonus of being delicious too!

12. Flower Arranging Experience

Bridal Daisies Invitation

Design: Snow and Ivy

Matching invite: Bridal Daisies Invitation

Bridal showers are filled with conversation, laughter, and spending time together. For a memorable activity, try a flower arranging experience over brunch or lunch.

Host your own DIY experience if you’re crafty or invite a florist to give a demonstration and guide you through the process. Your guests can take a posy or floral arrangement home as a keepsake.

13. Bridal Shower Games

A bridal shower tea party might be a tame affair by definition, but that doesn’t mean you can’t let loose with some fun bridal shower games.

Browse through printable tea party bridal shower games on marketplaces like Etsy to find something that matches your theme, or be inspired to create your own using a tool like Canva. Bridal Bingo, Would You Rather, and Find the Guest are great go-to party games.

14. Themed Bridal Shower Party Favors

It’s always thoughtful to send your guests home with a party favor or goody bag to express thanks for them joining you for such a wonderful event. Make that moment even more memorable with themed bridal shower favors.

When it comes to tea party favors, the options are endless. Personalized tea bags, jars of honey or homemade preserves, themed cookies, and tea cups are all ideal for this type of celebration. Once the party is over, send each guest a bridal shower thank you card for a truly personal touch.

Delight the Bride-to-Be with These Sweet Bridal Shower Tea Party Ideas

Shower the bride-to-be with plenty of love ahead of her big day with the help of these tea party ideas. Choose a sweet color scheme, gather tea party decor, and host an event with the most delicious menu around.

As you plan the perfect bridal shower tea party, consider spreading the word with our bridal shower invitations. Find your perfect invite, customize the design, and invite your guests to join you in toasting the bride-to-be.