From a seasonal dessert bar and incense favors to fortune tellers and an outdoor venue, these fall-inspired bridal shower ideas are sure to wow.
If your bridal shower is set to take place during the fall, consider yourself lucky. While we hold nothing against the other seasons, there's something so festive and warm about this time of year—and that's not the mulled apple cider talking. The best part about an autumnal party date? You don't have to throw an exclusively fall-themed celebration to embrace the season's rustic elements.
Here, we've rounded up a series of ideas to help you do just that. From birch tree place cards and pie desserts to cider-based signature drinks and in-season florals, we've culled the best autumnal inspiration for your bridal shower. A general rule of thumb? The cozier the idea, the better. If you're open to it, you could even host an outdoor party with the changing foliage as your backdrop. Just be sure to set up a fire pit for warmth.
While the most important thing about your bridal shower is celebrating your upcoming nuptials, the second most important aspect is showing your loved ones a good time. Start things off by passing around a signature cocktail, then make sure everyone fills up on a meal packed with seasonal flavors. If your shower falls closer to Halloween, opt for slightly spooky details. Set up offbeat entertainment like an incense bar or dine by candlelight. No matter how you choose to include the season in your pre-wedding celebration, we've got you covered. Click through for more pretty fall bridal shower inspiration.
Muted Peach Balloon Arch
Paired with dusty rose dinnerware, a soft peach balloon and eucalyptus arch is a subtle nod to the season.
Champagne Cart
The only thing better than a glass of Champagne? Champagne served off a festively-decorated cart.
Set Up Camp
While we love everything about this fire-side bridal shower brunch, we're particularly taken with the chunky knit table runner.
Dessert Glow
Turn the lights down low come dessert time and eat tasty treats by candlelight.
Cider and Cinnamon Cocktail
Rosemary sprigs and a cinnamon rim make these spiked apple cider cocktails even more fall-appropriate.
Fall Donuts
Donuts may be an all-seasons treat, but we love how this bride-to-be adorned her stack with rustic blue thistle.
Harvest Tablescape
Set your table with fall's greatest hits, including jewel-toned goblets, dried blooms, sliced figs, and pomegranates. If you can't convince your groom to decorate your reception tables with fresh fruits, the idea works just as well for a bridal shower.
Smudge Sticks
There's so much more to bridal shower activties than just registry gift bingo. Make smudge sticks with all your favorite herbs, instead.
Ombré Leaf Backdrop
With a little gold spray paint, a leafy DIY becomes the perfect selfie backdrop. Who says you can't have a photo booth at your shower?
Fall Flatbread
Caramelized onions, pomegranate seeds, and goat cheese make for the perfect harvest-inspired snack. Add this seasonal flatbread to your bridal shower menu for a definite crowd pleaser.
Fig and Vanilla Bean Cocktail
This cocktail's blush pink hue doesn't scream fall, but its gin, fig, and vanilla bean notes definitely do. Plus, it's light enough to sip on during a daytime party.
Cozy Chair of Honor
Cozy up the head chair with a faux-sheepskin throw and a leafy spray.
Fortune Teller Booth
Perfect for a Halloween-themed bridal shower, a fortune teller or tarot card reader offers spooky entertainment.
Incense Bar
Alternatively, set up an incense bar to banish any lingering spirits. Your guests will love the non-traditional favor.
Birch Place Cards
Guide your guests to their seats with the help of these birch tree slice place cards.
Pumpkin Presentation
Serving virtually any type of salad or dip in a mini pumpkin transforms it into a fall recipe.
Hard Cider Bar
Stock an apple cider bar with whiskey, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries so guests can craft a custom drink.
Mini Pies
From the chalkboard menu to the bite-sized treats, everything about this pie station screams fall.
Charcuterie Table
With apples, meats, cheeses, and seasonal fruits, this hearty assortment was as delicious as it was aesthetically pleasing.
Pear Place Cards
The best kind of fall place card is the one you can eat—especially if it comes in the form of a juicy pear. For a smaller party like a bridal shower, first name-only escort cards work well.
Moody Bloom Bundt
You don't need a massive cake to feed your bridal shower guests, so get creative with your dessert. A seasonal bundt, decorated with moody flowers, is a great choice.