Vintage-Style Bridal Shower Ideas

vintage style bridal shower ideas

If you love the charm and character of vintage inspired design then I have some party ideas for you! I designed this vintage style bridal shower last year for Celebrations, and with seasonal changes and holidays the way they are, I’m just now getting the chance to share it here.

I know that the vintage style was at its peak a couple of years ago, but these shabby chic details will never go out of style. What’s more, a fun trip to the thrift store, or grandma’s attic and you’ll find a treasure trove full of unique items to use in the decor. For this design inspiration I decided on a back yard setting perfect for Spring afternoons {and Summer if you’re not in the deep South}.

I’ve divided the details into 3 sections: table setting, dessert table, and an activity table. The common thread among the design is a creamy off-white color palette with a kiss of blue.

Table Setting

You know what the best kept secret for a tablecloth is? A large painters drop cloth! That’s right, for a minimal amount of money you can get a very large canvas drop cloth that makes the perfect table covering for large or small tables. That’s what I used here, and you can see how great it looks when you need a light, neutral base.
A roll of jute upholstery webbing makes a great table runner, and blue hydrangeas are reminiscent of a bygone era.
Utensils are wrapped in cloth napkins and tied with a strip of calico print fabric {very shabby chic}.
Paper place mats add interest while infusing another vintage’y’ touch, and small tin box favors are filled with blue sixlets and tied with guests names, doubling as place cards.
Drinks can be poured into canning jars for sipping, and get spruced up with a bit of lace trim and jute twine.
Another sweet personalized detail is the stamped silverware. You can buy vintage flatware/silverware for little money and stamp the monogram of your guests on the spoon or the handles. These make lovely favors {of course they would need to be rinsed beforehand, or simply set aside and not actually used for the meal}. Metal stamping kits can be found at most craft stores or online.
If you’re lucky enough to have a tree, gazebo, or trellis, set up a table underneath and hang these dressed up lamp shade forms as a beautiful faux “chandelier.”

Dessert Table

A dessert table for a vintage style shower should include old family recipes. Serve grandma’s famous chocolate cake, and aunt Sue’s signature chess pie. For another sweet gesture, provide the recipes to your guests as well.
This table was styled with a few vintage pieces combined with ones that only LOOK vintage! The vintage window makes an interesting backdrop while “old-fashioned” storage tins are actually new.
A mix of old and new tin cookie cutters fills a flip top jar, and rustic letters from Hobby Lobby provide the initials of the bride and groom.
No need for fancy garlands in this party design. Swags of lace and ball yarn do the trick, as well as jute twine with crocheted doilies draped over top.

Activity Table:

Send the bride-to-be home with a wealth of good old-fashioned advise from family and friends. Set up a table where guests can write down some words of wisdom and hang them in a decorative location.
A frame inlayed with chicken wire is a terrific place to hang the notes using small clothespins that have been covered in washi tape to coordinate with the party.
A vintage mail holder holds blank note cards to write on, while floral frogs can hold small signs and pencils.

Do you have a bridal shower to plan for someone who appreciates all the charm of vintage and shabby chic pieces? I hope you’ll use some of these ideas. And remember, they will work just as well for birthdays, mother’s day, and baby showers too!

Have a great day.