Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Showers & Parties Bridal Shower How to Plan the Perfect French-Themed Bridal Shower By Emily Platt Emily Platt Emily is a former editorial assistant for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 18, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Steve Steinhardt Themed parties are the best parties, which is why we highly recommend throwing one for the bride in your life. And if she craves pastries like madeleines and macarons, is known for her chic sense of style, or loves, loves, loves to travel, that's an easy thing to do. Simply transport her and her guests to France with a French-inspired bridal shower. Maybe the bride is obsessed with the City of Love. If so, host a Paris-themed bridal shower full of details inspired by local staples, like the Eiffel Tower and love locks. Or maybe, she's a French fare connoisseur. In that case, serve a whole array of regional delicacies, like crêpes and éclairs. If she's more of a fan of French fashion than anything else, there's plenty to work with, too. Pay tribute to her favorite designers (think: Coco Chanel) or decorate with thematic patterns (think: black and white stripes). All of these ideas—and plenty of others—are showcased on the slides ahead. Whether you're after French-themed activity, menu, or décor inspiration, we've got plenty to go around. That's because there are tons of ways to give your event some Parisian flare. Whatever you decide to incorporate into your bridal shower, your attendees—and most importantly, the bride—won't help but say "oh là là." We'll kick things off with this Sweet + Saucy cake, which was made to look French thanks to its macaron accents. The French blue hues used didn't hurt, either. We've got more pretty, creative, and fun ideas where that came from. Get More of the Best Bridal Shower Inspiration 01 of 21 Parasol Décor Arte de Vie Photography The French umbrellas can be used in dramatic ways. Here, Blue Skies Events Nola hung Bella Umbrella parasols over a bridal shower table. 02 of 21 Flower Market Favors Brooke Images Turn your event into a pop-up French flower market. Just order some blooms and some custom totes for everyone to take them home in. See More Bridal Shower Favors Your Guests Will Love 03 of 21 French Quotes Brosnan Photographic House of Hannah worked with The Brand Edit to design these framed quotes, which featured famous sayings from French fashion designer Coco Chanel. Have your ladies pose with similar props. See More of Our Favorite Bridal Shower Quotes 04 of 21 Cream Puff Tower Gabe Aceves Serve a dessert inspired by the French favorite, croquembouche, which makes for a genius cake alternative. Eleventh Hour Bakery built this cream puff tower. 05 of 21 Eiffel Tower Décor Justine Milton Photography Or, incorporate the most French tower of all: the Eiffel Tower! Here, the Paris landmark was displayed (in smaller form) by Cocktails & Details and Fabloomosity. 06 of 21 Crêpes Kimberly Chau Photography Either make the French-style pancakes yourself or throw your event at a crêperie! This party took place at Sweet Paris. Get More Delicious Menu Ideas for Your Bridal Shower 07 of 21 French Stripes O'Malley Photographers Black and white stripes are staples of France, so decorate accordingly. We love how this Finch & Thistle Event Design table was topped with a patterned runner. 08 of 21 French Cocktails Abby Jiu Photography Lauryn Prattes Styling and Events worked with Laura Hooper Calligraphy to adorn these bubbly coupes with calligraphed Buttercream Bakeshop macarons. Très chic! See More Genius Ways to Serve Cocktails at Your Bridal Shower 09 of 21 Love Locks Jana Williams Paris love locks are a symbol of romance, so why not nod to them at your bridal shower? At this Encore Event Design celebration for Margo & Me blogger Jenny Bernheim, guests were asked to affix love notes for the bride and groom to—you guessed it—padlocks. 10 of 21 Éclairs Anthony Patrick Manieri Éclairs are another delicious French pastry option. San Marco Pasticceria made these ones. Get More Decadent Dessert Ideas for Your Bridal Shower 11 of 21 Perfume Favors Justine Milton Photography Here's another favor idea—and another idea inspired by Coco Chanel! These attendees were treated to an interactive perfume station (by Infusion Scents) that Cocktails & Details and Fabloomosity decorated with a giant Chanel perfume bottle. See More Fun Bridal Shower Activities 12 of 21 Bicycle Décor Kimberly Chau Photography So, you can't fulfill your bride's daydream of leisurely cycling through the streets of Paris. Give her the next best thing! At this event, guests could hop on a bike (styled by Maxit Flower Design and Jacquelyn Nicole Weddings) and pretend they were there. 13 of 21 Madeleines Michelle March Sick of the French pastry suggestions yet? Good, we aren't either. Madeleines like these Sugar Fancies ones aren't just tasty—they're pretty, too. 14 of 21 Tea Party Rebecca Yale Photography Up the class factor and host a Parisian tea party. A fancy spot, like Ladurée (shown here), is the perfect venue. Get More Classy Ideas for a Bridal Shower Tea Party 15 of 21 Thematic Signage Abby Jiu Photography Alternatively, bring the pâtisserie to her and recreate one yourself. Fashionable signage, like this Lauryn Prattes Styling and Events and Laura Hooper Calligraphy one, will set the tone. 16 of 21 Flag Accents Mademoiselle Fiona French flag toothpicks are a simple way to honor France at your bridal shower. 17 of 21 French Invitations Mademoiselle Fiona Invite everybody to your Paris-themed affair with postcard-inspired stationery. It'll let them know straight from the get-go what your party's all about. See More Beautiful Bridal Shower Invitations 18 of 21 Carnival Décor Dominique Bader Photography Pretend you're at a Paris carnival with fun rentals. This carousel came from Oravis. 19 of 21 French Blue Charla Storey Photography The Wildflowers used French-inspired Bella Acento rentals—like Louis chairs and a French blue tablecloth—to set this event's mood. Get Our Ultimate Guide to Chair Rental Types 20 of 21 Lavender Centerpieces Melanie Gabrielle Decorate your tables with lavender centerpieces, like these natural runners by Flutter Fête. The flowers are native to France. See More Pretty Lavender Décor Ideas 21 of 21 French Bulldog Steve Steinhardt Not everyone knows a French bulldog, but if you do, be sure to invite the pup! Ilana Ashley Events even dressed this canine up for the special occasion. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit