Martha Stewart Weddings

How to Plan the Ultimate Travel-Themed Bridal Shower

By Emily Platt
September 27, 2018
Credit: Jodi & Kurt Photography

Celebrate the bride's next big adventure (marriage) with a party perfect for aspiring globetrotters.

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Credit: Mariel Hannah Photography
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The journey to marriage is a big one in and of itself, which is reason enough to design the bride-to-be's shower around adventure. But if you're still not sure if that's the way to go, ask yourself a few simple questions. Is she planning a destination wedding? Is she super excited about her upcoming vacation (a.k.a. her honeymoon)? Does she list "travel" as a hobby on social media? Is she an aspiring globetrotter? If the answer to any of those questions is "yes," you've just found the perfect theme for your celebration. And now that you've got that decided, it's time for some inspiration. Lucky for you, we've rounded up some of the best travel-themed bridal shower ideas.

There are a whole bunch of elements related to traveling that you can incorporate into your event. First, think about what people use to travel. This can be anything from maps to luggage to modes of transportation—planes, cars, and even hot air balloons included! Second, consider specific destinations and ways you can nod to their culture. These can be places the bride-to-be already loves or locations she's going to (or wants to visit) in the future. Stick with either focus (the act of traveling or travel destinations) or combine the two.

For example, this De Coeur Bake Shop cake was travel-themed in two ways. First, the continents were illustrated on its bottom tier. Second, Mint Design placed it atop a stack of suitcases. That's just one of many beautiful and creative ideas we've found.

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Girls' Trip

Credit: Erin Lee Allender Photography
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Plan a girls' trip, whether it's to a faraway location or the host's house for a sleepover-style "staycation." It's less about where you go and more about treating the celebration like a getaway. Locklane Weddings & Events planned this party, which took place at Walker Inn Bed & Breakfast.

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Suitcase Décor

Credit: Catherine Threlkeld Photography

These Mimosa Fresh Flower Design blooms were arranged inside SOWA Vintage Market luggage. Create something similar for statement centerpieces.

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Map Signage

Credit: Ragi & Amanda

Queen J. Productions created this sweet wreath using maps turned into paper flowers. Illustrations of the bride and groom, plus a travel-themed banner quote, made it perfectly personalized.

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Regional Food

Credit: Olivia Suriano of Nancy Ray Photography
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Serve regional fare to celebrate the destination(s) your party's themed around. This Belle's Catering menu featured Southern food, for example.

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Camper Bar

Credit: Kristin Lin Photography
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Turn your favorite form of transportation into a statement detail. This One Fine Day event featured The California Cocktail Camper as its mobile bar.

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Globe Guest Book

Credit: Kati Rosado Photography
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Skip the traditional guestbook and ask attendees to sign a globe. If the décor piece looks anything like this one did, you'll want to put it on display for years to come.

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Post Card Activity

Credit: Yazy & John/Yazy Jo
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Ask guests to write marriage (or travel!) advice on postcards, which can later be mailed to the couple.

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Travel-Themed Quotes

Credit: Olivia Suriano of Nancy Ray Photography
See More Pretty Ways to Display Quotes at Your Event

Oaks + Gray Paper created this cute sign, which read: "Traveling from Miss to Mrs."

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Map Menus

Credit: Brittany Gidley Photography

Upgrade your place settings with map placemats. These ones came from Sweet Story Studio.

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Landmark Invitations

Credit: Olivia Suriano of Nancy Ray Photography

One + Only Paper designed these pretty invites, which featured artwork showcasing different landmarks.

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Hot Air Balloon Favors

Credit: Melissa Jill Photography
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These transportation-themed succulent favors contained Gold Leaf Event Design & Production place cards, which were adorably shaped like hot air balloons.

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Flag Décor

Credit: JoPhoto

Talk about an easy idea—just decorate with little flags wherever you please. We recommend buying ones that represent the couple's nationalities, as well as all of the guests!

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Map Cake

Credit: Olivia Suriano of Nancy Ray Photography
See More of the Sweetest Bridal Shower Cakes

Sugar Euphoria baked this incredible cake, which featured a map design on its bottom tier.

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Travel-Themed Photo Props

Credit: Garrett Richardson

Offer up some travel-themed signage that guests can pose with in photos. This Letters to You prop read, "Say yes to new adventures," playing off the bride's engagement.

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Camping Venue

Credit: LOVE + WOLVES CO
See Our Favorite Glamping Retreats for Parties

You don't need to travel to a luxe campsite for a little bit of glamping. Just set up a tent (or a few) at home and decorate accordingly—this one was DIYed.

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Map Initials

Credit: Shoot Weddings

Honor the couple by turning their initials into décor—travel-themed décor, of course. These DIY letters were covered with maps.

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Luggage Tag Favors

Credit: Erich McVey

Send everybody home with the tools to travel. (This is especially corteous for a destination wedding!) These luggage tag favors came in bags tied with stylish Froufrou Chic ribbon.

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Airplane Accents

Credit: Michael Radford

Toast to globetrotting couples with glasses adorned with paper airplanes. Cheryl Dolfo calligraphed these drink tags.

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Adventure-Themed Signage

Credit: Christine Sarah Photography
Get Inspired By These Other Cute Bridal Shower Quotes

Really, we love any signage that nods to the theme (and the upcoming marriage), including this "let the adventure begin" one by Feather and Birch, The Bloom & Co., and Tono + Co.

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