20 Alphabet Bridal Shower Ideas that Celebrate the Bride-to-Be

If you've just volunteered or been chosen to host your best friend's or daughter's upcoming bridal shower, you're probably already consider a long list of possible themes. While all bridal shower themes are worth considering—and we'll always be fans of classic French-inspired celebrations and tea parties—we think you should be open to more unexpected forms of inspiration. The theme to help you do just that? An alphabet bridal shower.

These showers incorporate letters in almost any way you can think of. In addition to giving guests a theme to shop for gifts around (each attendee would be assigned a letter, and would then gift the bride-to-be a present that matches), it'll help you get creative with your decorations. From monograms and balloons to banners that spell out witty phrases, an alphabet shower is the perfect party theme to celebrate not only the woman of the hour, but also her new name and soon-to-be-married status. Take this sweet display, for instance—the bride-to-be and her closest friends held up balloons that spelled out "bride" as a nod to her impending nuptials. While these inflatable letters make for a great photo op, they can also be used as a decoration throughout your celebration.

To inspire you, we've assembled some of the most creative ways hosts have used letters at this particular pre-wedding event. The best part? The following details come in all shapes in sizes. Whether it's a floral installation over your food bar or small dessert offerings like cookies inspired by Scrabble, you'll certainly find an idea that will jumpstart your bridal shower planning. We've even included some alphabet-themed bridal shower gift ideas that will keep the celebration going long after the party ends.

Incorporate the first letters of the bride and groom's first names in unexpected ways. The woman of the hour was certainly impressed when she saw this Cappuccino Man coffee art.

Xs and Os are a classic symbol of love to display in various parts of your shower. Lauren Smith (who planned, photographed, and styled this event for her sister!) placed the two letters over the shower's snack and drink bar.

Spell out "love" with Scrabble tile-shaped cookies like these treats from Nutmeg Bake Shop.

The bride-to-be will want to show off her new title as soon as possible. Do just that by decorating with "M-R-S" balloons (the host got these from Target!).

Gift guests a lasting reminder of the bride's new name. Here, Penmagic Designs created a custom monogrammed crest that Eventfully Planned used to decorate the party's maple syrup favors.

Favors are always welcome at bridal showers—especially when attendees can actually use them. That's why Emily Claire Events packed re-useable (and monogrammed!) tote bags with Champagne, nail polish, lotion, and matches for these lucky invitees.

Serve up the guest of honor's signature cocktail alongside personalized cocktail napkins emblazoned with the happy couple's initials. 

Get inspired by the bride's new last name and create a witty saying for your drink stirrers. These "Simon says Hill" swizzle sticks by Delovely Details spruced up these Champagne flutes.

Dress up your shower's bar with a witty quote that will certainly entertain guests. These balloons noted exactly what drink was being served.

Include the bride-to-be's new moniker in every inch of her bridal shower—even on the desserts. Dana's Bakery created these custom macarons that were almost too pretty to eat.

Decorations are that much more thoughtful when they play up the bridal shower's theme. Andressa Hara of Twinkle Twinkle Little Party dreamed up this "main squeeze" banner for a citrus-inspired party.

If possible, infuse elements of your bride's wedding stationery suite into her shower. Sogi's Honey Bakeshop recreated this duos' Happy Menocal monogram, which featured their initials, on tasty scallop-edged cookies.

To make favors even more special for your guests, personalize them with their own initials. These small canvas cases—which turned into handy travel pouches—were made for each guest.

This hanging monogrammed banner is perfect for customizing your shower's bar area or dessert table.

Give the bride her own personal dessert marked with her initials. Juniper Cakery added a three-dimensional crest to this hand-painted confection.

Garnish the drink of the day with custom swizzle sticks featuring the bride's new last initial.

Elevate your bridal shower's place setting with embroidered, monogrammed napkins, like these from Sarah Drake Design.

Mark the women of the hour's spot at the table with a banner that spells out "B-R-I-D-E."

If you're throwing a tea party shower, or the bride-to-be is a coffee lover, be sure to pass around personalized mugs. These were purchased from World Market and certainly came in handy during and after the celebration.