87 years of expert advice and inspiration, for every couple.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Molly Allen is a previous bakery owner with expertise in wedding orders, as well as a former event planner. She is now a freelance writer focused on lifestyle, travel, and food and beverage.
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
Planning a bridal shower? Once you have an idea of the date, location, and guest list, you'll want to focus your attention on choosing a theme. Bridal shower themes can be as unique as the woman they're thrown in honor of—summer pool parties, elegant tea parties, luau-themed events, and wine tasting luncheons are just some of the many options. Ultimately, the theme will be dictated by the person planning the shower and the bride-to-be's own preferences.
If you’re searching for a theme that is sure to delight both the bride and her guests, you can't go wrong with a lemon-themed event. This aesthetic can be interpreted in so many gorgeous ways, and it's an especially appropriate bridal shower theme during the warm-weather months. And whether you want to subtly nod at the theme with a punchy yellow color palette and a festive signature drink or go all-out by including lemons in the food, drinks, and décor, there are so many clever ways to make this citrus fruit part of the celebration.
Here, we're sharing 24 of our favorite ideas for a lemon-themed bridal shower the bride-to-be will love.
No lemon-themed bridal shower would be complete without freshly-squeezed lemonade. Whether you choose to turn it into the event's signature cocktail or serve it as is, consider upgrading each glass with colorful edible flowers—it's an easy way
Flowers are must-haves on your bridal shower tables, but that doesn't mean you can't work lemons into your floral displays, too. Spruce up your floral centerpieces with lemons and even fresh herbs for a lovely, full look.
If you're planning a sit-down lunch or brunch, look to lemons to help set the table. Use a pin to attach pieces of paper with each attendee's name to lemons as a clever place card option.
Planning a sit-down bridal shower brunch? Add a burst of punchy color to each place setting by including a lemon at each seat. When paired with blue glassware and plates, lemons help create the loveliest color palette and tablescape for an outdoor event.
It's important to remember that planning a lemon-themed bridal shower doesn't mean you have to use actual lemons in each part of the celebration. Let these bold citrus fruits inspire the color palette by choosing vibrant yellow flowers for centerpieces, then pair them with pretty orange hues to round out the look.
PHOTO BY KATIE JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY; Desserts by Nicole Bakes Cakes
Who doesn't look forward to indulging in sweet treats at a bridal shower? Shortbread cookies are the perfect light bite to serve after a meal, and we love that these simple treats can be lightly flavored with lemon to hint at your theme. Adorned with edible flowers, they're bound to be an absolutely irresistible offering.
While a traditional Aperol Spritz is flavored with orange, there's no reason why you can't put your own twist on it for a bridal shower. Keep guests cool by serving up these pretty sips to match the vibrant color palette of a lemon-themed shower, and feel free to include a slice of lemon in each glass.
It's all about the details! Theme the bridal shower's paper goods to match the event's overall aesthetic—it's a simple way to make your event feel that much more cohesive and elevated. For a formal lunch, menus featuring a lemon design tie everything together.
Photo by josh & dana fernandez
It's not a party without cake! Choose a lemon-flavored cake with classic vanilla buttercream for your thematic event. You can even ask your baker to decorate the cake with a drizzle of fresh lemon curd and to finish the confection with lemon slices and greenery.
A lemon-themed bridal shower offers the option for simple, natural décor. Bring potted lemon trees into the space to instantly fit the theme. We love that they can be planted later to commemorate the occasion.
Photo by chi chi ari
Interactive stations are extremely popular at weddings, so why not bring one in for the bridal shower? Hire a vendor to serve frozen lemonade, straight from a cart, for shower guests. Set it up at the end of the celebration so guests can grab their frozen treats as a favor on the way out.
Courtesy of sugar and frost
If the bride-to-be doesn't love the taste of lemon, get inspired by the colors instead. Cupcakes decorated with sunny yellow frosting still hint at the theme without bringing in the tangy flavor.
Create a lounge area where guests can sit back and relax at your outdoor event. A sunny yellow umbrella will keep guests cool while still fitting with your day's overall lemon theme.
Limoncello is a liqueur made from vodka and lemons, and we think it serves as the perfect bridal shower favor. Put together little bottles with a sweet note to thank each guest for attending.
If you plan to incorporate candles on a table, stick to a lemon-themed color palette. Choose vibrant yellow taper candles or large yellow pillar candles for a bold pop of color.
The easiest way to set up a table for a lemon-themed shower? Add real lemons! Line a lunch or brunch table with plenty of fresh lemons and green leaves for a simple, decorative touch.
Everyone loves fruit-infused water, and there's nothing more refreshing than cucumber-lemon water on a hot day. Set up an infused water dispenser where shower guests can serve themselves. The display will look great, tie in with your theme, and keep everyone hydrated between flutes of Champagne.
If you're planning a bridal shower with a smaller group of attendees, there's nothing more throughout than sending everyone home with a lovely, curated gift bag. Create bags or baskets for each guest and include lemon-themed items to enjoy after the bridal shower is over.
Photo by GIANLUCA & MARY ADOVASIO
Lemon and fresh herbs work so well together in food, but they are also a beautiful match when it comes to table décor. Display whole lemons next to lemon thyme and rosemary for unique centerpieces.
If you're planning to serve lunch at the bridal shower, choose fresh, flavorful food. An arugula salad with a lovely lemon vinaigrette will fit the theme while also appealing to guests.
Photo by GIANLUCA & MARY ADOVASIO
In the event that you want guests to dress for the theme or bring gifts that fit the aesthetic, it's important to spell it all out on the invites. Choose bridal shower invitations with a stunning lemon-themed illustration to set the tone.
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
Want to serve a light, refreshing treat in addition to bridal shower cake? Look to lemon tarts. These dainty desserts are sure to impress with their pretty yellow hue. Serve them on a platter with fresh herbs to dress them up even further.
If you don't love an all-yellow color palette, incorporate other colors in the mix. Utilize Earth tones, such as terra-cotta and green, and pair lemons with other fruits, such as kiwi and dragon fruit, to add other pops of color.
Planning a warm-weather shower? Serve gelato! Dish up lemon gelato or set up a station for guests to scoop their own. It's sure to serve as the ideal way to cool down on a hot day.
25 Pretty Bridal Shower Food and Drink Ideas
20 Tree Centerpieces to Bring Your Reception to Life
18 Pretty (and Delicious!) Bridal Shower Dessert Ideas
70 Colorful Wedding Ideas to Make Your Big Day Pop
60 DIY Wedding Decoration Ideas for Every Wedding Style
Exclusive: Model Tess Annique and NHL All-Star Sheldon Souray’s Simply Chic, Star-Studded Wedding in Idaho
20 Wedding Drink Ideas You Haven’t Thought Of—Yet
39 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Soirée
The Brides Best Wedding Planners in America
40 Wedding Reception Signature Cocktail Ideas for a Summer Wedding
60 Summer Wedding Ideas We Can't Get Enough Of
18 Stunning Spring Wedding Cocktails for Your Reception
A Vibrant Wedding Set Against the Tuscan Landscape
24 Engagement Party Decorations to Get the Party Started
The 16 Best Bridal Shower Favors Your Guests Will Love