How to Plan the Perfect French-Themed Bridal Shower

hannah steve wedding california cake
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.

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Parasol Décor

french bridal shower arte de vie
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.

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Flower Market Favors

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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.

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French Quotes

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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.

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Cream Puff Tower

french bridal shower gabe aceves
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.

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Eiffel Tower Décor

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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.

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Crêpes

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Kimberly Chau Photography

Either make the French-style pancakes yourself or throw your event at a crêperie! This party took place at Sweet Paris.

07 of 21

French Stripes

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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.

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French Cocktails

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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!

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Love Locks

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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.

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Éclairs

eclairs with white frosting
Anthony Patrick Manieri

Éclairs are another delicious French pastry option. San Marco Pasticceria made these ones.

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Perfume Favors

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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.

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Bicycle Décor

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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.

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Madeleines

french bridal shower michelle march
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.

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Tea Party

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Rebecca Yale Photography

Up the class factor and host a Parisian tea party. A fancy spot, like Ladurée (shown here), is the perfect venue.

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Thematic Signage

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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.

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Flag Accents

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Mademoiselle Fiona

French flag toothpicks are a simple way to honor France at your bridal shower.

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French Invitations

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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.

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Carnival Décor

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Dominique Bader Photography

Pretend you're at a Paris carnival with fun rentals. This carousel came from Oravis.

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French Blue

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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.

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Lavender Centerpieces

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Melanie Gabrielle

Decorate your tables with lavender centerpieces, like these natural runners by Flutter Fête. The flowers are native to France.

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French Bulldog

french bridal shower steve steinhardt
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.

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