01
A pool party bridal shower, in four lines
The plan, the dress code and the budget.
- The order
- Shower firstFood, games and gifts while everyone is dry, then the pool
- Swimwear
- OptionalSay so on the invitation, and keep a dry space for guests who do not swim
- Gifts
- In the shadeOne table away from the water
- Budget
- About $340For eighteen guests, as a Revelwick estimate
02
Pool party bridal shower themes
Pick one style and let the setting do most of the decorating.
Tropical luau
Palm leaves, pineapples, leis and bright colors.
Mermaid
Shells, pearls, iridescent colors and a 'trading her tail for a veil' sign.
Flamingo
Flamingo floats, pink lemonade and palm prints for a fun splash.
Minimalist poolside chic
White and greenery, rattan and simple florals.
Something blue
Blue and white decor for the wedding's something blue.
Brunch by the pool
A morning shower with mimosas, fruit and pastries.
Garden party by the pool
Florals, pastel colors and tea sandwiches.
03
Pool party bridal shower decorations
Decor that works outdoors.
Pool floats
A giant float for the bride, such as a ring, a swan or a shell.
Umbrellas or a canopy
Shade over the food and gift tables.
A tablescape
Outdoor linens, unbreakable glassware and a low centerpiece.
Lanterns and string lights
For a shower that runs into the evening.
A welcome sign
Weighted or on an easel so the wind does not take it.
04
Pool party bridal shower activities and games
Table games first, swimming second.
Bridal shower bingo
Played at the table while gifts are opened.
A quiz about the couple
A fun game before anyone changes.
Pool volleyball or a relay
Games for anyone who swims.
A DIY station
Flower crowns, sunglasses decorating or a sunscreen and towel bar.
A photo spot
Floats and a sign for group photos.
05
Food, drinks, favors and what to wear
A summer menu and outfits.
The menu
Fruit skewers, wraps, pasta salad, popsicles and a cake kept out of the sun.
Drinks
Infused water, lemonade, a mocktail, sangria or frozen drinks in unbreakable cups.
Favors
Mini sunscreen, sunglasses, a beach towel or lip balm.
What guests wear
A sundress or a cover-up over a swimsuit, with sandals.
What the bride wears
A white swimsuit or a white sundress, with a bride hat or sash.
06
The pool party bridal shower running order
About three and a half hours, with the shower first while everyone is dry.
Arrival and food
Everyone arrives dressed, finds shade and a drink, and eats.
Games and gifts
Games at the table, then gifts opened before anyone swims.
The changeover
Show everyone where to change and where the towels are.
The pool party
Swimming, floats and music, with the buffet still set for anyone who stays dry.
07
Styling an elegant poolside celebration
Details that make the event feel special for the wedding ahead.
Fresh floral arrangements
Hardy blooms such as orchids, protea or hydrangea in low vases that hold up in the sun.
A signature cocktail
A custom drink named for the couple, served in unbreakable glasses.
Elegant linens
Light fabrics in the wedding colors, weighted at the corners.
A lounge area
Outdoor cushions, rugs and a beautiful spot for the bride to open gifts.
A dessert table
Cupcakes, macarons and a small cake kept under a cover.
Personal touches
Photos of the couple, a love story timeline or a sign with the wedding date.
08
Hosting tips for a shower by the water
Practical ways to keep the occasion comfortable and safe.
Check the space
Make sure there is shade, seating and a bathroom for changing.
Plan for the heat
Schedule it in the late morning or late afternoon rather than midday.
Keep safety in mind
No glass near the edge, and someone keeping an eye on anyone swimming.
Mind the music
A portable speaker at a volume the neighbors can live with.
Weigh everything down
Cards, napkins and signs all blow away outdoors.
09
What a pool party bridal shower costs
Revelwick's estimate of the host's cost at eighteen guests, split for a shower by the pool.
$135
Food
Food that holds up in the heat: fruit, wraps, salads without mayonnaise and a cake kept in the shade.
$100
Drinks
Water, lemonade, a signature mocktail and a punch or sangria.
$30
Flowers
One arrangement on the food table, since the pool is already the setting.
$45
Paper and prizes
Invitations, games and small prizes, with something to weigh down the cards.
$30
Shade and comfort
An umbrella, towels and sunscreen for the guests.
10
Planning a pool party bridal shower
The bride, the guests and the weather.
A pool party bridal shower is a summer celebration before the wedding: a theme like a tropical luau or a mermaid party, floats and shade, easy food, games and gifts first, then swimming for the guests who want it.
Ask the bride
Make sure she would love this style of shower, and think about the guest list, which usually includes mothers, grandmothers and colleagues.
Make swimming optional
Say it on the invitation, keep the seating in the shade, and have towels ready.
Plan a weather backup
Decide the indoor version before the invitations go out, and keep glass away from the pool.
Shower first, swim second, and the gifts in the shade.
The pool ruleThe day
11
Pool party bridal shower, answered
What hosts ask before planning this occasion.
What are good pool party bridal shower themes?
Tropical luau, mermaid, flamingo, minimalist poolside chic, something blue or brunch by the pool.
Let the pool do the decorating.
Should the shower or the swimming come first?
The shower, with the meal, games and presents while everyone is dry.
Then open the pool.
Do guests have to swim?
No. Say that swimwear is optional.
Keep a dry, shaded area.
What should guests wear to a pool party bridal shower?
A sundress or a cover-up over a swimsuit, with sandals.
The bride can wear white.
What food works for a pool party shower?
Fresh fruit, wraps, salads without mayonnaise, popsicles and a cake kept in the shade.
Use unbreakable cups.
How much does a pool party bridal shower cost?
About $340 for eighteen guests, as a Revelwick estimate.
Drinks and shade take a bigger share.
What if it rains?
Plan an indoor version before the invitations go out.
Keep the theme and move the games inside.
12
What to read next
The other themes, what the whole thing costs, and what to wear to one.
13
Where this comes from
The costs are Revelwick estimates. The ideas are editorial.
What the figures are
The $340 figure and its split are Revelwick editorial estimates for a bridal shower of about eighteen guests. Check current prices before you buy.
What is ours
The advice to hold the shower before the swimming, keep swimwear optional and put the gifts in the shade is Revelwick's editorial judgment.