You’ve been making plans with your gal pals for years, but now, with a wedding on the way for one of your besties, you need to seriously step things up for her bridal shower! From bar crawls to brunches, we’re sharing eight creative ideas for the big occasion that are totally outside of the box.

Photo Credit: Lane Dittoe on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

1. Cook up some fun

Get comfy in the kitchen with a group cooking class. Cooking classes are offered in most cities, or you may want to hire an instructor to come to your home. Get in some serious bonding time while you slice and dice (food and wine included, obviously). Share your favorite recipes with your friends, and get cooking away!

2. Get your “om” on

For health-conscious brides, consider finding your center — together. Sign up for a yoga class, or talk to an instructor about scheduling a private session. Many will even come to your place for a small fee. This way, you can relax and restore (or laugh at each other’s clumsiness) in the comfort of your own home. We highly encourage you to de-stress before the wedding day with your bridesmaids!

3. Sample some vino

A bit classier than the late night bar crawls from your college days, consider taking a class to learn all about wine or hit up a nearby vineyard. You’ll get to expand your palate while sharing some laughs — and a few glasses. 

4. Turn up the flower power

Sign your ladies up for a flower arranging class. It’s a fun and handy skill to have if you love to play hostess. And if the bride is hoping to get crafty with some DIY arrangements for any of her wedding festivities, you’ll have a whole team of educated helpers!

5. Have dinner in

If you’re looking to spend some quality time together without distractions, why not host a laid-back dinner at someone’s house or apartment? Make it a potluck, asking each guest bring a dish, and enjoy a cozy evening of girl talk and reminiscing.

6. Do a DIY spa day

Treat yourselves to a little pre-wedding pampering. Pick up a bunch of nail polishes, ask everyone to bring along their favorite beauty must-haves, get all the necessary tools, and turn a friend’s home into a spa. Offer facemasks, robes — maybe even a glass of bubbly — and watch the time fly by with your favorite gals.

7. Plan a picnic

If the weather is nice, take the party outside! Pack a picnic basket with cheese, bread, fruit, and jam, and set up shop on a hill with a view. An added bonus? This setting will be a great opportunity to snap a few Insta-worthy photos of everyone together.

8. Make it a beach day

If you’re planning a summer shower (or it feels like summer wherever you live), think about hitting the beach. Grab your crew, pack a beach bag, and spend the day by the ocean. A full day of fun in the sun will bring back happy memories as you look forward to the oh-so-bright days to come!

And once you’ve picked a theme, don’t miss Loverly founder Kellee’s super helpful tips for planning a shower from start to finish!

Loverly is the heart of weddings: a visual inspiration search engine designed to help brides discover ideas, people to hire, and things to buy. Loverly makes finding beautiful wedding inspiration easier than ever! Their images are powered by the best wedding publishers and wedding shopping partners on the web. Find Bridal Guide on Loverly