Why leave the gents out? Have a coed guest list and honor both the bride and the groom in one cool (or should we say, hot?) Tropical-themed Couples Wedding Shower BBQ this summer! This gals-and-guys trend has really caught on in the past couple of years, and an outdoor barbecue is perfect for getting the guys in on the fun. Throw in a bright, bold, exotic motif inspired by the tropics—and you’ve got it made for a fun wedding shower and summer bash in one!
Decorating Inspiration for that Tropical Vibe
From table decorations to food and drinks to favors, see what a striking summer wedding shower you can style!
Set the scene with a tropical tablescape complete with a sizzling palette of hues.
Create vibrant tropical tablescapes (see above) for the outdoor event, styled around a sizzling color palette of jungle green, hot orange and sunny yellow.
Create centerpieces that are made of textured materials and colorful print fabrics.
For striking centerpieces (see above), incorporate organic textures such as bamboo, sinamay, palm leaf weaves, raffia and jute as well as natural elements like tropical fruits, leaves and flowers. Coconuts are also great way to spice up the look! See how to use coconuts as centerpieces.
Make a bridal shower sign with a tropical twist by placing it in a beautiful picture frame.
And for shower signage, fancy up the look with tropical-inspired picture frames (see above) that are perfect for this theme. It also makes a lovely keepsake to take home.
Serve scrumptious bbq fare and get everyone involved!
Of course, the wedding shower menu is an ideal showcase for tropical favorites! Serve golden BBQ chicken hot off the grill with corn on the cob and grilled veggies.
Prepare island-inspired appetizers that can be easily passed around. Display them on palm-leaf lined trays.
Have a selection of pass-around or serve-yourself appetizers (see above) including ham and cantaloupe on toothpicks, pineapple BBQ chicken skewers, coconut shrimp with a spicy dip, crab Rangoon, and Hawaiian pulled pork mini sliders.
Provide desserts with fruits paired with refreshing sorbets.
For a sweet and refreshing finish, offer guests colorful cups of fresh tropical fruit chunks aired with fruity sorbets (see above). Then, set up a mimosa bar (see below) displaying an array of fruit juices such as pineapple, passion fruit, and papaya to be topped up with sparkling champagne! Be sure to dress up the drinks with decorated straws and glass charms made of colorful beads. Get more ideas on setting up a tropical drinks bar or even a backyard tiki bar hut.
Set up a tropical mimosa bar complete with juices like pineapple, passion fruit, and mango.
Surprise guests with themed wedding shower favor (see below) of dried or candied tropical fruits and nuts packaged in fabric-wrapped seashell dishes—that would make lovely keepsakes from this occasion!
Give unique favors with tropical candies that are packaged in vibrant favor packaging.
Make something homemade for the celebrants (see below). It can be an edible creation like cakes and cookies with a tropical twist!
Create a unique, handmade gift for the bride and groom to-be such as homemade tropical cake! Present them in colorful box wrapped with yellow tissue and sinamay rolls.
Ideas for Summer Wedding Shower Activities
What’s a wedding shower without zany games and activities, right? We found these 6 ideas that both gals and guys are sure to enjoy!
Via Zazzle
1 – “He Said, She Said” game (customizable questions/quotes) – Use these fully customizable game cards to include your own questions and quotes.
Via Amazon
2 – Bridal Ball Toss Game – Have some beach-style fun with this game set
3 – Battle of the Sexes Game – Get some friendly competition going with this board game
4 – Better Together Bridal Shower – Enjoy 5 fun games in this 1 set
5 – Limbo – Just for laughs, get everyone to “limbo” with this summer party toy
6 – Hula hoop contest (using set of 12 hula hoops) – Stage a “swinging” showdown among the couples with a pair of these hoops
Coed Wedding Shower Invitations with a Tropical Theme
Wondering how to source invites specifically for a couples shower AND with a tropical theme? Guess what? We found dozens available online. Here are 6 of our picks from Wedding Paper Divas and Zazzle!
Has an invitation design caught your fancy? Just click on its affiliate link below to order!
Via Wedding Paper Divas
1 – Alluring Agave shower invitation
Via Zazzle
2 – Tropical Pineapple Beach Lights “I Do BBQ” card
3 – Tropical Pineapple and Hibiscus Couples Shower Card
4 – Couples Shower Tropical Leaf Foliage Modern Card
5 – Watercolor Flowers, Stripes Wedding Couples Shower Card
6 – Summer Tropical Beach Couples Wedding Shower Card
Look Your Best in a Pretty Tropical Dress
For a fun event like this, consider attire with tropical designs like a floral print dress. Another option is to wear a maxi or sundress in a tropical hue of orange, green, pink, or blue. As for the guys, think tropical print shirts! Be sure to check out our recent post on beach wedding guest outfits.
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