Whether celebrating a bride-to-be or a mama-in-the-making, showers are one of the first fêtes marking a milestone moment in one’s life. They epitomize joy, connection and, of course, gifting. Retailers play a cherished role in such events by offering the products, from décor to stationery to gifts, that make them possible. And the demand for stylish shower essentials is only growing as these festivities become more elaborate. As such, curating a selection that is thoughtful, stylish and radiant will resonate with customers looking to celebrate their loved ones.

BRIDAL SHOWERS

Personalization is growing across retail — and this translates into intimate events such as bridal showers. Hostesses are customizing shower décor and themes to reflect the bride’s personal style. But there are still some prevailing trends, including themes such as “Garden Party,” details like bows and an overall embrace of color.

“One of this season’s biggest trends in home decor is acrylic,” said Lauren Brekke, chief product officer at Mud Pie. “We’ve introduced platters, ice buckets and plaques to cater to the trend.” Engagement season seems to come in waves, meaning the festivities do as well. Always having timeless tabletop offerings in stock is a way to accommodate the demand for the steady stream of customers who are in the shower-hosting phase of life.

“If you’re in the throes of hosting one bridal shower, chances are you may be hosting several of them over the next few years,” Brekke said. “Purchasing some great-quality, staple serveware and décor pieces to use for the showers is a good idea. It makes decorating foolproof.”

Additionally, items that provide both sentimentality and décorative function are a win-win and will likely sell well among those throwing a bridal bash.

“I also love the idea of adding an Advice & Wishes Box near the entry for guests to write their well wishes for the happy couple,” Brekke said. “It looks beautiful displayed at the shower, but also makes for a great takeaway for the bride and groom.”

Custom cocktails and mocktails are also on the rise for bridal showers, often adorned with cutesy names or paying homage to the soon-to-be bride and groom. Papersalt offers disposable coaster packs and beverage mixing sticks to cater to this demand. The coasters aim to bring some humor and fun to the occasion with sayings such as, “We do!” and “Love is spending your entire life with someone you want to kill, and not doing it because you’d miss them,” while the stir sticks feature matrimonial motifs like diamond rings and hearts.

“Say ‘congrats’ with a fun, cute and sometimes a little sassy twist,” said Annie McCall, national sales manager at Papersalt. “Keep things lighthearted for the bride while celebrating with essential items. What party is complete without colorful drinkware and party supplies?”

Papersalt’s Being Newlywed Book: Sentiments & Advice for New Couples is a giftable for bridal showers and weddings, filled with encouragement and advice for newly married couples. According to McCall, topics include slowing down and enjoying each other, picking battles and having patience. Each page allows the readers to make notes and add their own tips and tricks, as well.

“We call the content in our books, ‘the things you’re going to want to know now, not later,’” she said. “Sentimental, keepsake gifts are never out of style and an easy add-on for any gifts you’re picking from the registry.”

BABY SHOWERS

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes — a baby shower!

Baby showers are another milestone celebration thrown with a whole lot of love. Many expecting couples know their baby’s gender at the time of the shower, and the host or hostess will therefore incorporate some pinks or blues for a traditional color scheme. Incorporating items that celebrate the gender of the baby-of-honor will do well in these cases. But classic, neutral themes and décor will always resonate — and even complement any pinks and blues.

“White florals and greenery add a touch of elegance and complement the colorful décor,” Brekke said. “We love our light-up sitters and coordinating platters for all types of occasions, and this season, we’ve launched light-up baby carriage sitters to our collection of more than 35 sitters. Add pink or blue M&Ms or macarons in candy dishes for a sweet touch.”

Customizable products do well among baby shower guests as they look to personalize their products for the baby, especially if the name has been decided prior to the time of the shower. If a shopper is buying several gifts, consider helping them bundle them into a gift-basket form.

“While I love a tabletop display of wrapped gifts, I always love putting together a special gift basket full of monogrammed items for the parents-to- be,” Brekke added. “Think bibs embroidered with the baby’s initials and monogrammed towel sets with coordinating sleepers and plush. Having that displayed is a sure way to get an ‘aww’ moment from both the parents-to-be and guests alike.”

If a shower is at a restaurant or venue that has limitations on décor, the hostess may be unsure how to add special touches. In this case, Brekke recommends adding a small party favors to each guest’s place setting, Brekke said.

“I love the idea of tucking one of our new hand- painted ceramic crosses into each guest’s cloth napkin,” she explained. “The crosses are a great ‘thank you for coming’ gift, and are a subtle way to add some color and texture.”

Similar to Papersalt’s guide for newlyweds, the company’s book, Being a New Parent: Tips and Tricks for New Parents, retails at $20, is a great impulse buy for parents-to-be and was named a Mom’s Choice Award Winner.

“Flip through this 48-page book to find important information and ideas, like finding time to exercise, the importance of sleep, choosing a stroller as well as safety tips,” McCall said. “This book makes a great, sentimental gift for baby showers.”