bridal parties

We're unashamed to admit we have a serious obsession with the '90s, especially when it comes to all the things that make us nostalgic about being a girl back in the decade of jellies, neon, and Lisa Frank. If you and your friends are anything like us, you'd die over a '90s-themed party. So with wedding season underway, we've come up with creative ideas for throwing the most bomb.com bachelorette party or bridal shower we could dream up, complete with the girlie trinkets, rad fashion, and phat pop culture icons of the 1990s. And a lot of these ideas would work for a birthday bash as well! Now get ready to party like it's 1999!

Bachelorette parties are known to get a little wild, and celebrating the last single hurrah for a bride-to-be naturally lends itself to a sexy theme. So it's no surprise that E.L. James's erotic trilogy Fifty Shades of Grey makes the perfect bach-party inspiration. Handcuffs, masks, whips, and steamy games are just a few of the elements that, used creatively, will have partygoers giggling while celebrating the soon-to-be Mrs. (Christian Grey). Nipple-clamp cookies, anyone? Click on for more Fifty Shades of Grey bachelorette-party ideas!

Wedding season brings the ultimate girl-bonding events: bridal showers and bachelorette parties. And depending on if you're the bride-to-be, a bridesmaid, the sister of the bride, or just the party planner in your group of girlfriends, you may be brainstorming bridal party theme ideas this season. Well, we're here to help! We've scoured our favorite big-day blogs for 50 of the most fun, creative, and pretty party themes, perfect for a bridal shower or bachelorette party. Check them out now!

We were saddened yesterday with the news that Annette Funicello had passed away. The famous Mouseketeer grew up to be the teen queen of the beach party movies of the '60s like Beach Party, Bikini Beach, and Beach Blanket Bingo. The series of films were inspired by the 1959 film Gidget about a young surfer girl, which had several sequels and was adapted into the '60s TV show starring Sally Field.

These swingin' '60s films and shows featured lots of bikinis, beach locales, musical numbers, and girlie retro style — so we couldn't think of a better bridal shower theme than one inspired by the beach party trend of the era. Think Tiki bars, pool lounging, and Mad Men-esque attire. Check out retro beach inspiration for your bridal shower, bachelorette party, or just Summer soiree now!

Lasso up your pals and pull on your cowboy boots, we've got all the inspiration you need to throw a bridal shower with country and western flair. If this is your first rodeo as a bride-to-be or a maid-of-honor planning a bridal shower (or bachelorette party), have no fear, we've got you covered from the barn-worthy activities to the country-chic decor and dress code. And don't forget to set the mood with these country wedding songs. Now let's have a little less talk and get this boot-scootin'-boogie bridal shower going!

Wedding expert Abby Larson, editor and founder of Style Me Pretty, knows the ins and outs of what makes a fabulous big day. And she's sharing her expertise with us this wedding season with a series of articles on tips and tricks for tying the knot. First, she helped us out with advice on recycling your wedding, and then last week she gave ideas for wedding favors that give back. Now Abby shares projects to get your bridesmaids in on the DIY fun minus the stress. "Tedious tasks give being a bridesmaid a bad rap, so I thought of a few ways to make those to-dos a bit more fabulous," says Abby. "Think bubbly, PJs, and lots of inside jokes — with a few DIYs that will dazzle on the side." Check out her bonding project ideas now!

Photo by Eric Laurits and more courtesy of Style Me Pretty

The Hunger Games movie is out this Friday, and for those of you who can't get enough of the Suzanne Collins book trilogy, we've got a treat for you as we wait for the first film's release. Whether you're a bride-to-be, a maid of honor, or just a party planner, we've come up with some creative and fun ways to incorporate The Hunger Games in your wedding celebrations. The book series may be dark, but it is filled with romance. And for hardcore fans of the series, there's always a way to add just a touch of the series and its themes in your big day and especially the parties leading up to it. Be inspired by Katniss, Peeta, mockingjays, and more with these wedding and bridal party ideas. Check out the big day inspiration now, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Photos by Courtney Clarke Photography, Ashley Photographer, and Meghan Christine Photography via The Wedding Chicks and Green Wedding Shoes