If you're not able to hit the sand and surf this National Bikini Day, you can celebrate at home by checking out the beach party movies of the '60s like Beach Party, Bikini Beach, and Beach Blanket Bingo, all starring the late, great Annette Funicello. 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 [1].
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 [2]-esque attire. Check out retro beach inspiration for your bridal shower, bachelorette party, or just Summer soiree now!
Leis
Photo by Birds of a Feather [3] via 100 Layer Cake [4]
Vintage Glasses
Photo by Sarah Layne Photography [5] via 100 Layer Cake [6]
Surfboard Prop
Photo by Sarah Layne Photography [7] via 100 Layer Cake [8]
Summer Beach Party Mix
Summer Beach Party [9] ($13)
Personalized Beach Towels
Personalized beach towels [10] ($20)
Bamboo Centerpieces
Photo by Sarah Layne Photography [11] via 100 Layer Cake [12]
Beach Ball Cake Pops
Photo by Sarah Layne Photography [13] via 100 Layer Cake [14]
Tiki Bar Sign
Tiki bar sign [15] ($39)
Backyard Setup
Photo by Sarah Layne Photography [16] via 100 Layer Cake [17]
Pink Pineapples
Photo by Birds of a Feather [18] via 100 Layer Cake [19]
Beach Ball Games
Photo by Austin Gros [20] via Style Me Pretty [21]
Tropical Flower Comb
Sequin flower comb [22] ($55)
Chic Pool Lounging
Photo by Wanger [23] via 100 Layer Cake [24]
Make a Splash Drink Flags
Photo by Gabriel Ryan [25] via Wedding Chicks [26]
Surfboard Menu
Photo by Braedon Photography [27] via Ruffled [28]
Mai Tai Bar
Photo by Birds of a Feather [29] via 100 Layer Cake [30]
Heart Tan Lines
Photo by Gabriel Ryan [31] via Wedding Chicks [32]
Tropical Tiki Goblets
Photo by Sarah Layne Photography [33] via 100 Layer Cake [34]
Retro Beach Invitation
Pinup beach party invitation [35] ($16)
Coconut Cocktails
Photos by Birds of a Feather [36] via 100 Layer Cake [37]
Pink Flamingos
Photo by Gabriel Ryan [38] via Wedding Chicks [39]
Pool Toys
Photos by Wanger [40] via 100 Layer Cake [41]
Cocktails With Silly Straws
Photo by Austin Gros [42] via Style Me Pretty [43]
Shish Kebabs
Photo by Birds of a Feather [44] via 100 Layer Cake [45]
Surfboard Place Cards
Photo by Stacey Hedman [46] via Style Me Pretty [47]
Beach Party Film Set
Frankie & Annette MGM Movie Legends Collection [48] ($30)
Otter Pops
Photo by Gabriel Ryan [49] via Wedding Chicks [50]
Beach Bonfire
Photo by The Why We Love [51] via 100 Layer Cake [52]