A good theme should resonate with guests but also be exciting and fun. It ultimately sets the tone for the event and can fuel fun, connection, and meaningful conversations.
We're sharing six modern retreat themes for today's women—each paired with a scripture, decor ideas, and a creative icebreaker.
1. Finding Joy in Jesus
Discover JOY in the small, daily moments of life through this uplifting theme.
Scripture: "The joy of the Lord is your strength." – Nehemiah 8:10
Decor Ideas: For table decorations, use vases of fresh flowers. Opt for blue and green bright-colored tablecloths for a happy setting. Add smiley faces and sun accents to your decor to build upon the theme.
For extra pizazz, create a "Joy Wall." Keeping your decor theme in mind, create a fun backdrop. Place a basket of sticky notes and markers nearby. When guests arrive, ask them to write what brings them joy on a sticky note and stick it on the wall. Make the Joy Wall dual-purpose and use it as a photo backdrop. Include a fun sign for guests to hold during photos to commemorate the retreat!
Icebreaker: Write scriptures about God's promises on slips of paper and place them in balloons. Each Woman gets one balloon tied to her ankle. The goal? Protect your balloon while trying to pop others'. At the end, read the verses out loud and discuss what joy in Jesus means today. The moral? Protect your joy at all costs, and don't let someone pop it!
2. Back-to-School Women's Retreat (Great for Teachers!)
Celebrate the end of summer and prepare spiritually for a new school year. This theme is excellent for women's groups that have a lot of educators but can also be a general theme with a community give-back feature.
Scripture: "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it." – Proverbs 22:6
Decor Ideas: Think pencil bouquets, chalkboards with inspiring quotes, name tags on desks, and apples or mini notebooks as take-home treats.
Icebreaker: Go around the room and have each attendee share a funny "teacher hack" or classroom trick that made life easier for them. You'll get a few laughs—and maybe a few lesson plan ideas, too.
3. Wonder Women of the Bible
Draw strength and inspiration from women of faith like Esther, Deborah, and Ruth. Channel your inner Women Woman and praise God for your womanly talents.
Scripture: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." – Proverbs 31:25
Decor Ideas: Combine comic book flair with biblical elegance. Use superhero capes alongside scrolls, candles, or ancient-style props. Highlight "power words" like courage, wisdom, and faith throughout your decor.
Icebreaker: Play Bible "Guess Who?" Create cards with clues about women like Esther, Ruth, or Deborah. Split into teams and see who can guess the most correctly. Up the ante, and make it charades!
4. A Regal Women's Retreat
Tap into your elegance with the regal theme that celebrates women's identity and purpose as daughters of The King!
Scripture: "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation..." – 1 Peter 2:9
Decor Ideas: Set the scene with purple and gold, faux velvet table runners, crown centerpieces, and candles. Add mirrors with affirmations like "Daughter of the King" or "Worthy and Loved."
Icebreaker: Ask women to come dressed like royalty—tiaras and all. Then play a round of Princess Mad Libs.
5. Mothers & Daughters Retreat (Perfect for May)
Celebrate connection across generations with meaningful and playful bonding.
Scripture: "Her children rise up and call her blessed." – Proverbs 31:28
Decor Ideas: Use soft florals, framed photos of famous mother-daughter duos, and heart-themed crafts. Set up a "memory lane" photo wall with snapshots of attendees through the years.
Icebreakers:
• Twinning Contest: Moms and daughters dress alike. Best pair wins a prize.
• In Her Shoes Relay: Daughters run to put on their moms' shoes and race back. Then switch. It's silly and symbolic—and always a crowd-pleaser.
6. Pioneer Women Throwback
Honor the grit and grace of women from generations past.
Scripture: "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." – Proverbs 31:17
Decor Ideas: Decorate with burlap runners, mason jars with wildflowers, old-fashioned tools, and handwritten signs. A washtub filled with goodies or snacks gives it an authentic touch.
Icebreaker: Split into teams and give each group old-fashioned items (think: washboards, rolling pins, clothespins). Their challenge? Build the tallest freestanding tower. It's all about teamwork, creativity, and appreciating how far we've come.
Whether you're hosting a retreat for spiritual renewal, life skills, or just to celebrate sisterhood, these themes and ice breakers will help you create a memorable experience for women in 2026 and beyond.