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4 Bridal Shower Tips

 Bridal Shower Gift

Bridal showers are still popular, especially when the host follows simple rules.  Timing is everything!  Host no sooner than 2 months before the wedding, because plans can change.  The wedding could be canceled (yikes!) or postponed.

Additionally, host no later than 2 weeks before the wedding because there’s enough wedding frenzy in those last 2 weeks.

More advice follows.

Bridesmaids Are Not Walking Wallets

This may come as a surprise to many, but bridal showers are optional pre-wedding parties.  Even though the word “maid” is contained in the title “bridesmaid”, they aren’t the bride’s slave and aren’t obligated to host a shower. So, if a bridesmaid, or group of them, wants to host a shower there should be lots of discussion and communication, especially about cost. Plans, dates, and costs should be discussed and agreed upon before the shower invitations get sent.

Be Thankful

Thank you notes should be written ASAP.  Guests bought a bridal shower gift and more than likely will give the couple another gift for their wedding.  Weddings are typically expensive for guests.

Note: A new positive trend has been developing.  The gift-less shower is becoming popular with women who feel they do not need extra gifts.  The shower is structured the same as the traditional shower minus the gifts.  This is very well received. 

Caution!

A disturbing trend appears to be waning, but some are still tempted.  Not long ago there was a flurry of ‘mega-bridal showers’ with some even as large as 60 to 100 guests.  Many of these were hosted by the bride’s mother, which is a faux pas for obvious reasons. 

Bridal showers are meant to be a small, intimate gathering of friends and family who want to give the bride gifts and share in the joy of planning the wedding.  The purpose of the party is to help the guests feel as if they play a part in the wedding planning process.

Note:  Don’t forget the co-ed parties.

Multiple Parties?

Multiple showers are fine, but never invite the same guest to more than one.  These are usually informal but can be quite elaborate. It can be held anywhere, a home, restaurant, hotel…. You are only restricted by your imagination.   It could be a lunch, brunch, barbecue, pool party, cocktail party—co-ed or no.  However, having more than two showers hosted for the couple can create an atmosphere of double gift grabbing.  So, plan carefully. 

Note: Do not use any of the gifts until after the wedding.

More From The Polite One

Bridal Shower Q & A: Multiple Parties & What to Give?

4 Tips to Prevent Bridal Shower Craziness

Are Bridal Showers Relevant for Today's Woman?

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