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?
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