Skip to main content

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?

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

4 of the Most Asked Wedding Etiquette Questions Answered

After decades of answering etiquette questions, especially about weddings, I’d like to share a few of those questions that represent the majority of concerns.   Q: Is an invited coworker obligated to spend a certain amount? I'm going to both the wedding shower and the wedding. Should I buy both gifts off the registry? A: Unfortunately, yes. This is one of the biggest reasons I feel that the gift-less wedding shower is the smartest route for us to follow today.  Why should the couple receive more than one gift per guest?  It just doesn't make any sense and isn't fair to guests. Q : Registries feel so impersonal.   Is there any way to make it more personal? A: I honestly can't think of any way to make a registry more personal.  If a couple decides to register, they should choose items from the low end of the price range as well as the bigger ticket items, so the list doesn't appear to be a greed-fest.  Unfortunately, it can have th...
Post a Comment
Read more

When and Where to Seat and Sit

Playing Musical Chairs With Parents Dear Polite One,   On the day of the wedding when it becomes time to seat the parents of the bride and groom, who sits first and last especially when dealing with stepparents? Me First Dear Me First , We have more parental issues to deal with these days than we did in the past.    In fact, more weddings are encore wedding than first, which reflects this trend.  So, to keep everyone happy and separate, we seat parents in this order:  Groom’s father and stepmother (third row); Bride’s father and stepmother (third row); Groom’s mother and stepfather (first row); Bride’s mother and stepfather (first row).   If everyone is on friendly terms, all parents may sit in the front row in the given order.  The stepparents follow the person escorting parents to their seats.   Sincerely, The Polite One Seating Chart Dilemma Dear Polite One,   I'm working ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Do I wear nylons with strappy sandals for a fall evening wedding?

  Dear Polite One, From what I have read on your site, I should wear a cocktail (little black dress or equivalent) to a fall evening wedding at a golf country club.  Do, I need to wear nylons with my strappy sandals? Wedding Newbie in Wisconsin Dear Wedding Newbie in Wisconsin, Bravo on doing your attire homework!  You are absolutely correct about your attire choice.  Nylons aren't nearly as popular or expected due to our love of sandals. Strappy sandals look splendid with nice dresses, even in the winter.  FYI: It is a faux pas to wear nylons with open-toed shoes. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to dress for a wedding as "the second wife"? How to Dress for Formal Wedding in New York ? What to wear to a formal evening wedding in Napa?
Post a Comment
Read more