Greetings! I'm the MOH for my dear friend's wedding coming up and I'm in a bit of a pickle.
Her future in-laws are planning a "bridal luncheon" next weekend and I'm planning to go, of course, but I am having a really hard time distinguishing this between a "bridal shower" if there even is a difference.
I asked the bride and she was pretty non-commital about it. She said if I wanted to plan a bridal shower I'd need to talk to her mom. But my partner told me that it's tacky to plan a bridal shower after the future in-laws are throwing a bridal luncheon.
But it's really, really unclear as to whether or not this luncheon is a formal shower! There was no gift registry in the invitation, and I admit I'm a little peeved because I have been dreaming of this wedding for years (we've known each other since elementary school) and I feel like they kind of stole my thunder. Petty, I know, but I had elaborate plans for a bridal shower and now I feel like they won't come to fruition.
More than being disappointed in not being able to throw my dream bridal shower, I'm worried that 1) if I throw a bridal shower it will reflect poorly on my friend (some suggest I'd risk making her look greedy) or 2) if I DON'T throw a bridal shower she won't get the same goodies she should expect for planning a wedding.
Anyone have some advice for me? My plan right now is just to attend the luncheon and assess how elaborate it is. I can always plan my own intimate bridal shower for my friend and make it a "friend" party rather than inviting a bunch of her family from out of town.