I'm being thrown a bridal shower in early August by my aunt (she is a bridesmaid) and mother. For those of you who have had showers, or are having one, at some point do I need to stand up and give a speech of sorts? Is just a quick 1 minute thank you for showing up and being here, for the presents, and for all the work sufficient? At some point should I stand up and introduce my bridesmaids who are there or is that more for at the wedding? Not all of them are able to come (some are out of town and can only travel in for the wedding). My bridesmaids gifts are being given out at the rehearsal (they're nothing big, just a thank you for being there), but I'd like to give them all out when everyone is together.
I've been to showers where the bridal party was introduced, I've been to ones where they haven't, I've been to showers where the bride has stood up front and given and speech, and I've thrown a bridal shower as the maid of honor once and the bride didn't say anything at all, but did thank the guests as the arrived and left. If standing in front of everyone and thanking them is the norm, when do you do it, beginning, middle, end? The shower is completely out of my control, but I like to be prepared as much as I can, so knowing what really is my duty as the bride at the shower is helpful. All of the details with the exception of the date have been kept a secret thus far, so do I just walk in and be surprised and let those who planned it take the steering wheel for the day?