shower nerves

butterflyjumper1

sorry to be a PW today, but I am actually feeling really anxious/nervous about my shower this weekend. I talked to my hostesses last night and it sounds like there are only a few people who can't come....so there will be tons of people there and I am nervous about so many people looking at me and watching me open presents, etc.!

For those of you have recently had showers: any helpful hints, tips, suggestions, words of wisdom for someone about to have their first (and only) shower??? When I feel nervous, I tend to be quiet and socially awkward, so I am hoping the nerves go away!!

bridetobe71412

I wish I could help with some advice but I haven't had my shower yet! I know I'll be freaking out, too. I don't mind being the center of attention when it comes to speaking (hello, Moot Court) but I bet I'm going to be SUPER awkward when it comes to opening gifts and playing games.

Could you start the shower with a drink? 

If not, maybe you could speak with and/or introduce yourself to people prior to the gift opening portion? That way it won't be quite as awkward. That's my only suggestion, though.

I will probably opt for a mimosa.

BeachLover2885

Hi Butterfly! I had my shower last weekend and I definitely understand your nerves!! I'm not a fan of having a lot of attention on me, but everything went well!  I felt the most awkward when I was opening gifts, but my sister and BMs made everything go really smoothly.  My sister would hand me the gift and help me open it, and then I would hand the gift wrap/bow to another BM, then hand the gift to a different BM, etc.  We had a nice little assembly line going and also they were up there with me so I felt better! 

At the beginning of the shower, I had a mimosa and said hi to everyone coming in individually.  I feel better when I talk to people one on one or in small groups, so it was nice to greet the guests this way.  I was a bit nervous b/c there were some people there whom I hadn't met before (FI's stepmom's friends, for example), but everyone was SO nice and excited to be there.  Remember, they are all coming to support you and your FI, so people are generally very happy! 

HTH!!

mbody

I was super nervous about opening gifts in front of everyone. It didn't help that my FI and I were up on a stange! But, actually, not many people payed close attention, so I felt better. Don't worry too much about it- everything will be fab! (Sorry, I'm not more helpful.)

toomanychoices17

I agree with almost everything BeachLover said- I don't like being the center of attention, but with the BMs up there with me it was fine. I was so anxious beforehand, I could barely sleep!  A few of the guests brought up how they remembered feeling awkward at their showers years ago, so thinking about how many of the guests have been in the same position helped me.

Talking to people individually was helpful too.  I am so glad it was not a surprise! I was there as guests arrived so I greeted them with my BMs, Mom and FMIL.  Can you get there early?

Even if it stresses you out, at the very least, it's good practice for the wedding! I feel relieved now that I know that having so many people looking at me wasn't nearly as terrible as I expected!

arunkumar

I had my shower last weekend and I was kind of nervous most of the time. But I don't like attention on me. I made sure to greet and mingle with everyone when they arrived, so talking to them in the beginning made me feel more comfortable. I was flustered though in the beginning, because my sister and I were running late that morning and I rushed to get my makeup and dress on before arriving at the shower. Guests were already there so I had no time to relax. I suggest arriving early to your shower and maybe having a drink!

My sister played the game where she asked FI questions ahead of time, and I had to answer them on the spot. Basically to see how well I knew him. I was really worried I would get the questions wrong (mostly because FI always give multiple answers for his favorite things, etc...) but I got most of them right.

Then the gift opening was a bit awkward for me.  I tried to make it more interesting by opening a gift and then explaining why I registered for it or what I planned to use it for. Everyone seemed to like having a back story. I absolutely love Crate and Barrel but they package their gifts really well. I had to use scissors to open the boxes. It was a little tough opening some of the heavy gifts while balancing them on my lap (and while everyone was watching me), but I didn't drop any!

I had a glass of wine with lunch BUT I was so involved with talking to my friends at my table that I barely ate.  The shower was a good warmup to how the wedding day will feel so I'm glad for the experience. I'm make sure to eat more on the day of my wedding.

butterflyjumper1

I knew you guys would all have good advice

and any piece of advice that involves telling me to "have a drink" is solid in my book

arunkumar - I have actually thought the same thing about crate and barrel gifts! the boxes are big and awkward and I am afraid they will be hard to get into...let's hope I don't break anything either!

thanks ladies!!!

littlemoments324

You'll have a wonderful time!!! I was really nervous the day of the shower..Just remember to speak up!

kidlets2

Me too! My shower is on the 20th but it's at my house. So not only do I have to be the center of attention, I'm afraid I'll feel like the hostess too. Plus, since I have an 11 year old daughter and did not want to exlcude her, I had my aunt invite everyone else's daughters. So no calming drink for me!

I hate being the center of attention (hence my small, informal ceremony & reception), I already feel a bit awkward as this is both of our 2nd marriages, and I don't have a bridal party so no BM's to help me open.

So sorry ~ no advice. Just fears from me too!