Bridal Shower: WWYD?

Sparrow515

So, my cousin is getting married next Friday, and I recently went to his fiance's bridal shower.  I was expecting it to be all women, as they usually are, but my cousin was there...even though the invite said "Stacy's Bridal Shower".  It didn't say "Couple's Shower" or anything of the sort.  But, he WAS the only guy there, besides his dad and the bride's dad, who were helping with behind-the-scenes stuff like parking.  So I started thinking, since my mom has been talking about what she wants to do for mine (mine will not be a surprise) and I kind of like the idea of having my FI there.  I feel like it would give me the oppurtunity to invite the women in his family that I have not met yet since he'll be there, and after all, the gifts are for both of us too.  FI is okay with the idea, but said it's totally up to me, and he would also be the only guy there.  I just don't know how comfortable I'd feel inviting his female family members having never met them, and I would really enjoy meeting them before the wedding.  Any advice/thoughts?  Thanks!

sarah122481

FI was at my bridal shower, which was good because his uncle, who drove his aunt, ended up staying and they ate in a separate room. It also turned out well because we played a game that involved FI....my sis asked him a bunch of questions before the shower and then at the shower they asked me the same questions and I had to guess his answer. It was really fun.I've been going to  more and more bridal showers where the FI is there, not necessarily hanging out in the same room though.

lmicolucci

Rich came to my shower.

MrsJax09

My 1st question is would he even want to be there? My gut guess is going to be no. I can understand wanting him there for comfort, but view it this way these people are going to be your family too so get comfortable.

Tonysgurl020406

I would leave it up to your FI. Tony drove me to mine and came in for a few minutes, went go carting with some of my OOT friends husbands, and then they came back for some cake. It was perfect - he got to see everyone, but he wouldnt have wanted to stay much longer then he did...

Ms.BriarRose

Ditto Steph.  At my cousin's Bridal Shower, her FI dropped her off, said hi, left, came back after we were done eating and opening presents, looked through the presents and talked with the guests for a little bit (like 15 min), then helped load up the presents.I think 1) you have to ask your FI what he wants.  Most guys are not going to feel comfortable in a room full of women, let alone women that they really don't know.  I think 2) you also need to respect your guests.  When I attend a Bridal Shower, I do not expect (nor really want) the groom there for the entire thingl  I am sure I am not the only one, either- especially among the older ladies who would attend, as their idea and views on bridal showers are often much different than younger ladies of today (I remember my grandmother telling me about hers, when her MIL and older women in her life gave her all sorts of negligees along with advice!).  There are discussions that happen and gifts given that boys just don't need to be there for!  I would not feel comfortable having him (or other males) there, especially if it were not announced previously.Now, if you wanted to do a his and hers shower, where both sets of friends (guys and gals) were there, and maybe make it more of an open house/eparty type arrangement (not an eparty, but along those lines for ideas of set up)- well, that might work, but you have to make sure you convey exactly what you are doing to your guests.

Sparrow515

Thanks ladies, I appreciate the input.  I will admit, I was a little surprised to see my cousin there.  I'll ask FI and see what he wants to do.  I think I'll be fine either way, and you're right Jax about getting to know the family whether he's there or not

miguelhilary2010

I have two women and two men for my BMs. FI's groomsmen have gf's not wives and I dont know them. We both have limited female family members. FI family is about 3hrs away. Taking all that into account, I am seriously considering having a co-ed shower, or "garden party". That way, everyone can be included and it doesnt have to be wierd with everyone being strangers at the shower, rehearsal and wedding. I asked FI what he thinks and he is totally fine with it. As long as other guys are there it will be more of just a socail gathering instead of a chick party. Besides that, I think a traditional shower isnt really for me! HTH

Ms.BriarRose

Actually, the idea of a "garden party" or an afternoon tea time party sounds pretty neat- I really like that idea!