Hi Everyone
I have never wanted a traditional bridal shower and have been very clear with my family and bridesmaids about not wanting one at any point this year (Wedding dates is set for 12/29/12).
However, what I have askedmy family and bridesmaids to do instead of a shower is an event for our inner circle of friends and family members (both men and women) on our invite list...just not sure whether to call it an engagement party or Jack and Jill Shower. We want the event to have the following elements:
1. Be at a restaurant- Cocktail hour, hor d'hovres, unstructured with a thank you toast or two
2. Be an event where friends and family from both NYC and CT can meet for the first time and get to know each other
3. An opportunity for guest to give us a shower/engagement gift ( we would include our registry on the invite)
4. Not be a traditional girls only "lets play shower games" or watch the bride open her new blender/toaster etc. type of event. We would open the gifts at a later time, just not during the event
5. Happen sometime in September after the summer months but not too close to the actual wedding date
We really want to include everyone in our celebration as much as possible, however are a little stumped with what to call it.
My MOH is afraid that any mention of "Shower" will turn the men off from coming and my concern is that if we call it an Engagement Party is that guests may decline thinking that there may be a formal shower coming up closer to the wedding date.
Thoughts? Or has anyone done an event similar to this?
Thanks
T