Bridal shower questions

M&MJK

My MOH (sister) and I were discussing bridal shower ideas and timing.  The wedding is in October.  I'm not a fan of the traditional shower format with the little games and such so she suggested we hold the shower on a football game day early in the season.  During commercial breaks/halftime is when we could do the gifts, cake, etc.  Perfect! 

Well maybe...or not.  Many of the people I'd like to invite (aunts, cousins) live outside of my state.  Travel could be an issue, but more to the point they may not enjoy sitting around for three hours watching a football game on TV of a college they don't care about.  And my FMIL pointed out the at that time of year travel is more of a challenge because of school and sports schedules if people have young kids.  So now what?

How far in advance of the wedding is too early for the shower?  How should the lists be made up?  Should there be more than one to accommodate guests who can't make it in September or wouldn't enjoy the football game thing? What all seemed pretty straight forward is getting really confusing in terms of etiquette.

OwningAHome1981

If you're wedding is in October, i would say schedule the shower sometime in August.

I think the football idea sounds terrible honestly. Unless you know your guests love football, I would not do this. Personally, I HATE football. I would have an awful time at a shower like this.

You don't have to do a typical shower but I would not recommend this. You can do a brunch, or go to a winery and have a picnic. You don't even have to open the gifts if you don't want to. My sister didn't open them at hers and I wont be opening them at mine b/c I don't want attention on me- I don't like being in the spotlight and watching people open gifts is pretty boring.

Since your shower is being hosted by the MOH, you might not have a full say b/c ultimately it's up to her what she feels she can afford, but if you feel people would enjoy something more than a "traditional shower" you can certainly voice your opinions to your shower host.

nda8414

I couldn't agree w/PP more...please don't invite people over to watch a football game and insert shower things in between.

misshart00

I disagree with OAH. I think if you have a shower, you really need to open presents. I would hate to go to a shower and not get to see the bride open gifts. To me it says, 'you're kind enough to bring me a gift but I can't be bothered to open it.' If you don't like the attention, turn down the shower or have a non gift event like a luncheon. I also don't like the football idea. You could just do a social shower with no games. Just open presents, eat some cake, and mingle.

OwningAHome1981

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:6628f930-fd96-47e1-b5fa-f0db16ce8d57">Re:Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]I disagree with OAH. I think if you have a shower, you really need to open presents. I would hate to go to a shower and not get to see the bride open gifts. To me it says, 'you're kind enough to bring me a gift but I can't be bothered to open it.' If you don't like the attention, turn down the shower or have a non gift event like a luncheon. I also don't like the football idea. You could just do a social shower with no games. Just open presents, eat some cake, and mingle.
Posted by misshart00[/QUOTE]

No, you have the guests come with unwrapped gifts or cellophane. Should have mentioned that. I want my time spent with them, not watching me open gifts no one gives a crap about.

misshart00

In Response to Re:Bridal shower questions:[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Bridal shower questions:I disagree with OAH. I think if you have a shower, you really need to open presents. I would hate to go to a shower and not get to see the bride open gifts. To me it says, 'you're kind enough to bring me a gift but I can't be bothered to open it.' If you don't like the attention, turn down the shower or have a non gift event like a luncheon. I also don't like the football idea. You could just do a social shower with no games. Just open presents, eat some cake, and mingle.Posted by misshart00No, you have the guests come with unwrapped gifts or cellophane. Should have mentioned that. I want my time spent with them, not watching me open gifts no one gives a crap about. Posted by OwningAHome1981[/QUOTE]

But when you don't open them, it looks like you don't give a crap about them either. Asking your guests how to wrap a present is inappropriate.

OwningAHome1981

Oy not going there since no one ever agrees with me anyway.

I hate watching people open gifts. It's a little bit AWish in my opinion. "Hey everyone look at all the gifts I got that you didn't." Not my style, but to each her own. When guests arrive, they hand you the gift, you say thank you I love it and put it on the table. How is that not giving a crap?

No one has to agree. I was just telling the OP what I am doing for mine. If she doesn't like the idea, she doesn't have to do it.

Kate61487

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:6628f930-fd96-47e1-b5fa-f0db16ce8d57">Re:Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]I disagree with OAH. I think if you have a shower, you really need to open presents. I would hate to go to a shower and not get to see the bride open gifts. To me it says, 'you're kind enough to bring me a gift but I can't be bothered to open it.' If you don't like the attention, turn down the shower or have a non gift event like a luncheon. I also don't like the football idea. You could just do a social shower with no games. Just open presents, eat some cake, and mingle.
Posted by misshart00[/QUOTE]

ditto all of this.  I don't mind a football watching party; we frequently spend weekends with H's family watching games, but I wouldn't want to do that for a shower.  A shower doesn't have to be a cutsey uber-girly event, but it should still be about the bride, gifts, and guests not a football game.  Have a luncheon, nix the games if it makes you uncomfortable, have your FI come to help open gifts if you're not comfortable as the center of attention.  Have your MOH check out the pre-wedding parties board for ideas. 

Also, beyond telling your MOH some general preferences / answering questions she has and providing her a guest list you shouldn't really be involved in the planning. Send her to us, we're happy to help :-)

Simply Fated

My friends LOVE football, but they hate college football. It depends on your guests and whether or not they'd be into it. Plus, if a team they like is playing on another channel, they'll be annoyed. My friends are hardcore fans though lol. If you don't want to play games, then don't. You can have the game on, but the focus should be on your guests, not the tv.

OwningAHome1981

You COULD incorporate football into the shower but I wouldn't have a shower specifically revolving around watching a game.

Maybe you could have a football trivia game and the winner could win a football related prize.

artbyallie

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:4a09d1a7-c416-46a4-ad8e-89bf6b993b64">Re: Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]Oy not going there since no one ever agrees with me anyway. I hate watching people open gifts. It's a little bit AWish in my opinion. "Hey everyone look at all the gifts I got that you didn't." Not my style, but to each her own. When guests arrive, they hand you the gift, you say thank you I love it and put it on the table. How is that not giving a crap? No one has to agree. I was just telling the OP what I am doing for mine. If she doesn't like the idea, she doesn't have to do it.
Posted by OwningAHome1981[/QUOTE]

<div>The thing is, though, a shower is a gift-giving event. Gifts are wrapped in pretty paper or bags. If I was told to bring my gift unwrapped or wrap it in clear cellophane, I probably wouldn't attend, honestly. The 'fun' of a shower is getting to see the gifts revealed, IMO. Plus, I had an adorable little girl at my bridal shower who was intent on 'helping' me unwrap. Though you could tell she thought my vacuum cleaner and dishes etc. were the worst presents ever since they weren't toys.</div><div>
</div><div>If you don't like the gift-AWing part of a shower, that's fine, but then it seems odd to still have one at all instead of a non-gift event like a luncheon.</div><div>
</div><div>ETA: Of course, I'm also the oddball who actually prefers giving gifts to receiving, and I really do like seeing what people get and how they react.</div>

OwningAHome1981

That's fine. I just get angry when people attack me for my opinions b/c they differ from their own. I've been to both kinds of shower. I do not enjoy watching people open gifts nor do I enjoy opening them in front of others who may not enjoy that either.

It's really personal preference.:)

This thread was about a football game anyway. I was simply telling her how we are doing mine to show her that it does not need to be "traditional" (as mine is not).

stantokm

My cousin decided to have a football themed baby shower at a restaurant where we could watch our NFL team's game.  The only thing worse than being invited to watch a game you don't care about is being invited to watch a game you DO care about and can't watch.  People who aren't interested in the game aren't going to follow the watch-the-game-and-talk-during-commercials rule.  They're going to talk all through it and distract you.

We just had one game at my shower, bridal gift bingo.  Like a PP said, it gave the guests something fun to do while I opened gifts and they weren't staring at me the whole time.  One of my friends told the hostess that it was the least painful shower she had ever attended.

Kate61487

another painless "game" that has a bonus of somewhat distracting people during gift opening is the timer game.  Hostess sets an egg timer for a random amount of time and when the timer goes off whoever's gift the bride was in the process of opening gets a prize.  Then you reset the egg timer and go again. 

SP29

I was under the impression that the new "trend" for parties (whether it be a wedding shower or birthday) is to not open gifts in front of guests; open later and then send out thank you cards.

The idea being opening gifts in front of people is showing off what you now have that someone else doesn't. 

Though to be honest, the whole thing confuses me (perhaps I should create a new post on the subject ).

As for football- I don't think I'd do it either. I agree with the PP who said it's different if you are specifically inviting people over for a football party (those who like football will come, those who don't won't), but I wouldn't invite someone for a shower and then watch TV the whole time.

I think there have been some great options for other ideas for a shower- wine tour, picnic, etc.

OwningAHome1981

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:03524276-3504-42c5-9db6-8b5c61b9efea">Re: Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]I was under the impression that the new "trend" for parties (whether it be a wedding shower or birthday) is to not open gifts in front of guests; open later and then send out thank you cards. <strong>The idea being opening gifts in front of people is showing off what you now have that someone else doesn't. </strong> Though to be honest, the whole thing confuses me (perhaps I should create a new post on the subject ;) ). As for football- I don't think I'd do it either. I agree with the PP who said it's different if you are specifically inviting people over for a football party (those who like football will come, those who don't won't), but I wouldn't invite someone for a shower and then watch TV the whole time. I think there have been some great options for other ideas for a shower- wine tour, picnic, etc.
Posted by SP29[/QUOTE]

My feelings exactly. Glad someone else is in the no-gift opening boat. :)

beardownbchs

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:053393c5-51b6-4974-8554-519147102ba7">Re: Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>My cousin decided to have a football themed baby shower at a restaurant where we could watch our NFL team's game.  The only thing worse than being invited to watch a game you don't care about is being invited to watch a game you DO care about and can't watch.  People who aren't interested in the game aren't going to follow the watch-the-game-and-talk-during-commercials rule.  They're going to talk all through it and distract you.</strong> We just had one game at my shower, bridal gift bingo.  Like a PP said, it gave the guests something fun to do while I opened gifts and they weren't staring at me the whole time.  One of my friends told the hostess that it was the least painful shower she had ever attended.
Posted by stantokm[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>This exactly. I only read through the first few comments and I was going to say something like this but this caught my eye. I have season tickets and usually go to one away game so I am around for 7 Bears games every season. I watch all 7 of those games either alone or with my sister because I care more about the game than hanging out with people. My sister and I will stop in the middle of a word during a crazy or important play. It sounds like the football theme party won't be fun for a whole lot of people - the non-football fans will be annoyed that they have to watch football and the football fans will be annoyed that they can't watch enough of the game. </div><div>
</div><div>I'm sure a PP has said this, but you could decline the shower altogether if you really don't want one. 

</div>

Viczaesar

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:0d19bcc1-2630-4b55-9f91-6e1f7bf93847">Re:Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Bridal shower questions : No, you have the guests come with unwrapped gifts or cellophane. Should have mentioned that. I want my time spent with them, not watching me open gifts no one gives a crap about.
Posted by OwningAHome1981[/QUOTE]
No, that's not an appropriate request.  Is there anything that you actually follow etiquette on?

Viczaesar

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:03524276-3504-42c5-9db6-8b5c61b9efea">Re: Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]I was under the impression that the new "trend" for parties (whether it be a wedding shower or birthday) is to not open gifts in front of guests; open later and then send out thank you cards. The idea being opening gifts in front of people is showing off what you now have that someone else doesn't.  Though to be honest, the whole thing confuses me (perhaps I should create a new post on the subject ;) ). As for football- I don't think I'd do it either. I agree with the PP who said it's different if you are specifically inviting people over for a football party (those who like football will come, those who don't won't), but I wouldn't invite someone for a shower and then watch TV the whole time. I think there have been some great options for other ideas for a shower- wine tour, picnic, etc.
Posted by SP29[/QUOTE]
One should be sending out thank you cards regardless of when one opens gifts. 

OwningAHome1981

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:48ea6a1d-d176-4b76-aa41-7bc652cad1b1">Re:Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Bridal shower questions : No, that's not an appropriate request.  Is there anything that you actually follow etiquette on?
Posted by Viczaesar[/QUOTE]

So I suppose you think rubbing what you got and they didn;t in their faces is more appropriate?

"everyone look at me look at the gifts I got! It's all about me and how many gifts I can get yay!!!"

::eye roll:::

My idea might be against etiquette but at least i'm being classy about it.

beardownbchs

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:38ff89ba-c94e-413d-9538-9807245253f3">Re:Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Bridal shower questions : So I suppose you think rubbing what you got and they didn;t in their faces is more appropriate?
Posted by OwningAHome1981[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>Unless your plan, if you were opening gifts, would be to run around the room shoving the gifts in people's faces and saying "This vacuum IS SO MUCH NICER than yours, Aunt Jemima! Aren't you jelly?!!?", the idea that adults will be upset when another adult receives gifts is very, VERY childish and immature. </div><div>
</div><div>The point of a shower is to give gifts. It is polite to acknowledge the gifts that you receive and genuinely thank guests. Opening a gift and saying, "Oh my gosh thank you so much! I am so excited to get these new dishes and throw away our mismatched ones!!" is much more genuine and personal than slapping a box on a table and saying, "Thank you for your gift.". </div><div>
</div><div>An adult understands that a shower is for the bride to receive gifts. I don't understand how a mature adult would be upset at opening gifts at a shower. I have attended many a shower and never thought, "Why does the bride get all this stuff and all I get is lunch? This is crap!".</div><div>
</div><div>How old are you, owning a home?</div>

OwningAHome1981

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:50cd7ecb-fc5c-49c5-9911-6253f1099721">Re:Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Bridal shower questions : Unless your plan, if you were opening gifts, would be to run around the room shoving the gifts in people's faces and saying "This vacuum IS SO MUCH NICER than your's, Aunt Jemima! Aren't you jelly?!!?", the idea that adults will be upset when another adult receives gifts is very, VERY childish and immature.  The point of a shower is to give gifts. It is polite to asknowledge the gifts that you receive and genuinely thank guests. Opening a gift and saying, "Oh my gosh thank you so much! I am so excited to get these new dishes and throw away our mismatched ones!!" is much more genuine and personal than slapping a box on a table and saying, "Thank you for your gift.".  An adult understands that a shower is for the bride to receive gifts. I don't understand how a mature adult would be upset at opening gifts at a shower. I have attended many a shower and never thought, "Why does the bride get all this stuff and all I get is lunch? This is crap!". How old are you, owning a home?
Posted by beardownbchs[/QUOTE]

It is very rude to show off things you got that others did not.

beardownbchs

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:a3a04444-dde2-4335-bd83-eb4cd46e0d05">Re:Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Bridal shower questions : It is very rude to show off things you got that others did not.
Posted by OwningAHome1981[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>Maybe on a random Tuesday, but not at a gift-giving event. Why are you even having a shower if the whole idea is so terribly rude? </div><div>
</div><div>Going by this same logic, is it rude to have a big production and to-do for a wedding? What about those on your guest list who are divorced or widowed? Isn't having a ceremony saying to them, "Look at how happy I am and you aren't! Neener neener neener!"</div><div>
</div><div>I ask again, how old are you?</div>

artbyallie

OAH, you seem to be failing to understand that the entire point of a 'shower' is to 'shower' the honoree with gifts. That is why it's not rude and is in fact expected for said honoree to open her gifts at the shower. If you take issue with that, you need to decline any showers and only accept non-gift-oriented parties to be thrown in your honor. And please stop implying anyone is not 'classy' for doing exactly what they're supposed to at their bridal/baby shower.

OwningAHome1981

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:99bcc3aa-cb0c-4870-94a9-345120210d31">Re: Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Bridal shower questions : I'd just like to add that there is nothing classy about telling people how you'd like your presents wrapped.
Posted by Liatris2010[/QUOTE]

They can wrap how ever they want. I'm not opening them at the shower. I have a little more class than to spend an hour opening gifts in front of people who aren't getting them. Some people in this worl have absolutely nothing. I don't need to rub it in everyone's face how much material stuff I just got.

Lose a home in a hurricane and then come talk to me.

misshart00

In Response to Re:Bridal shower questions:[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Bridal shower questions:In Response to Re: Bridal shower questions : I'd just like to add that there is nothing classy about telling people how you'd like your presents wrapped.Posted by Liatris2010They can wrap how ever they want. I'm not opening them at the shower. I have a little more class than to spend an hour opening gifts in front of people who aren't getting them. Some people in this worl have absolutely nothing. I don't need to rub it in everyone's face how much material stuff I just got.Lose a home in a hurricane and then come talk to me. Posted by OwningAHome1981[/QUOTE]

We know you lost your home in a hurricane. We heard about it from you for two weeks when it happened. You tacked it on to every thread you responded in. I'm sorry for your loss, but it has nothing to do with opening presents at a shower. We know there are bigger problems in the world, but this a forum about weddings and wedding related things. It's not exactly the deepest subject. Please, dear goodness, get over yourself. Between not having enough time to thank people at your awesome wedding and not wanting to open presents that people took the time and effort to pick out for you, you're sounding more and more selfish.

hockeywithadiamond

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:10c9c6d2-c7bd-47e0-9eb2-a973a298c2fd">Re: Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Bridal shower questions : They can wrap how ever they want. I'm not opening them at the shower. I have a little more class than to spend an hour opening gifts in front of people who aren't getting them. Some people in this worl have absolutely nothing. I don't need to rub it in everyone's face how much material stuff I just got. Lose a home in a hurricane and then come talk to me.
Posted by OwningAHome1981[/QUOTE]

<div>Agreed.  Many of my shower guests had their presents shipped to me.  I opted to not open the gifts at the shower because I didn't want there to be confusion and upset people when some didn't have a gift to give me that moment.  I'm with you on this OAH :)!</div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>Also, why not open wedding presents at the wedding then?!  By y'alls logic, then you should be opening their wedding gifts at the wedding as well.  I mean they took the time to wrap them and buy them and bring them to the venue right?  It must be so RUDE to open them later where they won't be able to see your reaction.</div>

[Deleted User]

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:10c9c6d2-c7bd-47e0-9eb2-a973a298c2fd">Re: Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Bridal shower questions : They can wrap how ever they want. I'm not opening them at the shower. I have a little more class than to spend an hour opening gifts in front of people who aren't getting them. Some people in this worl have absolutely nothing. I don't need to rub it in everyone's face how much material stuff I just got. Lose a home in a hurricane and then come talk to me.
Posted by OwningAHome1981[/QUOTE]

So you're inviting people to a shower who have nothing, lost everything in a hurricane, are supposed to come give you a gift, but you aren't even going to open it and thank them to their face? I'm failing to see the logic and class in this...

lisabeats

This whole thing is ridiculous. But I really draw the line at the "lose your house in a hurricane" statement. Ever think other people on this board worry about tornados, tsunamis, etc? I personally HAVE lost homeS in hurricanes before, and it is by no means a laughing matter, but I wouldn't use it as an excuse for this.

If anything, I agree that the etiquette breach is NOT opening gifts at the shower. If I go to a shower with a gift (I wouldn't go to one w/o one) and the bride doesn't open it, I'd be offended for sure. If people don't want to/or can't afford to bring a gift to your shower, it is their job to politely turn down the invitation. I'd have no problem with that.

It seems like overall you don't want a shower, so don't have one! Have a brunch or something with some friends and let that be that. You can't have a shower and not expect gifts, nor can you not open them.

But please, don't say that these people here are rude, selfish, and lack class just because they don't know what it's like (or you assume they don't) to be struck with a natural disaster. They're two totally separate things.

ETA: I feel like this post is rambling because I'm trying to tie the two together... and failing.

AddieCake

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-questions-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:6a6073d8-212f-4a74-aa4a-456556447364Post:00a3e8e7-2541-4cd1-91c6-fc1ea626da13">Re: Bridal shower questions</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Bridal shower questions : In Response to Re:Bridal shower questions : So having a table of unwrapped gifts on display isn't showing off, but actually unwrapping wrapped gifts is? Just so we are all clear on that. 
Posted by Liatris2010[/QUOTE]
I, too, would like to know how this is different. 

TheBaysideBride

eh, i'm excited for my shower, to spend time w/ my friends and family, but will feel a little weird opening gifts in front of everyone. BUT I know they're excited, because the theme is cute, and it's a shower, so I'm going to do it. I'm sure it will be a blast. I love the idea of having the "helper" - I might have my flower girl join me. Very cute.