Is a Pampered Chef party tacky?

mandork

Hi ladies, I have a friend who is getting married out of town this summer. She is having a bridal shower in her current town, but the bulk of her family lives about 5 hours away. I offered to throw an additional party in her hometown so that more of her family and friends could attend. She accepted, and then asked if I might throw a Pampered Chef shower. 

I have never been to one of these, but I assume that the guests show up and after a sales pitch, purchase things for the bride. I think that the Pampered Chef has some quality items, but most of their products aren't cheap, and I can't help but feel that this kind of party is not tasteful. However, since the bride requested it, should I do it anyway? I don't want to make the other guests uncomfortable by requesting their attendance at a party where they will be required to purchase something in front of everyone else. Advice?

specialk84

I think it's a terrible idea. 

The bride can't dictate what kind of party you throw. While you shouldn't go out of your way to throw the kind of party she'd hate, you shouldn't feel obligated to throw a party you'd be uncomfortable with either.

whitsy

I had a pampered party and got some of the best gifts. The lady who hosted mine did not do a sales pitch at all. We just had some catalogs out and some good food.

I know they're super frowned down upon here, and I can get why. But they're very common in my area, and almost every bride I know has had one.

If you don't feel comfortable hosting it, then just tell her no.

sparent2010

Personally I wouldn't. For all the reasons you mentioned. If she wants specific cookware she can register for it. I hate being pressured into buying something.

Worse here since if you cannot afford an expensive gift you run the risk of someone trying to pressure you into getting the more expensive gitf or feeling mortified if someone mentions anything about you if you buy something cheaper.

^Not saying that would happen but that would be awful to be in that situation, kwim?

ceh789

There is no way I would host that party.  If she insists you are entirely in the right to back out of hosting it - she doesn't get to mandate the details of the party only provide a guest list with the number of guests you tell her you are willing to host.

aragx6

I would be uncomfortable attending this kind of party and I would never consent to throw one. I would explain your reservations to her and hope she understands. If not, I wouldn't host a party for her at all.

Mrs.B6302007

I wouldn't.

Cortney1982

I wouldn't go to one.  It's then less about having a good time and more about picking something out of the catalog, and hoping there is something left you can afford.  Too much pressure.

mandork

Thank you for all of your input! I feel confident that I can politely steer her in another party direction, now that I know that I'm not the only one who thought that this kind of shower was a bit of a faux pas. 

MiksChick23

When my MOH asked what I wanted in terms of a shower/bachlorette party, I actually requested that she NOT incorportate a home based business-type party. Guests are already *expected* to bring a gift to a shower (as the purpose of a shower is to "shower the bride with gifts), so requesting that they spend ADDITIONAL money so that she can have free product is over the top. A friend of mine did a "Slumber Party" (sex toys & lingerie) party for her bachelorette, and I found it to be a terrible idea. I already spent money to buy her a gift, pitched in for the party, and bought her a drink at the bars, and still felt overly obligated to spend even more money on something I didn't need. These parties really have no place at a bridal shower / bachelorette party, IMO.

goobersinlove

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_is-a-pampered-chef-party-tacky?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:9d68b873-be34-40e2-b083-ad5adeb09395Post:b25081e3-4055-4d26-99c3-41ef662c2f2b">Re: Is a Pampered Chef party tacky?</a>:
[QUOTE]When my MOH asked what I wanted in terms of a shower/bachlorette party, I actually requested that she NOT incorportate a home based business-type party. Guests are already *expected* to bring a gift to a shower (as the purpose of a shower is to "shower the bride with gifts), so requesting that they spend ADDITIONAL money so that she can have free product is over the top. A friend of mine did a "Slumber Party" (sex toys & lingerie) party for her bachelorette, and I found it to be a terrible idea. I already spent money to buy her a gift, pitched in for the party, and bought her a drink at the bars, and still felt overly obligated to spend even more money on something I didn't need. These parties really have no place at a bridal shower / bachelorette party, IMO.
Posted by MiksChick23[/QUOTE]

Exactly.  I don't think a bridal shower is the appropriate venue for a business promotion.  Additionally, as a guest, I always always always decline invitations to any Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, jewlery, chocolate, passion, etc. party I am invited to.

Bkseller13

I was given a Pampered Chef party with another co-worker who was getting married a month after me.  I didn't want it and I was pretty uncomfortable at the party.  I made a point of picking out inexpensive items, so that people could buy on the cheap.  That being said, I love everything I got, so there's that.

MiksChick23

I've hosted parties like this before, and gone to them. When they are spaced out and not over-done, they can be a lot of fun. I got some great stuff. But I think they should not be included in wedding related get-togethers because its just asking too much.

TheBaney

I hate these kinds of parties, and won't go to any that I am invited to on principle alone. Calling it a party is a misnomer, when the sole purpose is to make money for the "host."

NOLAbridealmost

I think they're tacky in general; doubly so for a bridal shower. 

*Shudders*

achiduck

I would not enjoy something like that. I like to purchase a shower gift on my own terms and I do not appreciate high-pressure sales pitches.

MNVegas

Add me to the group that thinks this is a really bad idea. I hate these parties and I certainly would not attend one for a shower.  Extremely rude!

whitsy

::waves the tacky surrender flag::

misssunshine17

Tell your friend to register there and you can spread the word! 

heylady87

Have your friend register for the kitchenwares she wants, and then throw a Kitchen Bridal Shower.

Guests can purchase the kitchenwares on her registry (or whatever they want), bring in recipes to write on cute recipe cards to match her future kitchen, special dish towels, etc. No pressure to spend tons of money, and she still gets her kitchen items.

saranandy

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_is-a-pampered-chef-party-tacky?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:9d68b873-be34-40e2-b083-ad5adeb09395Post:7ad6c3ca-e8e8-44ab-bfaf-eacc0d500a04">Re: Is a Pampered Chef party tacky?</a>:
[QUOTE]Have your friend register for the kitchenwares she wants, and then throw a Kitchen Bridal Shower. Guests can purchase the kitchenwares on her registry (or whatever they want), bring in recipes to write on cute recipe cards to match her future kitchen, special dish towels, etc. No pressure to spend tons of money, and she still gets her kitchen items.
Posted by heylady87[/QUOTE]

I agree, this sounds so much nicer! And most of the women I know would be super tickled to get to contribute a favorite recipe.

PhoneCardLady

DONT DO IT. TACKY~