Bridal Shower Host

rsanna

I feel dumb. Inspired by the Hostess Gift question below, I just realized I haven't really thought about this. Luckily, I have time to fix it as there is still like 20-30 days before my shower (its super early but it works for everyone).  I don't really know what they are doing, but I think my BMs are all chipping in to pay for it, so I should get them all a hostess gift, right? This doesn't seem to be something done in my "family" circle so I don't really know what I'm doing but I know I want to get them a hostess gift if that is what is proper. Hopefully this makes sense.

Oh and for future reference, the same thing with the bachelorette party, too right? Though  I don't have to worry about that for months.

Help me make sure I do the right thing.

Jen4948

Well, I don't think you need a hostess gift if the party isn't held in someone's home.  It's a nice gesture if you otherwise want to do it, but it's really a way of saying to the hostess, "Thanks for letting us party in your home and providing the space/refreshments/etc."

nda8414

you could write a nice note or give a small gift to everyone...even if one person did more, it would still be nice for everyone in your BP to get a note/gift of gratitude

Jen4948

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-host-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c1acee96-1615-4b12-8edb-b3cb7467c308Post:8995a70e-858b-419a-9c4f-f7737fdd7f51">Re: Bridal Shower Host</a>:
[QUOTE]you could write a nice note or give a small gift to everyone...even if one person did more, it would still be nice for everyone in your BP to get a note/gift of gratitude
Posted by nda8414[/QUOTE]

This is a nice idea.

rsanna

I was kind of leaning towards a small gift but then I started second guessing myself and figured I would much rather err on the side of caution and ask then to do something stupid and hurt my friends.

What would you guys think if I gave them something I baked? Or would that be really weird? I just don't want to come off as ungrateful.

Jen4948

If you have anyone with a dietary issue who couldn't eat what you baked, then it wouldn't be a very good gift.  I have such a dietary issue, so I wouldn't be thrilled to receive baked goods as a hostess gift.

I know a lot of people recommend baked goods, but they don't take into account dietary issues.  If you want to give something of a culinary nature, I think a gift card to a restaurant would generally work better.

rsanna

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_bridal-shower-host-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:c1acee96-1615-4b12-8edb-b3cb7467c308Post:5a3056c6-2bb3-43e6-8a15-dd62903dda91">Re: Bridal Shower Host</a>:
[QUOTE]If you have anyone with a dietary issue who couldn't eat what you baked, then it wouldn't be a very good gift.  I have such a dietary issue, so I wouldn't be thrilled to receive baked goods as a hostess gift. I know a lot of people recommend baked goods, but they don't take into account dietary issues.  If you want to give something of a culinary nature, I think a gift card to a restaurant would generally work better.
Posted by Jen4948[/QUOTE]

I don't think anyone has a dietary issue, I've baked for them all before. But this is a good point, because beyond the dietary issue they may not like what I bake them or if I get them tea it may not be a flavor they like.  I may try to get them a gift certificate to the local coffee shop downtown that I know they like. Then they can pick whatever they want.

nda8414

I wouldn't have thought of the dietary issue either, but as long as you know it's not an issue, that would be lovely.  At the end of the day, it's really the thought that counts, so even if you baked me oatmeal raisin cookies (that I don't really like), I would still be touched.

teachmegs1

I plan on writing each of my BM's a note in addition to a Thank You card if they got me a gift. My FI and I are also hosting a little post shower party at our house that evening, and inviting over the BM's, a few family members, and some friends, to say thanks again to those who put on my shower and offered up their time/money/ect. to make it happen. It'll be nice to sit back, have a few drinks, and be able to really talk and hang out with some of the people who are going to be in town for it.