OK ladies, help me with this one! My FI and I originally planned on having a medium-sized wedding with lots of friends and family. We recently decided to downsize tremendously and just have our parents, siblings, and one friend each. Everyone has been very understanding about this change of plan because I am from NJ and my invitations had not been mailed yet. (A lot of my family is grateful to not have to spend the money to make the trip to Minneapolis).
The only person whose planning has had to abruptly come to a stop is my best friend (maid of honor, who will still be one of our 16 guests). She has spent a lot of time planning a bridal shower for me, which would have been an opportunity for many relatives to see me who would not be able to travel to MN. She would still like to host some kind of a gathering, although I have told her that it is taboo to have a bridal shower since the ladies will not be invited to the wedding itself.
She is interested in hosting some type of a Ladies Brunch before the wedding to have ladies still gather. What do you think of this language rather than "Bridal Shower." Another option is to have a picnic or get-together in NJ after the wedding.
Thoughts are appreciated!