Myself and my fiance live about 3.5 hours from where I grew up, which is where my bridal shower will be held. I'll be up there that weekend also for my bachelorette party, and my shower is the next day. Often at showers, I've noticed the groom kind of pop in at the end to say hi, thank people, and help carry gifts, etc. I wasn't sure if this is mandatory etiquette-wise or just something grooms do to say hi to people. I'm wondering if mine should make this long drive to pop in to the shower for a half hour or if it's okay for him to miss it completely. He obviously isn't coming up with me for whole weekend or he'd be sitting alone at my mom's house while we're at my bachelorette. Of his family, only his mom and his sister will be there anyway since much of his family lives even further away. Thoughts?
Re: Groom make an appearance at bridal shower?
For my DD, her FI did attend the shower once gift opening began. Many of his family attended this shower, including some OOT relatives, and it was a nice opportunity for him to see them and vice versa. When I hosted a shower for my DIL, my son spent the afternoon with his dad, FFIL, and some of the other "menfolk". He returned at the tail end of the shower in time to say a few quick "hello's" and help pack the car.
I personally think this is an example of "to each, his own" philosophy.