Bridal showers wedding help:
Articles: bride’s guide to wedding showers, lingerie showers, and what to expect (or what not to expect) for your wedding.
Traditionally the bride’s only responsibility regarding showers is to show up and enjoy herself. It has now become customary to register for gifts for the general shower, and we can help you with general guidance on bridal shower registry here. Bridal showers usually consist of a general wedding shower, where guests bring gifts to outfit the home, and a lingerie shower, which outfits the bride with sexy lingerie (and sometimes fun but embarrassing “wedding night” kits).
The general wedding shower is typically done at the home church of the bride, although sometimes there are extra showers at her place of work, or closer to the groom’s family if they live out of town. General showers can be for women only, but in a traditional church setting, the entire congregation (men, women, families) can be invited through the bulletin (saving the work and expense of individual invitiation mailings). Think of it this way: by opening the shower up to anyone, you may be surprised at how many people want to share in your celebration (and bring you gifts too!).
The bride’s friends and family usually host this shower, and guests will probably expect some type of punch, finger foods, and cake. Depending on your budget, you can have an entire meal provided, inexpensive sandwich fixings, or just peanuts, fruit and cheese (light refreshments).
The lingerie shower is usually by invitation only, to women only, and hosted by the close friends and family of the bride (usually those in the wedding party). Depending on your guests, be prepared to be embarrassed (especially in front of your future mother-in-law), but it is all part of the fun! If you are concerned that a particular guest may be “tacky”, remember guests are used to all sorts of creative (and tacky) gifts at showers, and do not consider it a reflection of you- use the time to enjoy your friendships, and think about how exciting it will be to finally be married! If it is really bothering you (and you would be absolutely mortified if someone brought something inappropriate), you can mention this to one of your hosts so they can gently bring it up around whatever guest you want. Be careful not to hurt feelings. You might suggest that they just strike up a general conversation and find out what the other guest plans to bring. This may then alleviate your fears. Do what you need to be able to look forward to the event, but consider being open for whatever fun happens- you should relax and enjoy the shower! (Think about how much fun it will be when you bring everything home- let your fiance come over and look through your gifts- he can enjoy looking forward to your wedding too!-but be sure to hide your special “wedding night outfit” if you received one).
