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While
showers have evolved and become more relaxed in recent years, there are
still certain rules of bridal shower etiquette that should be observed
in order to avoid offending anyone. Since there will be a variety of
groups there - friends, family and coworkers in most cases - it's
important to understand how everyone should interact. Especially in the
case of family, mothers and grandmothers can place a great deal of
importance on proper bridal shower etiquette, so make sure you know what
the "rules" are!
The Maid of Honor is usually the person expected to plan and organize
the bridal shower. If she lives out of town, however, it's fine for
someone else to do the honors. Don't take over without checking with
her, though. It is her privilege, and you should always ask her before
assuming anything. If you are going to do it for her, make sure you keep
her as involved as she would like to be through frequent emails and
phone calls.
Bridal shower etiquette traditionally says that a shower should be at
least four to six weeks before the wedding. This is for purely practical
reasons - the bride is going to be too busy any closer to the ceremony -
but if she's coming home only two weeks before the wedding, talk to her
and see how she feels about having a shower in her honor so close to the
wedding. She may think this is fine if most of her friends will be able
to be in attendance at that time.
There has been an uncomfortable trend in recent years for large showers
with nearly everyone the bride knows invited. This is not what the
bridal shower is supposed to be. A bridal shower is supposed to be a
small, intimate gathering of the bride's closest friends and family.
Proper bridal shower etiquette dictates a group of no more than ten to
twenty guests.
The guest list should include the wedding party, the mothers of the
bride and groom, sisters of the bride and groom, and the bride's closest
friends and/or coworkers. It shouldn't include every female invited to
the wedding.
Finally, bridal
shower etiquette means being sure to include the wedding party and
the mothers in the shower itself in some way. Ask each person to take on
some responsibility, whether it is recording a list of the gifts and
givers as they are opened or organizing the group for games. This will
make everyone feel they've been part of this special day.
About the Author
Melanie Doetsch is an author at eBridalShowers.com where you will
find further bridal
shower ideas. Be sure to check out our new wedding
planning guide and much more at http://www.ebridalshowers.com.
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