What to do when the bride and groom are out of state for a bridal shower?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various strategies for organizing a bridal shower when the couple resides out of state, focusing on shipping logistics and guest participation. Participants share their personal experiences and suggestions for managing gifts and host benefits effectively.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions planning a bridal shower for a couple living in Washington while the guests are in Iowa, expressing concerns about shipping logistics.
  • Another participant suggests hosting two separate shows, one for each address, to manage gifts effectively.
  • One participant proposes a creative idea where guests could cut out pictures of items from old catalogs to present to the couple, while the actual gifts are shipped directly to them.
  • Another participant shares their experience of directly shipping gifts to the couple's home, noting that it can be more expensive but ensures safe delivery.
  • One participant highlights the importance of encouraging outside orders to maximize host benefits, regardless of guest invitations.
  • Several participants confirm that they have successfully implemented similar strategies, emphasizing the effectiveness of direct shipping and managing host benefits.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the clarity provided in the discussion, indicating that they have upcoming showers to plan.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the effectiveness of direct shipping and the option of hosting two shows, though some express concerns about the impact on host benefits. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best approach, as various strategies are shared.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and suggestions based on their own bridal shower planning, reflecting a range of logistical considerations and creative solutions.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants planning bridal showers for couples living out of state may find the shared experiences and strategies helpful in navigating similar situations.

cookn' katie
Messages
391
I am doing a bridal shower the end of May for my husband's cousin and fiance. They live in Washington and the shower and entire guest list lives in Iowa. They don't want to ship everything at their own cost to Washington and I don't want to have 2 different address to ship to. What do you guys do when this happens?
 
Two shows? One to each address?
 
What if the guests used old catalogs and cut out pictures of what they were ordering for the bride and groom? They could wrap the pictures so the couple would have something to open and you could just have the real item shipped directly to Washington...that way the giver gets to see how the couple reacts to their gift without the added hassle of trying to get the real gifts back home then....(I hope this makes sense!):confused::confused:
Just a thought!
Jen
 
Are you doing a typical shower for them? They will be there? You put all of the gifts under his name as guest and all of the host benefits under her name as host and have them directly shipped to their home. It's a little more expensive, but VERY reasonable. The ONLY downside is if the guests purchase $60 worth of product WITH the gift with the couple. They wouldn't get the free product. Small price to pay to get the stuff off safely. I did this with my niece. She lives in Hawaii and it was great for her to know that it would arrive safely. I just made sure to wait to submit the order until I knew that she'd be back home.
 
Oh..and the rest of the order will go to the host to distribute to the rest of the guests. Remember to encourage them to get outside orders. Doesn't matter if they are invited. It's a catalog show to them!!
 
I've done this before and done exactly what Jules is saying. It worked well.
 
I have done one and that is exactly what I did...two shows. One for bride & groom so items go directly to them and another for those who live locally for their items. It worked out great!
 
The problem with doing it as two shows is that the host benefits are seriously cut. I put the gifts under the bride or groom's name, with direct shipping. (I pay for the shipping. That's my gift to the bride and groom.) I put the host of the shower as the host of the party. Guests' personal orders are shipped to the host's home. I put the bride as the co-host. This allows the host of the shower to get a discount and PHD. All of the free products can go to the bride as co-host. Her products can be shipped directly to her. (Again, the shipping charge is part of my gift.)
 
My director has done this also Rae...or something similar to make it all work out. I've not had to do it yet, but this description is great, it's the first time I've had it explained where I "get it". Thanks! I have 3-4 of them coming so this is good mojo for me:thumbup:
 
My pleasure. I hope they're all tremendously successful.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some creative ways to include out-of-state bride and groom in the bridal shower?

Consider using video conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype to allow the couple to join the celebration virtually. You can also create a video montage of messages from friends and family that can be shared during the shower.

Can I send gifts directly to the couple if they are out of state?

Yes! Many bridal registries allow you to send gifts directly to the couple's address. You can also coordinate with other guests to send a group gift, ensuring it arrives on time.

How can I involve the couple in the planning process from afar?

Reach out to the couple for their input on themes, games, and food preferences. Use online surveys or group chats to gather their thoughts and ideas, making them feel included in the planning.

What are some fun activities to do at the bridal shower that can include the couple remotely?

Host games that can be played online, such as trivia about the couple or virtual bingo. You can also have a live cooking demonstration where the couple can join in from their kitchen, especially if you're using Pampered Chef products.

How can I ensure the couple feels celebrated despite the distance?

Send them a care package with shower favors, personalized notes, and maybe a small gift from the shower. Additionally, make sure to record the event and share highlights with them afterward, so they feel part of the celebration.

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