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pampchefrhondab said:Thanks everyone!
I don't really have much advice. It was all the MIL and getting the invites out and really understanding how the shower works and letting the guests know.
I did print all of her wish items from the files here and posted them on gift bags. I supplied all the guests with mini bags (they were actually clear treat bags) with tissue paper and a note card to put the pictures in. This way she could open up the presents and they could write her a note. We also tied some of them shut so she could break some ribbons (good luck for having babies). I decorated the bags w/pretty wedding stickers. Everyone really liked the idea.
This bridal shower was at a church which gave us plenty of room! It was also for both sides of the family. Many times I have had showers with only one side of the family.
The bride at the end said, "I liked this shower so much more then a traditional shower." I felt so happy about that. I also talked to the MIL and she said I did such a great job - also made me very happy since she had been to these showers before. She said she really liked the pictures idea.
We didn't play any games. When I had people introduce themselves I asked them to give her some advice for the kitchen (but only the kitchen!). Then I said, "Okay, we've given her kitchen advice, now we have some advice from a 1950's Home Ec book. " I had passed out 10 sheets of advice to be read off and then asked for No. 1, No 2, etc. After each was read, we then read the advice for "Today." The bride said she loved it so much more then the silly games.
Just make sure you host coach the person hosting the shower. Make sure they tell people when they RSVP that they do not bring a gift. This helps a lot.
Good luck,
pampchefrhondab said:Hey Kearstin,
(love your name BTW- my second daughter is Kirsten we pronounce it a litte different then your name)
I used to use a large board, but found it hard to take w/me and hard to keep (I have limited storage room).
I now use bridal gift bags from the store. I printed the picutres from the files here. They print on stickers so you don't have to cut them out! I then laminated them. I took off the price from the stickers though and then just list the price on the wish list each person receives. This way when the gifts are given to the bride she's not staring at the price!
I use small pieces of velcro and attach the pictures to the bag(s) (Depending on how large the wish list is). For this shower I had one very large bag in the middle and a small one on each side. They were displayed on a card table. I of course put white tissue paper inside. I also had to attach some products to the back of the bags. I'm getting ready to leave for work, but I'll try to take a picture tonight of one of them for you.
I do set up a table w/products. I just try to do some of the basics (cookware, stoneware, new products, SA, etc.). I also bring the SA's I have (stands and pieces) for the food table the host sets up. If I bring the 3 tierd stand I make a sign, "Best Wishes Sara and Logan" in their wedding color w/streams of ribbon coming down the sides.
Bridal showers take a long time to prep for, but they are usually worth it. If you want to talk to me on the phone, PM me and I'll give you my phone number.
Take Care,
PC Nut said:Rhonda I don't have this recipe book. Can you send me this recipe? I have a shower Sunday afternoon. TIA
dragonflyz said:Awesome ideas...I haven't had a bridal shower yet but I keep saving all these valuable tips 'just in case'...nice job! Thanks for helping the rest of us out! I am also glad you posted pics too...I was a little confused prior to!
PCGINA said:Reporting Back ~
I did use some of the ideas from this post and here is my opinion(s):
I redid my color coded index cards with pictures "without" prices and attached them with stickey tack (NO - it does not work) and had a seperate list avialable with the prices. BIG MISTAKE!!! I loved the Gift Bag idea and it worked GREAT!!:love: :love: :love: BUT the next time I do this the prices will be included with the photos.
Everyone was looking for prices (even though they knew the price range) for what they had picked out. Even the mother of the bride was looking up prices in the catalog because she did not know there was a list available in her lapboard.
I did include blank (ginamade) Gift Certificates available for thsoe who jsut didn't know what to pick - went over VERY well.
In the end, my bride had a $755.00 shower. Her mother purchased the Exec Cookware as one of her 1/2 price items and all is well.
It was fun...
krackley said:Well, I'm sorry to report that despite sending out 42 invitations, making super cute registry cards, and putting all my time and energy into the shower for three whole days, it was only a $153 shower. Not sure what went wrong!
The key to a successful bridal shower without presents is to focus on creating a fun and memorable experience for the bride-to-be and her guests. This can include games, activities, and delicious food. You can also ask guests to bring a small contribution towards the cost of the shower instead of a traditional gift.
If guests insist on bringing presents, you can politely let them know that the shower is focused on celebrating the bride and you would prefer for them to contribute towards the cost of the shower instead. You can also suggest alternative gift options such as a group gift or a charitable donation in the bride's name.
No, it is not rude to have a bridal shower without presents. In fact, many brides are opting for alternative options to traditional gifts. The focus should be on celebrating the bride and creating a memorable experience, not on receiving material items.
You can include a note on the invitation or create a separate insert explaining that the shower is gift-free and that guests are not expected to bring presents. You can also politely mention it to guests who RSVP or as they arrive at the shower.
Some alternative gift ideas for a bridal shower without presents include contributing towards the cost of the shower, creating a memory book or video for the bride, organizing a group activity or outing, or making a charitable donation in the bride's name. You can also ask guests to bring a special recipe or piece of marriage advice for the bride-to-be.