Wedding Showers date back to the 18th century according to Emily Post. The story is that there was a father who did not like his daughter’s choice of husband and refused to give her a dowry. Friends of the groom felt sorry for him and supported him by collecting enough “assets” among themselves and “showered” the bride with them so that the marriage could take place!

Today’s showers have evolved over time, but there are still some “rules” or guidelines most brides should follow.

• The bride’s maid of honor is the usual hostess for a wedding shower, but any bridesmaid, friend of the bride’s mother or groom’s mother or distant relative of the bride can be hostess. It is not acceptable for the bride to host her own shower, neither should any immediate member of her family or the groom’s family. To do this implies that they are soliciting gifts for the bride.
• With all the talk of “themed” weddings, potential hostesses wonder if they need to plan a shower in keeping with the theme of the wedding. The answer is no. The shower simply celebrates the upcoming marriage of the couple. The closest the events come to a “theme” is the kind of gifts guests bring to the shower, such as spa items, kitchen items or lingerie. Some showers are for couples. Gift items for those should appeal to both genders like bar items, tools, outdoor equipment or electronics.
• Only guests who have been invited to the wedding should be invited to the shower. The only exception is for a workplace shower where not all work colleagues may be invited to the wedding. It is also not necessary or even feasible to invite every female who is on the guest list.
• Including Gift registry information on the shower invitation is acceptable and this is the only acceptable place. Brides should open all shower gifts at the shower and thank each person as the gift is opened. Each gift must be followed by a handwritten thank you note. If multiple showers are given for the bride, guests who attend more than one shower need only give one gift. If a guest cannot attend a shower, she should not feel obligated to send a gift.

For answers to your questions, call 868 824-4015, or email mwilt@triniweddings.com .