A bridal shower is traditionally given by the Maid of Honor, the bridal party, a best friend, or even a close-knit group of old chums. It’s usually a total secret from the bride, and the utmost standards of privacy and the surprise party element have to be maintained lest the bride discovers the truth of it.
The bride’s immediate family can’t host the shower because that would seem like the bride’s family was just asking for free presents, gifts, and other items for their house. That seems selfish, greedy, and out of place for an event where gifts are a bonus to the friends’ presence and not a necessity by any stretch of the imagination. However, with the times changing, more and more families are getting involved. The tables have turned, and now sisters, brothers, mothers, and fathers are getting expertly involved in the planning, catering, gift-giving, and joyous celebration of the bridal shower. Aside from the potential discourtesy and miffed feelings that it can generate, it actually makes a lot more sense to have the family host and help out with it at their house. It’s almost like a birthday party for marriage. It’s a time of wonder and fear, of life and love, of change and staying the same.
The bride should send out the invitations by hand, herself, if she’s hosting the party at her house. There’s nothing wrong with it. She should just be present at every planning stage. After all, it’s her bridal shower, and the Maid of Honor can still participate amazingly well. It’s just that bridal shower invitations are special because they reflect on the mood, character, temperament, and personality of the bride in special, magical ways.
Budgets for bridal showers vary, but bridal shower invitations are cheap if you buy a package of 100 for $30 or something like that. Guest count, catering, and decor can run up the bill. Have your guests bring their own food items alongside their gifts. This saves on money, encourages creative volunteerism, and encourages people to take an active role in the bridal shower. Some of the best food was born out of forced volunteerism, so to speak.
Bridal shower invitations are often cheaper than other cards because the event is not all that important. It’s not as significant as Christmas, a 50 year wedding anniversary, Easter, or a birthday. It’s just the thing before the wedding, as some women say.
Jeff Fain is an author for Dependable Printing. Please visit Dependable Printing for a great selection of wedding invitations, wedding anniversary invitations, bridal shower invitations, party invitations, and much more.
