Long-Distance Bridal Shower?

Question

I will be traveling back home (several states away) for a weekend full of Bridal and Personal Showers. My Maid of Honor asked me what type of personal shower I would like - (most are often lingerie, etc). I am not really sure if I WANT a shower where I receive lingerie... I would almost rather purchase those things on my own. Aside from that, as I am traveling, it will be difficult to travel back to my home with tons of gifts of all shapes and sizes (no matter what kind of showers go on - personal and family/traditional). Does anyone have any suggestions or personal experiences like this? Of course, I have thought of just receiving gift cards, but is that too boring?

Answer 1

I think I would still stick with a lingerie shower for my personal shower.  Lingerie is extremely easy to pack, as most of what you get will be small.  To be sure that you get items that you would like, maybe tell your Maid of Honor your sizes and perhaps what you could use (i.e. regular Pj's, honeymoon, etc.)  I'm sure people will be asking her what to get you and if she knows what size.  And, usually, people are really good about giving gift receipts with gifts these days.  I would think that most peope would know that you are traveling so would make it small or give you a gift card, but your Maid of Honor could tactfully suggest gift cards to your guests.

Answer 2

Your Maid of Honor should only be throwing you one shower.  And it's never polite to ask or tell guests what to get you, only to tell them where you are registered.  Your maid of honor can then ship everything to you in one box, with the list of who got you what.  (That will save space in the box she sends you UPS.)  If you really don't care for a personal shower, tell her.  

Answer 3

you don't need a themed shower. i've been to tons of showers in my life and they're usually NOT 'lingerie showers' or other themes. you can just have a normal bridal shower where guests can get you what they want. you could register for your honeymoon so that they can put money toward your honeymoon.

Answer 4

I had the exact same problem.  I got married 2 states away, which is also where all my guests lived.  My sister and MOH threw me a shower on a weekend they knew I would be home and I have to admit, all the gifts and then traveling back home was a bit overwhelming (I only got 1 gift card).  The whole point of the shower is basically for people to fulfill your registry.  And unless you've only registered for gift cards, you're going to get a lot of it.  If you're worried about travel, tell your MOH to have everyone send you gifts (esp. if they're using a registry).  My friend did this for her wedding since they had to fly out to their sight and there was no way they would fly back with everything.  But if people end up loading you up with gifts, have your FH there when you get home to help unload everything.  This is what I did.  

Answer 5

Have the hostess put info on the invites that you'll be traveling, and to keep gifts small.  If you've registered, people can have gifts shipped usually at no cost to them, but it depends on the store--find one that offers free shipping for wedding gifts, and then have hostesses list THAT store as your registry store.  And while you're saying you don't want a lingerie shower--remember that lingerie is usually pretty small and won't take up alot of room in a suitcase.  People usually leave tags on and include gift receipts anymore, so you can always return what's not to your liking.  Maybe even ask hostesses if they wouldn't mind shipping gifts back to your home for you, since you'll be time compressed with traveling and all the social events planned.  

Good luck and congrats on your upcoming wedding  

Answer 6

You cant just receive gift cards, because it wouldnt be a shower without opening gifts and oohing and ahhing over them! So forget about that and accept the fact that you will have to transport the gifts.

Your guests will probably figure out that its going to be difficult to transport items back home. But even so, you will end up with a good amount of gifts. Pack what you can for the plane ride, and send the rest to yourself.

This is what I did, and I live abroad so I know its not cheap to send a large box to yourself. But I felt it was the only way, because I would never suggest or hint that I have requirements on the gifts they choose to give me. Just be grateful, and figure out a way after the shower.  

Answer 7

suggest some of the guest go in on some of the more expensive things. like if you wanted all-clad pans or a dyson vacuum. although the gift it self may be bigger you will probably save room in your car because you wont have a bunch of little boxes just maybe a couple of bigger ones. as far as the personal shower goes.... my friends wanted to buy me a bunch of s*x toys and such..and while that stuff is nice, id rather pick it out with my honey!!! so i told my cousin who is throwing it for me to see if everyone could chip in on a Victoria Secret GC & we have a pizza and beer girls night.

and another thing... out of you and your fiance- take whoever has the biggest vehicle and take everything out of it! that way you can have the most room possible.

hope this helps!