Open House Bridal Shower?

Question

I'm having my bridal shower in a few weeks. None of my family lives in state, so it'd just be my bridal party and then friends and coworkers. My mom was thinking about having an open house as my bridal party instead of doing something traditional since we wouldn't have any family there. Does anybody have any ideas of what that would look like or any other ways to throw a bridal shower?

Answer 1

I agree. It is very poor etiquette for someone in your family to be hosting the bridal shower. None of your friends can host it? If not, perhaps you shouldn't have one, or have one so that your family can visit from out of state. What do you mean by "Open House"? To me, that sounds like something where people might have some finger goods, beverages, but not be expected to stay a long time. If this is the case, then yes, it looks like you're just greedy for gifts.

I don't think you should have the shower if it can't be done properly, or without offending your guests.

Answer 2

I have been to an open house bridal shower before.  People generally stay anyway (especially if there is food served), but it makes it so they don't feel so bad about leaving before everyone else.  It also takes the pressure off being on time.  You don't have to do games (if you don't want to).  There's also nothing wrong with doing a traditional bridal shower without the family that lives out of state.  I have known many people to have two showers: one for family and one for friends or co-workers.  It all depends on who is throwing it.  You might be able to make it up to your family by having a little party or a mini shower when they get into town.  It all depends on scheduling.

If someone wants to throw you a shower, let them.  There is nothing wrong with throwing the rule book out the window once in a while.

Answer 3

That seems kind of rude in a way. Like you want people to come over, drop off their gift and then leave.  

Answer 4

No family member, unless a member of the bridal party, should be hosting a shower, sorry.

If you're asking about about tradition then I assume you care about who hosts and how your guests will feel.

To the person who posted below who thinks it's fine to "my day, my way" it, think again. You're planning a party and inviting guests (and expecting them to bring gifts). Please consider their feelings.

Answer 5

Don't give a shower for yourself. If people in your family want to give you a shower, ask them to invite ONLY family members. To some people it would look greedy for the host to ask for gifts for her own family. Your mom has the right idea that she should be giving a luncheon, a card party, a bbq, a tea, just about any kind of party OTHER than a shower.

The easiest party is wine and cheese. At a minimum you need two kinds of wine plus water, two kinds of cheese plus butter, and two kinds of bread/cracker type stuff.  

Answer 6

I don't like the idea honestly..

What difference does it make it your "family" isn't there.  

Answer 7

It's really better to have a set time for the shower. It doesn't matter that it won't be family attending, you do the same things.

And there is nothing wrong with family members - like your mom - hosting your shower - that's how it's done where I'm from, it's done by the mom or moms, sisters, aunties - all pitch in with the food for example.

If it's games you are trying to stay away from, that's totally fine, just don't include them. Just have some drinks and chitchat, a nice light lunch, and open gifts.