Alternative to wedding shower gifts?

There really isn't. I mean, a shower is to "shower" the bride with gifts.. that's the whole point of it. You could just have a party I guess?

There is always something that you could get. Maybe you don't exactly need it, but something that you wouldn't necessarily buy for yourself right now. Upgrades.

Lucy's pretty much right....

Do you have an idea of things that you want to buy with the gift cards? Like she said, if you are planning on upgrading certain items like dishes, vaccum, bathroom items then you could just register for them and save yourself the trip. The only other option would be to skip the "gift opening" all together. But I know alot of women who enjoy that part of the shower.

One lady on here had a charm shower, where everyone brought her a pandora charm for a bracelet her mom got her, she loved it. This may not be your style but lingerie (can never have enough, if your into that and you dont think your guest will be weirded out).... NO JUDGEMENT HERE (lingerie>>> pots anyday). You could also have a "something you wish you had for your marriage shower." this could include books, recipes, massage/ salon treatments. IDK Im not married yet, but I've heard of it.

Side note: I have been to Recipe showers...each guest brought a typed copy of their signature or favorite recipe for the bride and then MOH who hosted then had them compiled into a bound hard cover book for her. I thought it was a great id3ea

Lucy nailed it. If you are not registering you shouldn't be expecting a shower. Have a luncheon or a non-gifting event if you want ladies to gather.

I agree with the others that the whole point of a shower is to "shower" the bride/couple with gifts, so there's really no point if you're not doing gifts. You can suggest to the host that you would prefer something like a bridal luncheon or a recipe shower (I've never been to either but I think both sound great!)

Wine, recipes (I love that idea), books, replacements for towels, china, etc. One of my couples had a video game shower (they were that kind of couple.....)

Surely you need some upgrades? New towels, rugs, pot holders, decorations, sheets, comforters, or maybe you have some hobbies you share like hiking/camping? I agree if you don't want gifts don't have a shower. Maybe have bridal tea?

Stock the bar- everyone brings wine/liquor/bar tools

If you absolutely couldnt use new bathroom towels, or new luxurious sheets and fluffly pillows, and an electric blanket, or a heated mattress pad, or a new coffee maker, or set of new quality luggage, matching dishes, new glasses.....God I could could on and on, then skip the shower and go for the bridal luncheon. You cant ask for cash for your shower...its a gift giving event. Otherwise, as others have said, come up with a theme...like recipes, movies, jewlery, a in home spa day etc

I'm having a bridal luncheon. No gifts and I still get to have a nice lunch. The number of people that were invited was very small too. You have to decide if you want a more traditional shower with some type of registry or skip all that and just have a lunch/tea party.

@MrsCheapskate thanks for the reminder! I need to add a electric blanket to my registry lol

Just use it to upgrade things. I also LOVE the recipe ideas

Just don't have a shower. You'll be just as married.

There are so many great ideas! I guess I could use a few new things!

@Celia - I better not let my FH see that video game shower. He might want to change ours. Lol. Not that I would mind too much, but I can just see my relatives trying to get the games for us.

Genny, Toejam and Earl is doing a kickstarted....just sayin'

I was the in the same boat. We recently purchased our home and received many items from a housewarming party.

We had very small wedding last month and didnt register for gifts, but those who didnt attend the wedding still wanted to celebrate with a shower.

My family threw a recipe shower and it was a blast. The invitations requested guests bring a recipe and well wishes. Instead of opening gifts I read out their heartfelt advice.

The wording on the invites read: "In lieu of gifts please bring the note card with your favorite recipe and your recipe for a happy marriage".

I couldn't be more grateful and the recipes were so practical. Im going to treasure this recioe book and its being used all the time.

And at the end of the day.... The real gift was being surrounded by all the people who I love.

I'm getting married in 4 months, and I recently got the advice that "if you don't want gifts, don't do a shower, because the point is the gifts." It didn't feel right, and today I figured out why. My two cents: the point of a bridal shower isn't to give gifts. The point is to create a community of women around the bride, who celebrate her and support her as she enters into a major new chapter of her life -- for the women of both sides of the family to come together and meet, so they can be there for her through thick and thin. Gifts are a nice, material way to do that, but it's actually about community and preparation.


I am not yet sure what I'll do for my own shower. I'm thinking of asking everyone to bring a book that inspires them or helped them in some way when it comes to love. I also love the recipe idea, and the writing of advice.