Bridal Shower- Couple is relocating! Help!

Hi Nicole! I just had my bridal shower 2 weeks ago and was not registered either. FH and I have our homes and combined have too much stuff. My ladies gave us gift cards and it works out because we can buy things as we need to or just use them during our honeymoon. Maybe gift cards or cash could be helpful since they are moving suddenly. That way they won't have to take too much extra stuff.

I have heard of bridal showers where people bring gift cards! This is a good option since they are moving and I think this is the only time its appropriate to ask for "money" (cards) because of their specific situation. They could be gift cards to restaurants, a cruise, etc. What about a date night themed shower? Or a vacation themed shower? All of the cards or whatever could go towards one cause or one specific theme. You could even put a little note in the invite explaining why it isn't a traditional shower with a registry.

Hey there Nicole!! Welcome to the WeddingWire community!!

Just like FutureMrsB said, I was going to suggest gift cards to any number of places. Restaurants, home stores, Amazon. That way they can use that money to purchase those smaller, last minute items without much thought.

I've heard of showers where everyone contributes to a recipe book.

If they are uncomfortable with accepting gift cards or cash since they're not traditional shower gifts, you could also just throw a bridal (or co-ed) luncheon or brunch? So it will be a get together to celebrate the couple and see everyone but doesn't have to include gifts.

What does she like? Cooking, books, outdoorsy stuff, etc.? You could pick a theme and ask guests to bring something in the theme. If he's military, the military will pay for their move so she can bring items from the shower to her new home.

Gift cards.

IMHO, the prohibition on asking for gift cards/money is absolutely and positively ridiculous as it stands. And in this situation, physical items cause a logistical problem. Sure, if they're military the move is going to be paid for, but does the bride know what her future kitchen is going to look like and how all the stuff they already own is going to fit into it? Probably not. They are going to need to get settled first.

If they know that they don't need anything at the moment, but are anticipating a lot of last-minute small purchases to furnish their new home, then... uh, give them a gift that's actually useful. That's what a shower is supposed to do. Help you set up your house.

People are WAY too attached to the idea of ooh-ing and ah-ing over towels. To the point where it supersedes practicality.

Have a " good things come in small packages" theme, something that was quite common when I was in college, the army, and grad school, where a lot of people are continually moving for a several year period. Shower gifts for a bride may include trousseau type items, and even if she does not want traditional ( rather than naughty) nightgowns, robes ,etc. Maybe semi-precious stud earrings or bracelets in garnet or amethyst or tiger's eye or soft jade, something affordable and nice, not junk jewelry. Or small guidebooks in paperback form, guides to the attractions, from museums to amusement parks, in the state they are going to. Of for a nearby national park. DVD's she might like. Most military spouses have a lot of time on their own. And inviting new neighbors and friends to see movies is a good ice breaker. A variety of music CD's. Things military type housing never has, like mirrors, small ones, or larger unbreakable folding panels no more than 22 inches high ,by a foot, when folded, three sections like in a store dressing room, that fit in the inside of a closet door, were in great demand in any military housing I was in, or friends were. Nice compact hinged cases rather than boxes for jewelry, easy to pack and unbreakable, with a beautiful decorated exterior. Plan that the shower gifts could all be packed in a single 16"x 24" carton for moving, anything else to go directly to their new address. Some gift certificates are nice, but all gift certificates feels cold and impersonal to many. And in many areas, online stuff that is delivered is a problem, as well as more money. If you check out local stores where they are going, great. Garment bags that collapse to a small space when not in use, the kind of shoe or sweater size hanging cubbies of canvas cloth that will hang from a closet bar or a hook on the wall, and fold up smaller when not in use, usually called closet organizer, or those with plastic covers and zippers are small. Thinks that are not permanently mounted, but go on large flat bent hooks over the top of a door, like closet maid organizers that are lightweight, and hold 10-20 bottles of shampoo, shaving cream, and anything else you want in a bathroom, or ones for bedroom doors are useful. One of the worst things about temporary housing is that though lots is provided, there is never enough storage space. You can do a shower with small things , some gift certificates, and if you have a delivery address, a screenshot of what you are having delivered to their new address to save them moving things , will fit in a card. A welcome box shipped to them after they move with a variety of unopened spices, pounds of nuts or jars of hot sauce or honey or maple syrup, things you can spend $200 on when you move, are usually welcome in an empty kitchen. All of the things I mentioned are available in days, except in some areas, mid price jewelry. Hardware stores, grocery stores, WalMart , easy fast purchases, even a little package to go with a card and gift certificate.

Thank you all for your thoughts! Sounds like gift cards might be the way to go. I am sure some close family members may want to give her other personalized items, which will be a nice mix.

I would just throw a bridal shower and let people bring whatever they feel is necessary, especially if they don't want to register. I am thankful you are giving her a shower in the midst of chaos. It is not easy to relocate and leave everything behind. My fiance and I are in the same position and we are already catching commentary because we are moving and getting married on the way to the new duty station due to time and financial reasons. It is hard to come online and hear that we shouldn't have a bridal shower, or celebrate with friends due to financial limitations. My aunt and mother are still throwing me a shower so at least I will get to see my good friends before I leave. With all that said, she will be happy you threw her a little something even of gifts arent the talking point. Especially with moving, my guess is she just wants to be with family and friends before shipping off!

I would feel very uncomfortable attending a gift card shower. Showers are supposed to be for physical gifts, not cash or plastic equivalents.