Bridal shower in a different state. Help?

I had a bridal shower in my hometown, which was also a 2.5 hour flight away from the city where I currently live. Most guests purchased gifts that were smaller in size, and those who purchased large ones had them sent straight to my apartment. At the shower, while I was opening everyone else's gifts, I thanked and acknowledged the gifts from those that were mailed to me earlier. I also flew Southwest so I could check an extra bag for free and transport the gifts. That being said, my shower was long before Covid. A virtual shower is another good option in your case!

Could you do a virtual shower? They’re becoming increasingly popular because of COVID, and it seems like it would be a great option given your circumstances. If not, you could do it while you’re in town for your bachelorette?

If you figure this out please tell me 😂😂 I have the same problem but a longer flight and will only be able to go back once in the next 9 months for one weekend to get my dress fitted 😂😂😂


I do have an idea about the gifts though, I know we're planning on driving up for the wedding so that we can bring centerpieces I made (and our cat that we don't want to leave for two weeks). Is that something that could be realistic for you? That way you could leave any shower gifts with a friend or family member and just take them back after the wedding. I know you probably have a long drive (ours is 22 hours) but it might be worth considering.

I recommend doing a virtual one. Have gifts sent to your home.

A virtual shower is always an option, and is popular nowadays due to the pandemic! Otherwise, I would do what Caytlyn suggested and have two events in one weekend to save you a trip!

For gifts, just let guests know that you would prefer non monetary gifts to be shipped to your current address.

Can you combine it with a venue/vendor visit? That's what I'd do. I'm in this situation now, visiting my in laws and having my shower this weekend.

Personally, I would want a bridal shower near me. I wouldn't want to have to travel for it, but I do agree it's a nice gesture. I'd request a virtual one to avoid needing to take time off and traveling!

Other than a virtual shower, the only other thing I can suggest is maybe drive there. I know you said you can't take a lot of time off, but for the sake of the gifts, if you don't want to pay extra in baggage fees, a car is your best bet. How long of a drive is it? I live and am getting married in Illinois, but most of my fiance's family and my extended family are in Ohio. Last year I had a shower in Illinois, but none of my soon-to-be in-laws came. Now that we've rescheduled, I told my fiance that maybe I should have an Ohio shower now, too. It's only about six hours from us, so it's an easy drive. Again, it's the only other thing I can suggest. Good luck!

View Quoted Comment

I am thinking a virtual one might be nice but I have a lot of older aunts (12 aunts) that might not see it that way. I like the idea of driving its a good ideas too. Our drive is about 18 hrs so we are in the same boat.

View Quoted Comment

Hanna,
I like this idea. As an avid southwest flyer this is a great option.

You would need to drive there and back

View Quoted Comment

It definitely worked out well for me. 2.5 hours on a Southwest direct flight vs. 14+ hours of driving time made the choice to fly a super easy decision. There is no reason you'd need to drive! Just pack lightly in suitcase #1 and bring suitcase #2 empty. I was easily able to fit all of the gifts that I received in-person into the suitcases. The few heavy gifts I received were shipped to me so no need to transport. If you're concerned about heavy gifts, you could always have your shower hosts spread the word about shipping gifts on the heavier side