Bridal Shower

A shower by definition is a gift giving event. If you don’t want gifts, don’t have a shower. However it is not polite to ask anyone to pay for their own food and beverages on top of that at a party they are hosting. Is a restaurant the only venue option? Typically they are held in the hostess’s home (backyard if the house is not large enough) and refreshments are cake, punch and sandwich platters that can be picked up from Costco.

That definitely feels tacky. Will the guests know prior? Would they be able to cut down the list or find a cheaper place/caterer? I've heard of some showers that catered Chipotle or something similar and had the event in their backyard to save costs. The main point of showers are to give the bride gifts, and I think people would still feel obligated to give gifts, even if they paid for their food.

View Quoted Comment Unfortunately everyone lives in an apartment so no backyard. I thought it was tacky too.

Oh man it's kind of rude to have people pay for their own meals and drinks.

maybe they can just do it at a park where they supply super simple appetizers? it really may not cost as much to host as you think!

View Quoted Comment I agree with this! If it's hosted at a non-meal time, appetizers and/or desserts can be served instead for much cheaper than a full meal.

View Quoted Comment I like this. Thanks for the suggestions.

Agree with all the PPs. Super tacky and rude. I think the suggestion of having the shower at a local park at a non-meal time where they would only have to provide appetizers is a good one. Or in someone's home/apartment.

View Quoted Comment Some apartment buildings have a community room where you can host small events. Otherwise rent an inexpensive venue through the local parks department website.

I'd rather not have a shower than ask people to pay for their own meals at a shower.