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Just Said Yes October 2019

Gift display shower

Abbey, on May 30, 2019 at 10:28 AM Posted in Parties and Events 0 8

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Hi!
The shower that my bridesmaids are throwing is at a cute little boutique/tea party place. They only give a 2 hour window for the party, so my MOH suggested doing a gift display instead of opening gifts. I’m a huge people pleaser so I immediately thought about if that’s going to piss people off or not...when I brought it up with my mom she said it would be “highly unclassy and completely against etiquette” and basically said “no you’re opening gifts” but it’s not her shower and my MOH is pretty set on doing a display. Have any of you done a display shower? Pros/cons? We’re people mad? (I’m assuming it would be mostly the older ladies that would find it offensive). I also hate being the center of attention, and every time I open presents I feel like my reaction is forced, even if I love the gift. Help!!

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8 Comments

Latest activity by Jolie, on May 30, 2019 at 12:25 PM

Master June 2019
Danielle · on May 30, 2019 at 10:51 AM
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Honestly, 2 hours is plenty of time for a bridal shower and to open gifts....if you choose to go that route. Most showers are only 2-3 hours long. However, I have never heard of a gift display, but I suppose it would be okay. How does it work? Do people bring unwrapped gifts?
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on May 30, 2019 at 10:55 AM
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My present opening took around 20 minutes, and I had somewhere around 30 presents to open. How many women are attending? You could just do it quickly?
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Just Said Yes October 2019
Abbey · on May 30, 2019 at 11:17 AM
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Yes, they bring the gift unwrapped with a card taped to it and my MOH will set them up on a table to display the gifts that I got.
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Master September 2019
Sarah · on May 30, 2019 at 11:26 AM
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The issue I have with this is that when you’re opening the gifts, you can specifically thank the guest that got you that gift in person. If you aren’t even opening them, when you go to talk to Aunt Lucy you won’t be able to thank her for the crock pot she got you. My cousin had a display shower and it was pretty clear that all they cared about was the booze and brunch. She barely talked to anyone from our family and just did one generic thank you at the end of the party.
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Super October 2019
NextChapterReady · on May 30, 2019 at 11:34 AM
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Yeah I mean I'm in my 20s and for me, the whole point is watching you open your gifts. I would be disappointed and I"m not old! haha
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January 2019
MOB So Cal · on May 30, 2019 at 11:36 AM
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Personally, I'm not a fan of "display gift" showers. I'd think a lot about who the guest list includes; if there are a fair number of guests who are likely to feel as your mom does, I wouldn't do it. If the guest list is all your friends, and just your mom (not her friends or other relatives her age), then it might not be as big a deal.
I hosted daughter's shower. There were 25 guests for lunch in a restaurant with a 2-hour time limit. She was able to open all of her gifts as well as enjoy a 3-course lunch, play some games, and visit with everyone. Ultimately, if your MOH is solely hosting, I guess it's her decision how to run things, but if she's asked for your input, I'd think it through. (In our experience, the guests your mom's age are much more likely to be giving gifts of larger financial value and probably like the idea of the whole "opening/surprise" aspect. From older female relatives and friends, daughter received her Kitchen Aid mixer, the full 8 place settings of her china, her full flatware set, etc. Her girl friends gave her dish towels, wine glasses, utensils, etc. I get that might seem weird, but people like to have their gifts opened and acknowledged.) Good luck!
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Just Said Yes October 2019
Abbey · on May 30, 2019 at 11:43 AM
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Thanks everyone! I have never been to a bridal shower, but I’ve always felt that the point is to “shower” the bride with gifts and to see her opening them! I really appreciate everyone’s input!
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Master October 2019
Jolie · on May 30, 2019 at 12:25 PM
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I would either go the route of clear cellophane wrap for gifts or just open them. It shouldn't take longer than a half hour to open them quickly. I think if you do the clear wrapping you can at least go through them and open cards and look at what's inside rather than completely unwrapped gifts and not thanking each guest!
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