Help: Bridal shower invite wording

I have to ask the question, do you think your friend is going to be pleasantly surprised by this event? Just asking because if she said she doesn’t want one, and also intentionally didn’t register, I’d make sure she isn’t going to be upset showing up to a gift-giving event. Maybe she just doesn’t want more “stuff.” Could it be cast instead as a Bridal Brunch (or lunch)? That saves the risk of people showing up with random gifts that she doesn’t want or need. You could also ask people to bring favorite recipes for the bride instead?

I agree with Stacey. Is there a reason she didn't want a shower? It might be super uncomfortable for her to show up to a shower she doesn't want. Anyways I think asking guests to bring their favorite recipe is a super cute idea. Otherwise she might end up with gifts she really doesn't want/won't use.

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much for your ideas. I LOVE the recipe idea! She was torn about having a shower due to timeline between our other friend who is getting married at the end of July and her wedding at the end of August. I know for their wedding they have a honeymoon fund request but her mom was looking for ideas and suggestions for a shower without a registry. I shared the same concern with her mom and her mom feels bad because she missed out on a baby shower and engagement party due to Covid, she just wants to do something nice for her.

A recipe shower sounds absolutely perfect for this situation!! Great suggestion Stacey! 👏

I would be so sad if someone threw me a surprise shower after I said I didn't want a shower. As long as you think your friend would be OK with some type of party (and she likes surprises in general), then I would encourage her mom to throw a brunch/lunch/tea without using the word shower (since "shower" automatically = gifts). That way the lack of a registry is not an issue, the mom still gets to host an event, and the bride is (hopefully) Ok with the whole thing.

Oh man, I would be so grateful to me if you warned me - especially if I didn’t want a shower at all! Be careful helping with this, you’re siding with your friend’s mother to run right over her boundary.
I get VERY upset when I’ve told someone something and they disregard my choice and think they know better than me. I would not be able to trust you again.