is it rude to NOT open gifts at the shower

Yeah, I think you need to open them. I know what you're talking about, it can be awkward, but people go expecting they'll get to see you open their gift. Try adding a fun component to it, or at least some fun music in the background?

Ugh, I feel the same way. I have heard of this thing people do sometimes where they have guests bring the presents either not wrapped or in clear wrapping so you can see through it. This way, you don't have to unwrap anything and get to avoid the awkardness/long time it takes to open all the presents. I might suggest that I'd prefer this to my MOH and see how she handles it.

That's a great idea, unfortunately the invitations have already gone out

Yeah, I think it's uncomfortable being the one opening the gifts, but I actually like watching someone open a gift I've brought them.

I hate the opening gifts part. I want to skip it. I mean, you already know what people got you because you put it on your freaking registry! LOL I am debating not opening them and just asking people if they really want me to open it and I will.

I come from a long line of huge showers--there are at least 100 ladies who want you to ooh and ahh over their gift.

that being said, we have gotten good at assembly lining the process: one uwraps and secures the card to the box, another makes a presentable showing or representation of the gift, another jots down gift and giver.

really streamlines the process.

oh and get someone to do silly things with the bows

Just like you have to sit through a baby shower and watch the parents-to-be open gifts, you have to open your gifts at your shower. I know, it's a waste of time, but it's what you have to do. Even though you already know what you're getting, people want to see your reaction to their gift.

I agree, it is uncomfortable being the one opening them all haha. That being said I do like watching people open gifts at showers. As long as you thank each person/say who it's from it will be fine. It can help having someone write down who gave what for the thank you cards..or attaching the card to the box like was mentioned above :-)

OMG it took me FOREVER to open gifts. I was actually sweating by the end it was so much work! But people expect it! Have your mom and sister/aunt/whoever help you, designate a person to write a list of who gave what (this person should know most people there and not be the hostess) And someone to pick up wrapping trash and make piles of opened and unopened. It will go faster.

This is what I am wondering too. my family is crazy and I am kinda scared of what they will get me. And I dont want to be pulling out thongs and whips in front of my grandmothers and MIL...

I find it fun to watch the bride open gifts

Just work out a good assembly line.. my family has it down to a science because we have a large family and generally this part of the shower takes a decent length of time... there are tricks to cut down the time. but I feel like its a necessary part. Everyone wants to see you open their gift and see your reaction even if you are expecting what was purchased from your registry, its still good practice.

At my friend's shower her aunt created a game of bingo for the gift opening. Every guest got a bingo board with names of the gifts and used m&ms for the game pieces. After the bride opens each gift, you mark it on your board if you have it. There were multiple prizes so many guests had the chance to win. The prizes were gift bags filled with small items like hand sanitizer, lotion, bracelets, headbands, etc.

Her aunt also created a trivia type game for the bride to play during gift opening. Prior to the shower the aunt called her FH and asked him a series of questions. During gift opening (between gifts), each guest got to ask a question to the bride. If she answered it the same as her FH, then she got a Hershey's kiss, but if she got it wrong she had to chew a piece of gum. It was amazing to see how spot on her answers were to her FHs. I thought both of these games made the gift opening fun for everyone.

I think you have to open the gifts. That's what showers are for. Spice it up a little. When I was a bridesmaid, we made bingo cards for the present opening. Guests wrote in gifts they thought the bride would get before the opening and then when people got bingos we gave out prizes.

Yes it is kind of rude. A shower is to give you presents to start your life. People want to see your reaction to their presents. Its kind of a snub if you dont. Its like saying i have no time to open the presents that you took the time out to pick for me and fh.

Not rude at all, spend time mingling with guests. Ask people individually if they're ok with you not opening gifts. It's not fun to open or look at people opening gifts.

Up to the bride.

for the shower I planned, we did it last so that those who didn't wanna stay could leave. And she read every card with a different accent and tone so we were cracking up and the guests were hanging on every second watching her open the gifts and ultimately open theirs.

@AlmostMrs.King: I think doing it last is a great idea!

I agree, doing it last is the best. I forgot to also mention in my initial question that I won't have any family there besides my mom and sister. The other people will be friends of mine and my FH. This may change the scenario since everyone is young and more relaxed and there is no risk of offending grandma or an aunt.

Sara, that doesn't really change anything. As already posted, showers for so that you get showered with gifts. People attend showers expecting to see you open the gifts.