My mother in Law is throwing my shower at a friends house I don't know..

I have no idea I am sure she is inviting them her guest list was close to 80 people. Either way it's gonna be super awkward going to a party for me with 30 of her closest friends I do not know. I was just wondering if anyone had any coping advice. I am a pretty introverted person who does not like a fuss.

I'm also extremely introverted. I dreaded my one shower for a while before because it felt awkward to me to receive tons of relatively expensive gifts from family and friends I didn't know very well. Plus the decor, favors, food, prizes, games, mimosa bar...It was literally ALL for me to celebrate my marriage to my FH with his family, my family, and our friends. Some couples get a few showers - bride's side, groom's side, and friends. The biggest thing to remember is, as the bride, you really don't have a say in the shower whatsoever. If mom wants to throw you one, unfortunately you just have to suck it up and be grateful, even if you're an anxious person.

I had anxiety attacks leading up to mine just from not knowing what to expect and knowing it was going to be 15 people I didn't particularly know how to talk to. On the day of, I didn't eat and basically drank straight champagne, which helped. My hair was a total wreck (and my mom, who couldn't make it, made sure to let me know I looked "disgusting and horrible" in all the pictures afterward). I had pictures taken of me from every angle, and I'm not very photogenic either.

The biggest help was that the group sort of split off into little groups themselves. I hung out mainly with MOH who kept me calm and joined conversations when he could. My bridesmaid made sure I always had a glass of champagne in my hand (though I kind of wanted food). I mingled around mainly to the people I knew best - FH's stepmom, his grandma, MOH's mom, MOH's sister, and my bridesmaid. We had maybe 5-7 games total, some had people pair up with another person (and naturally I grabbed MOH), and some were me answering questions about FH and I, another had every one go through their phone and get points for certain things they had on it. People were so occupied with the games and with each other that the only time eyes were on me were if I was speaking to someone and if I was opening that specific person's present. Otherwise, everyone mostly chatted to each other the entire time, while I essentially talked to people about college football and dogs because that's what I like to talk about and I know most about. They had light jazz playing on a speaker to keep a background noise too.

I am extremely prone to panic attacks and anxiety attacks. The best tips I have for you is that it's only a few hours, be gracious and grateful, and always have something in your hand or chat with someone you're close to so it looks like you're occupied if you feel overwhelmed. I'm also a big fan of 5 minute bathroom breaks to recoup.

We also had a woman there that grandma brought who is not invited to the wedding. Grandma was visiting a friend in town and asked if she could come along, and the hosts said sure. As long as the guests who aren't invited ARE aware they aren't, I can see it being okay. I even had a friend whose church threw her a shower, even though the couple was getting married far away. Just stay calm as best as you can and know that these ladies (maybe some gentlemen too) are throwing you this party because they want to. Best of luck!

You have no idea if they're invited to your wedding? For someone who is introverted you probably shouldn't have invited people you don't know. If all the people she's inviting to the bridal shower are on the guest list then what she is doing is absolutely fine. It might actually be a good time to get to at least meet these people prior to your wedding.

If these people aren't on your wedding guest list, they shouldn't be going to your shower. It's gift grabby and tacky. If they are invited to the wedding then you're fine. Brides contribute nothing to their shower. If I were you, I'd decline the shower. Sounds to me like FMIL just wants to throw herself a party.

Wine..lots of wine. Lol sorry. It's just one of those things I think you just have to go and say thank you after. I know it would be super awkward. But your FMIL is just trying to be nice. Maybe see if you can invite a few of your friends. Or at least your Bridal party.

The bridal shower my FMIL threw was like this. It was all of her friends and coworkers (the shower for my family who lives in another state will be later). I got through it by asking my FMIL to invite some of my female friends who were invited to the wedding so they could help me with everything and keep my nerves down. It kind of helped but was still awkward.