No gift-opening at the bridal shower

I went to a bridal shower yesterday and the bride didn't open gifts. It was AWESOME. One person asked, MOH said, "no, she's going to do that later" and it was NBD. The gift opening is always my least favorite part of a shower including my own; I was so uncomfortable. As a bride, you have to act surprised for every gift even though they're almost all registry items. As a guest, it's boring. Plus, not doing it eliminates any feelings of "wow, your gift is so much better than mine." I realize the gift-opening can be a way to thank and recognize guests for their gift, but I think a nice thank you note from the bride is a more sincere form of recognition. I just feel like saying "Aww, thanks so much!" and even the ohhs and ahhs kinda fizzle out after the first 10 or 15 gifts... (cont)