Opening Gifts at the Bridal Shower

No one likes to sit through all that but I do think it's nice for the guest to watch you open the gift they gave you. If you don't open gifts at your shower what else do you even do?

You really should open them. That's what a shower is for. Otherwise just don't have one and the guests can mail your gifts for you to open later.

People expect you to open gifts at the shower. It doesn't mean they have to sit there quietly and watch every second. They can mingle, eat, etc. But opening gifts can be a good conversation piece and give introverts like me something to focus on. If people need to leave before you're finished they can. As for people feeling bad about their gift not being as good, I don't think they care that much.

You don't need to read the cards out loud. Just tell who the gift is from and say, "Aw! Thanks so much!"

I'm not sure what else you would do other than eat if you don't open gifts. Plus, although I'm sure you already know to send thank you cards after, I appreciate seeing the bride open my gift and seeing her reaction.

I know it's awkward sometimes but you just show equal appreciation for each gift and I think everyone knows opening gifts can feel awkward. I haven't been on the "spot" opening gifts since I was like 12 and my parents insisted on videotaping every Christmas/birthday. I agree it's super uncomfortable, but I still think you should do it

Everyone knows what to expect when they come for a shower and it usually does take a while but I'm sure it won't be as bad as you expect.

I've been to one that had a couple designated people open gifts for the bride. It was really weird because it's expected to see the bride open her own gifts . Weird for the guests and the bride, I do not recommend it at all! Open your own and have fun!

You should absolutely open them. its something people will expect.

I hate being center of attention. It gives me anxiety so I'm having a display shower. I've been to a few and absolutely love them! You give your guests a card with their invites and then have your bridal party tape that card to the gift as your guests arrive. No wrapping paper and no bows. All your gifts get displayed on a table for everyone to see.

Open them! They are there to celebrate you and your soon to be husband, they are already expecting that, I think it would be weird if you didn't open your gifts. At my shower I lost track of time talking to people to the point they were asking when I was going to open them. Have fun!

I don't want to either but all I'll say is this is from blank and It's a blank thank you so much but you are supposed to open the presents. My mom is inviting like 80-85 people to our shower so it's gonna suck and be long

I think you should open them. That's half the point of the shower.

I would want to see my present getting opened.

What else would you do for 2-3 hours?

I think people might be offended that you didn't open the gifts being that the gifts are the whole point of the shower.

I do not want to open gifts at my shower of the same size. My mom pointed out that some guests might feel offended, as opening gifts is an expected part of the shower. May have to just grin and bear it

Oh, this is a tough one-- cause you're right, watching someone else open a huge pile of gifts is dull, but as others have said, it is the point of a shower (besides getting to know people better).

Is there any sort of game you could work into the game to make it more entertaining (without making it too much longer)? Like, "let's bet on how many blue items/kitchen items, etc. I'll get"-- that way people have some interest in what you're getting. Or, "shots for each kitchen item!" or 'eat a bonbon with each linen..."

Sorry, that's all I can up with. Good luck-- that sounds like a HUGE shower, and I don't envy you trying to keep the enthusiasm going for 80 gifts in a row!

It would be considerably rude not to open the gifts, after all, it is the point of a shower. If you don't like the idea of spending a lot of time opening gifts then I would suggest a smaller guest list. I personally hate showers, so I told people not to give me one.

Most of the showers that I attend - whether bridal or baby - are presentation-type showers. Gifts are wrapped in clear wrap, put in gift bags, etc. to avoid spending a significant amount of time dealing with all that wrapping paper. At my shower, almost all my gifts were simply adorned with the purple ribbons from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I still removed the ribbon, read who the gift was from, and held up the gift, for everyone to see (within reason, weight-wise). I used a microphone, to make the announcements, because a lot of the ladies were busy socializing, at their tables.

There were 80 ladies, at my shower; it's common to invite all the ladies who are invited to the wedding, in my family/social circle, up to a certain driving distance. A full meal was served and we had a wine/mimosa/soft drink bar.

You should open them, sorry. People took the time to look for and purchase a gift, and they want to see you open them.

I feel the same way. I dont like opening gifts in front of ppl.