So why have a bridal shower?

It's to shower the bride with gifts and give the couple items for their home as they start married life. In-laws tend to like them because they get to introduce you to their side of the family and throw a party honoring you (and by extension their son/daughter). If your FMIL wants to throw one, let her.

Itsnt that what the engagement party was for?

If she wants to throw you one let her. I didn't want to have one because Im just not comfortable with having all these people coming over and giving me stuff. Idk. Just seems awkward. I already have stuff.

The first time I married, my MIL threw me a recipe shower. All the guests were sent a blank recipe card with their invite, with instructions to bring the card with a recipe of theirs, as well as one item from the recipe (either a non-perishable item or an item used for making the recipe). My MIL then gave me a recipe book to put all the recipes in, and I got some very delightful other items! I still use some of the recipes to this day.

I personally can't wait for my shower. Not because of the presents or anything but because I know that my sisters and mom are working so hard to give me a great party. I'm not much for being the center of attention but I live out of state and it will be a fun time to see everyone! I know that it will make them happy to do it and with all the stress of wedding planning it is nice to show appreciation for all the hard work they did to give me a great party. I know they are doing it because they love me! Just embrace it and practice all that smiling for your wedding day

I'm not into shower games, but I still want a shower. I want a brunch and bubbly themed where it is just a get together, no corny games or anything. It's really whatever you want to make it!

@mrscrush the SHOWER is literally about showering the bride with gifts. If you want to have a non-gifting event you totally can, you just shouldn't really call it a shower because it's not one.

OP, you definitely don't have to have games at the shower, nor do you have to have a shower at all! My shower was co-ed, so it really wasn't girly at all, and we didn't play any games besides me whacking open a pinata to find out my baby's gender - obviously that was not wedding related. It's purpose is for the invitees to bring you gifts, and the host(s) treat them to a meal and drinks. It's totally not necessary or important, again you don't have to have one if you don't want one.

I'm sorry (not sorry), but I am tired of hearing people say that "bridal showers are for gifts, if you don't want gifts than don't have a shower". You can have a bridal shower without gifts, because the bridal shower is also about pre-celebrating with your family and friends and introducing them to each other.

We are having a private destination wedding, and when my mother asked if she could throw me a bridal shower I actually denied the request because I thought it would be rude to ask family members to attend the shower if they weren't also invited to the wedding. Well, my mother and Aunts insisted on throwing me a shower anyway, and guess what happened? We didn't play any of those silly games and I didn't get any presents, but there was a nice luncheon (with mimosas of course), and we all had a wonderful time chatting and my family enjoyed meeting my future in-laws. My FH joined us later and everyone gave us well wishes for our wedding day.

My suggestion to you is to just relax and enjoy every moment leading up to your wedding day while you can! If someone wants to throw a shower for you, let them. All you have to do is show up, smile, be courteous to your friends/family, and have a little fun.