Why have a bridal shower?

That's great for you. A shower is really a social event to shower the bride with items needed for the home. It is mostly popular in the US. There is no requirement.

I think the original reason for a shower was for the guests of your wedding to bring gifts before the wedding and not have to deal with gifts on the day. I could be very wrong. I usually only bring a gift for the shower or the wedding. I haven't decided if I'm having one yet.

You can't technically "skip" it because u r not planning it. Others throw showers for u. I don't think i'm having one because my bridesmaids all live in California and i'm fine with that. The wedding is the deal. Its not necessary. i think it's something loved ones do for the bride. Unless u really don't want it and if someone asks to throw one for u then say no. But then what happens if its a surprise shower lol.

I made it clear that I didn't want a bridal shower. We having a small intimate wedding with under 30 guests. Plus, we already live together and have everything we could possibly need so I didn't think it was necessary.

Well I guess if it's a surprise then it's fine but I already live with my FH we have been for over a year we already have everything we need I just don't see the point in our guests buying us stuff if we don't really need it! I would rather spend our wedding day with them and have memories I have never really been fond of receiving gifts but I love giving them! I guess I see the point if people would rather give at the shower and not the wedding I would just hope they didn't feel obligated to give at both..

A bride and groom hosts a wedding. The females in the brides life host a shower to celebrate the upcoming wedding. Sometimes you only get to talk for a minute at a wedding and my shower was a great to see all of my important women. But yes if you don't want one just turn it down.

I've actually never seen boxed gifts at a wedding. I've seen cards. I wouldn't want to worry about carrying a gift around with me during the ceremony. But if you don't want one, then you dot have to have one.

If you don't want it, let people know. I think, personally, it's the least fun party ever invented.

Whatever is the norm, in your family/social circle, plus personal preference.

No one has to have one and no one should pass judgement, on those who do.

Sorry if I came off as passing judgement I honestly wasn't I just didn't know the whole purpose I understand it a little better now, but I think I'm going to pass on one or just have a little get together with out the gifts!!

I'm with you. I really think the wedding industry has tried for yours to sell people on things they "need" like showers, bachelorette parties, engagement parties, etc. all of these things can be fun but can be very taxing on guests. In theory someone (particularly someone in the wedding party) might have to buy a gift for a shower, a lingerie party, a bachelorette party, and the wedding. To me this just seems excessive but to each their own

It's okay if you don't want one, but I found your post insulting to brides who enjoy the tradition.

I have never enjoyed a bridal shower, it's something I've "endured" for friends. But I have to say that I loved my shower last weekend. We had about 35 women and my family traveled to be part of it. I got to talk to everyone and catch up with old friends. Basically it was all my favorite women, in one room. I also got to meet some of FH's aunts and get to know them a little better. I hated being the center of attention and being on display, but I adored seeing everyone.

Guess I should have worded it better..again sorry!

The tradition behind the bridal shower goes back to dowries. When a bride didn't have enough material possessions to marry the man of her choosing, her friends would "shower" her with enough gifts to make sure she had the dowry she needed for her dad to sell her, basically. Adorable, right?

I'm having two showers because people offered them to me. I don't look at it as an opportunity for gifts; it's time I will be able to spend with the women closest to me before the wedding, because I live long distance from all of them and don't get to see them very much.

If you don't want one, just let your family and friends know that you don't want one! Also I don't think most people have one "just to get gifts"...

We bought our house a year ago and our wedding is in 9 months. We have everything we need for the home, but we will make a registry to upgrade some items. It's a person preference. My nanny wants to throw me a shower so I'm letting her. If you don't want a shower tell your friends and family you don't want one. It's a personal preference.

Technically the purpose was to "shower" the bride in gifts for her new life with her husband (back when people didn't live together before marriage usually) because they didn't have much for their home. Now more couples are living together and have a lot. If you don't want one, politely decline if someone offers to host. If no one offers to host then you're off the hook.

I had one even though DH & I lived together because all our stuff was cheap or hand me downs from college so we upgraded a lot!

I want to spend time with all of the women in my family and my soon to be family all in one place. It's not really about the gifts, but they're definitely appreciated because there's still a lot we need. Plus my sister would never speak to me again if I didn't let her throw my a bridal shower, she loves planning parties.

When someone offered to throw a shower for me, I said firmly that I would not attend if one were thrown. Trying to figure out a positive comment to make about the fourth toaster I received is my personal idea of hell.

Of course, I'm also not big on single-sex parties. The idea that I'd have a celebration that would leave out all my male friends didn't appeal to me at all.