Ladies!! I need some opinions!!

hkevans724
hkevans724 Posts: 241 Member
This is not weight loss related.
My best friend is getting married in Dec and as her Matron of Honor it is my duty to host a Bridal Shower. She doesn't want a shower because she doesn't wear lingerie and doesn't need any gifts. But we do want to have a lunch to honor her. What would you suggest putting on the invitation? I thought Bridal Luncheon but upon Googling that realized that is a lunch for the Bridesmaids hosted by the Bride. So now I am not sure. Anything would be helpful. Thanks!

Replies

  • KCoolBeanz
    KCoolBeanz Posts: 813 Member
    Maybe request that attendees pitch in a few bucks for a gift card from somewhere, and she can get whatever she likes?
  • ket_the_jet
    ket_the_jet Posts: 1,257 Member
    Host a bridal shower. Call it a bridal shower. It's tradition for a reason and the bride should be gracious and appreciative.
    -wtk
  • xshortiex
    xshortiex Posts: 120 Member
    I would still call it a "Bridal Shower," because that's what it is - it's just not a traditional one. :)
  • beach_please
    beach_please Posts: 533 Member
    At the bridal showers I've attended, very rarely does the bride get lingerie. That's always been more of a bachelorette party gift, I thought.
  • ElizabethRoad
    ElizabethRoad Posts: 5,138 Member
    It can still be called a bridal luncheon. If gifts are not involved it is NOT a shower.
  • macpatti
    macpatti Posts: 4,280 Member
    Call it "Lunch for the Bride" (you can specify No Gifts Please)
  • tejasmh87
    tejasmh87 Posts: 91 Member
    Have a Bridial luncheon :) If she doesn't want a big party and has everything she needs then simply get together and enjoy a meal out. Just add a toast when the drinks get there ;)

    Personally, I would rather have that than a 'tradition' where I sit and say thank you for gifts I don't want or need, then deal with the thank you notes, wonder how many I can take back to the stores, which ones has gift receipts and what I am truely stuck with.

    Its her wedding event and she can decide what she does or doesn't want. Tradition be d*mned if she so chooses LOL! :)
  • hkevans724
    hkevans724 Posts: 241 Member

    Its her wedding event and she can decide what she does or doesn't want. Tradition be d*mned if she so chooses LOL! :)

    I agree with this. i think it is rude to ask for gifts that you don't need or want. How could it possibly be rude to ask people NOT to spend their hard earned money on crap you don't need when you would rather just have lunch with them.
  • livinginwoods
    livinginwoods Posts: 562 Member
    Call it a bridal shower and state that no gifts are required. It's okay!
  • sullykat
    sullykat Posts: 461 Member
    Bridal Luncheon, and specify either "best wishes only" or even "the bride requests that in leu of gifts, a donation be made to _____"
  • ElleBee615
    ElleBee615 Posts: 177
    Like others said...I would call it a Bridal Shower. Does the bride have a favorite charity? Instead of saying 'No gifts' on the invitation, put "In lieu of gifts, please donate to....."

    Hope that helps! :smile:
  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    Agree with most of the other posters. Just call it a Bridal Shower or Bridal Lunch and put on the invitation No Gifts Please.
  • ElleBee615
    ElleBee615 Posts: 177
    Bridal Luncheon, and specify either "best wishes only" or even "the bride requests that in leu of gifts, a donation be made to _____"

    ^^great minds think alike. hahahahaha
  • christine24t
    christine24t Posts: 6,063 Member
    Bridal Luncheon, and specify either "best wishes only" or even "the bride requests that in leu of gifts, a donation be made to _____"

    This is what I was going to say.
    She should pick a charity that she and her fiance support, and then write it on the invite. People can donate if they want.
    But I am not sure what kind of friends you have - some will buy that kind of funny stuff no matter what or a gift still. If she gets any gag gifts like that, just laugh it off. You can always put the lingerie away in a drawer if she happens to get some. But yes, I get not wanting to have 10 things you'll never wear.
  • Host a bridal shower. Call it a bridal shower. It's tradition for a reason and the bride should be gracious and appreciative.
    -wtk

    ^ I second this.
  • MistChances
    MistChances Posts: 12 Member
    ok, I am not an emily post or anything, but common sense tells me that if you do a special lunch that is "hosted by the bride" it takes the pressure off of her to do one, is a nice event, you plan and host it (you give her credit though!), it will be a very awesome nice thing and your bride will love it and love you for taking it on. If I were the bride, I would love to have you take over on that responsibility. Of course, this is coming from middle class girl with limited funds and limited stress level tolerance.
  • monicalosesweight
    monicalosesweight Posts: 1,173 Member
    You could also state a theme like "Feeding the New Groom" or "Silly Gadgets to Survive Your Marriage". I'd just state that a gift is not required but if they'd like to contribute a small kitchen gadget to feed the groom, it would be acceptable. That could lead to some pretty good laughs. Grin. Heck, state nothing should be over $10 dollars but items should be useful.

    Another fun theme could be something like "Spa Day" and say items should relate to a relaxing day at the spa. For example, if she loves to do her nails or loves bubble bath - that sort of thing - you could give hints to help everyone.

    A bridal shower doesn't have to be expensive but it can be fun if you add a theme to it. If you want to enjoy it, I would recommend prepreparing stuff so everyone can self serve themselves. We did that at our house and it was WAY easier.

    Monica
  • stang_girl88
    stang_girl88 Posts: 234 Member
    When I got married, I didnt need any gifts. So on my invitations it just said " Thank you, we appreciate it, but no gifts please,". Of course you are still going to get those people have to conform to tradition lol. My wedding was not traditional is any sense. Have fun!!:drinker:
  • Since she doesn't want gifts, why not have the guests bring along little toiletry gifts, i.e. sample sizes of shampoo, deodorant, soap, etc. and deliver a decorated box or basket to a local women's shelter in honor of the bride? So many of these women leave their abusive spouses secretly or quickly and no time to pack often just with the clothes on their backs.
  • Have a Passion Party!!

    This is a great way to experience the ultimate girls' night in, or girls' luncheon. Everyone has a good time at a Passion Party, games are played, plus everyone will learn ways to spice up thier love life. You and your guests can earn FREE products.
    Karen
    Passion Parties by Karen
    www.akissofpassion.com
  • tara_seay
    tara_seay Posts: 171 Member
    call it a gift card shower... my friend did one of those - since she doesn't need "gifts" - she could get gift cards from anywhere-- walmart, grocery stores, bed bath beyond, a visa gift card, favorite restaurants, etc...
  • Still do a Bridal Luncheon or call it a Girl's Lunch or whatever. You can call it what you want, a title is just a title. Also even though she doesn't want gifts, if she is going on a honeymoon people can get her visa gift cards to spend either ON the trip or on momentos for the trip. Plus who doesn't need gift cards for food, home repairs, gasm etc? I would go that route. Do like a gift card tree or something. You can also donate to charity as well, or get her pamper stuff like the day before the wedding here is a gift card for a massage (seriously who wouldn't want that). I'd do something like that. Or do a gift of I never. Like she has never had her nails done here is a gift card to get them done, or I have never had this done etc etc.