I'm a long ways away from my shower, but I have always wanted to NOT open presents at my shower. I understand that some people really enjoy that, but I'd rather enjoy the party and the people there, rather than spend an hour or two opening presents.
Also, I hate to say it, but that always bores me to tears at other people's showers, too! (And I can get into this stuff!) I'd rather have a nice brunch / luncheon and open the presents at home later.
My mother went to one shower where the bride did not open the presents and she said no one was offended. In fact, most people were happy about it!
After the bridal party is set and everything, I was going to make it clear to the MOH and my mother that I really do not want to open presents at my shower when the time comes.
Did anyone else do this? How did it go over?
catalina55
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Re: not opening gifts at the shower
Oh my goodness. This is where I put my foot down. I am totally against opening presents at showers. I know it's tradition, but I'm a very untraditional bride. My FH gave us a DJ and we danced the whole time. I had it at Gemelli's in Babylon Village - my absolute favorite restaurant - everyone had a great time. I am also so happy because I got a lot of repeats - many people would have been embarassed.
I say you go with your instinct. It's your day and you deserve to have what you want.
I did make a speach and told everyone that it was my choice - one on my BM was completely against it. People are still commenting on what a great time they had.
Soon_2_B_Mrs_Miller
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Re: not opening gifts at the shower
I had been to one shower that the bride requested that everyone wrap the presents in clear wrapping paper so that the gifts were visible and she didn;t have to open them. I thought it was pretty cool but if your the type that likes the element of surprise than it isn't the greatest idea. But hey most of the time you know the gifts your getting anyway.
AllJoy
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Re: not opening gifts at the shower
You have to do what makes you happy!!! Although, I have an annoying aunt, who has to show her gifts off to everyone, so that would be a problem for me....
HelenZ
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Re: not opening gifts at the shower
I’ve attended a shower where they didn’t open any gifts- the bride to be was all about enjoying herself- she even had a dj there!! In the invitations they included a card to affix to your gift and say who it was from- no one wrapped their gift. I gave a gift basket and wrapped it in cellophane….but I put some thought into my gift, so it would’ve been nice to see her reaction to opening it…but I still had a great time because we actually danced! I can definitely say that’s the only bridal shower I’ve ever danced at!
For me it depends on whose shower it is as to whether I enjoy watching them opening their gifts. If its more of an acquaintance than a friend, then its kind of boring!! But, when it was my sisters shower I loved watching her open gifts. I will definitely be opening gifts at my shower because I think a lot of people in my family would be offended if I didn’t.
betani
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Re: not opening gifts at the shower
i don't want to open them at the party either - i've always hated that part of any party.
TnOiOnL
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Re: not opening gifts at the shower
1 or 2 hours is an UNDERstatement!! Gift opening can take 3-4 hours even!!!!! That's why I want to have my shower at home... so I can take my time...
My family wuold NOT go for me not opening gifts... I didn't want to open gifts at the e-party and they all waited until like midnight for me to open them... and that was just the e-party! But then again my family is very traditional and very off-the-boat italian!
curliegirl
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Re: not opening gifts at the shower
For me, my mom would have killed me if we didn't open gifts, and I wanted to open them myself, I don't care for the BP handing the bride her opened gifts....
I also spend a lot of time selecting shower gifts as well as wrapping them, so I definitely want to see you when you open them.
What are you going to do for 4 hours anyway?
I also think it's a little presumptuous to ask for cellophane wrapping......
ladybug78
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Re: not opening gifts at the shower
My bridal shower was a display shower and I have been told by so many people how much they enjoyed it! Everyone got to eat, drink, mingle and party with people they hadn't seen in a while!!! I had the time of my life and enjoyed every second of hanging out with everyone I love!!!
habs
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Re: not opening gifts at the shower
I may be unpopular with this...I felt very strongly that I didn't want to open gifts at my shower. I didn't have people wrap in clear and I didn't open my gifts. I made the right decision for me--I had an amazing time at my shower and opened them all later at home with my immediate family. If anyone was offended, I never heard about it. Do what makes YOU happy!!
