How to Survive Your Bridal Shower

Let's talk alittle etiquette today.

Some of us are more comfortable being behind the scenes and not out in front of the camera.  This can make your Bridal Shower terrifying.  Others dread making conversation with people they see on the Holidays and feel like they don't have much in common with.  This will help you to survive your bridal shower regardless of what group you fit into, and even if you are somewhere in the middle.

The history of bridal showers are to prepare a young woman, leaving her parents house, to be a good wife.  Stock her up on kitchen appliances and bath towels if you will.  Well, times have changed.  Many brides (myself included when I was one) thought that it was selfish to have a bridal shower.  I was older, I had established a home many years before, and I had bath towels (I probably still have some of them!).  My mother had a good point.  This a way for the all the females in your life to get together and celebrate your marriage.  I was in.  At that point I wasn't so focused on what I was getting, but what I would be getting out of it.  So my first point is RELAX, this is supposed to be fun.

Who should come?  Whoever you want, as long as they are invited to the Wedding.  No one should be invited to the shower if they are not invited to the Wedding.  Give your Bridal Party a list (with addresses) of who you want to be invited.

What to wear.  Some points to consider is the venue, if it is themed and the season.  Also, keep in mind, showers are typically decorated in the colors of the wedding, so wear something color compatible.  Wear something comfortable, because depending on the size of the shower, you will be sitting in front of everyone (sorry, I don't mean to freak you out) opening presents for while.  So wear something comfortable.

Take a ton of pictures with people.  Create a #hashtag.  Flood Instagram and Facebook.

Smile.  Alot.  Even if you are uncomfortable.  Smile.

Develop some conversation starters.  For instance, Aunt Sally do you remember that lemon cake that Grandma used to make?  Do you have the recipe?  Others.  Thank you so much, how was your trip?  How are your child/grandchildren?  Talk about the weather.

tOpen your presents.  There was a trend for awhile where people didn't open their presents.  People want to see you open the present that they picked out for you.  Make the paper plate bouquet.  I know it's super corny, but you will be glad you did it.

Say THANK YOU alot.  Thank you for coming.  Thank you for the homemade tea towels.  Thank you, it really means alot to me that you could come.

Play the games.  I know, play the games.

If you need a minute, take a minute.  If you find yourself getting overwhelmed simply excuse yourself, and walk down the hall, hide in it a bedroom.  Take some deep breaths, and sneak back in.

Couple of quick other things.

- Do Not have your guests address their own Thank you notes.  I hate this and I don't fill them out when I am asked.  I went and picked out a present for you, you can write my address.

-Thank everyone again as they walk out the door.  Hug them.

-If your Bridal Party is not the host, say your Aunt throws the party, send her flowers the following week to Thank (are you sensing a theme yet) her for her kindness.