Introducing the D Weddings ABCs of Etiquette: Sure, you can flip through Emily Post’s bible of good manners, but what do Dallas brides, planners, and guests expect when it comes to local wedding etiquette? Dallas wedding experts tell us how to graciously navigate every wedding-day situation.
No one wants wedding shower woes. Linda Lyons of Lyons Events shares answers to the most common wedding shower conundrums.
Who typically throws a wedding shower?
Traditionally, the wedding shower is hosted by the maid of honor. However, it is such a team effort and a great bonding experience for the bridal party to help co-host to celebrate the bride. It used to be taboo for immediate family members to host, but honestly, anyone close to the bride (including mother of the bride or groom) and close family can offer to throw the shower.
Is there a max number of showers you should have?
It’s completely OK to have multiple showers. Sometimes more than one group wants to throw the bride a shower, or it makes sense geographically to host more than one. My only piece of advice is to keep the guest lists unique to each shower.
Who is invited to a shower? Can a guest be invited to two showers?
The only hard rule I usually give to my clients is to not invite guests who will not be invited to their wedding unless it is a workplace-specific shower. If multiple showers are taking place, usually the bridal party or immediate family members may be invited to both, but my brides usually keep the guest lists unique to each shower.
Who decides how many people and what type of shower?
The bridal shower hosts or hostesses should decide on the number of guests and type since they will most likely be footing the bill. The bride will give an ideal guest list once a location has been selected and leave it to the hosts to see how many guests will work with the space and budget.
Do you bring a gift to every shower?
Bringing a gift to every shower is not expected. Being in a bridal party can be very costly due to all the expenses of being in the wedding, especially if traveling, so it’s nice to know ahead of time all pre-wedding functions so that you can budget accordingly. Going in together for group gifts can also be a great solution.
Is the bride expected to buy gifts for the hostesses of the shower?
I love, love the art of the handwritten thank-you note. It adds another layer of gratitude to your hostesses. While gifts are not expected, if it is in the bride’s budget, personalized gifts are always a hit. There are so many great gift-box options of beauty products, accessories, or florals, especially in Dallas.
