Should I Bring a Hostess Gift to my Bridal Shower?
Aren’t friends and family wonderful?! When the wedding day of an engaged lady approaches, so many people reach out to see if they can throw a bridal shower in her honor. From friends of your parents, to college friends and co-workers, many brides have several opportunities for these types of parties. Typically, guests gather in the home of the host (although it can be in another venue) to “shower” the bride with gifts that she can use in her new married life. The thoughtful person or group who is offering up a location, inviting guests, preparing food, floral arrangements, planning party games and more deserves a special thank-you from the bride at the end of the event.
A verbal “thank you” is always 100-percent the right thing to do. Also, you can’t go wrong to send a personal, handwritten note on nice stationery after the shower to let the hostess know just how much you appreciated her hospitality and hard work in making the day so special. While “Miss Manners” says it’s not necessary to give a hostess gift, it is always a very nice gesture to acknowledge the efforts of the hostess with a small token of some kind. You don’t need to spend much money to make the statement of gratitude. A small bouquet of flowers, box of chocolates or fancy soaps will work for those hostesses you don’t know very well. However, if it is a close friend or family member, you could present a small gift that plays to her interests or hobbies. For example, the cooking enthusiast will appreciate our personalized oil and vinegar cruets or a set of refreshing cooler glasses for drinks on the porch. Don’t worry, if your shower was a “surprise,” you can always send or drop by with a thank you gift later.
