|
Dear Miss SOS:
How long should a hostess delay starting the bridal shower for a late-arriving guest?
Fifteen minutes is the established length of time. To wait more than twenty minutes would be showing rudeness to many for the sake of one. When the late guest finally arrives, he or she of course apologizes to the hostess and then is seated.
Dear Miss SOS:
One of our children has announced his engagement. I would like to host a bridal shower or couples' shower for his fiancée. Our daughter says that it should be up to the maid of honor to give the shower. I assume that gathering would be mostly the Bride's personal friends and sisters, etc., and that they might also invite me as a courtesy. Regardless, I don't want to step on any toes or break any rules of decorum, but would be happy to have a second, separate shower for any friends that might not be included in the intimate circle of family and best friends, but with whom the bride is friendly. Is this appropriate and if so, how do I go about it? I was planning to ask my future daughter-in-law directly but decided to check with you first.
Miss SOS is always pleased when parents of the affianced couple want to express their love and excitement by hosting a party. Regardless, your daughter is correct.
Attending a bridal shower is one of the few events where the giving of a gift is mandatory. The purpose of a shower is to provide items to help the Bride set up her new home. Because of that reason, it is not considered proper for the shower to be hosted by the Bride's mother, future mother-in-law, sister, or daughter. Instead, the Bride's maid-of-honor or other intimates of the Bride (friends, aunts, cousins,etc.), are to be spontaneously moved to host the shower(s). The guest list for a bridal shower should correctly include the Bride, her attendants, mothers of the flower girl and/or ring bearer, and the Bride and Groom's mothers, sisters, and sisters-in-law.
Though replaced for the most part by showers, Engagement Parties are a wonderful way to have a reception for friends and family. It can be hosted by either set of parents to announce their children's intention to wed. In the past, it also marked the first time the young woman was seen wearing her engagement ring.
You may also host the Rehearsal Dinner, customarily held the night before the nuptials. At one time the parents of the Bride hosted the dinner. However, as the Bride's parents were already financially strapped just affording the wedding, it evolved where the Groom's parents now host the dinner (although it is not mandatory). Your guest list should properly include the Bride and Groom's immediate family, the wedding party and their spouses/fiancées/domestic partners, grandparents, elderly relatives, and out-of-town guests that have traveled great distances to be there. If your budget can afford it, you can extend the invitation to other family members and friends.
|
|
|
