So much to do in so little time! But what requires people to travel to come to an event? A wedding, of course! But what about bridal showers?
When your friend is getting married, there are a lot events you are expected to attend, especially if you are a bridesmaid or maid of honor. Some events include the engagement party, dress shopping and the bridal shower. How do you coordinate all of these events when some of your friends live far away?
In this article we will discuss a bridal shower when the bride’s friends that are long distance.
Have a smaller shower.
Other people like the bride’s co workers and immediate family could be guests at the bridal shower. For a small bridal shower, you could invite more of the grooms family and close friends if they are in town.
Consider Jack and Jill shower.
If the bride is not the traditional type, you could make it a Jack and Jill shower. That way more of the couple’s friends could attend and it could be more of a celebration for the bride and the groom. Jack and Jill Showers are easy to implement because there are not as many restrictions and the groom could get involved with some of the tasks.
Invite long distance friends.
It is still appropriate to invite all women that are invited to the wedding. Extending the invitation them is proper wedding etiquette. If you are the hostess it is important to stay neutral and not to assume who will be attending and who won’t. DO NOT invite someone to a bridal shower that was not invited to the wedding.
Have a conversation with the bride.
Get the best possible dates to hold the event. Be aware of any traveling arrangements people have to make to attend the bridal shower. Talk to the bride and get these details before setting a date and sending invitations.
But what if YOU live far away?
Be realistic. Planning and guest lists and invitations could be done via the phone and online. If you have the resources to travel and make the arrangements for the shower, then do that. But if you are not able to travel and plan, then it will be best to cohost with a relative or a friend that lives closer to the bride.
Virtual Shower
Yes these exist! A virtual bridal shower is a gift opening party but some guests are present via Skype, Facetime or Facebook live. They ship their gift a head of time so that the bride could open it during the bridal shower. This is an option if someone who really wants to see the brides reaction when she opens their gift.
Conclusion
Bridal showers when the bride’s friends live long distance could be tricky. Communication is key in this situation. Have a conversation with the bride on what her wishes are. Invite every one that is invited to the wedding. And consider hosting a small, Jack and Jill or virtual shower.
How far would you travel for a friend’s bridal shower?