Hello, I am a future sister-in-law to the bride and organizing a bridal shower and bachelorette party with the 4 other bridesmides. In the confusion of trying to plan with 5 people all in different locations, the electronic invitations went out and didn't inform our guests that it was bridal shower then bachelorette party on the same night. The bride has given me where she is registered so I think she is expecting gifts. Is there a tasteful way to let the guests know this is also a shower and gifts are welcome?
Usually, it isn't polite to host these parties back to back, as one has traditionally been a gift giving event where the guests are also treated. The other is the only party for which the guests pay and it is not a gift giving event. Guests should be able to choose what/which party they wish to attend without having to leave before the next party or to arrive when others are leaving. Also, the shower is supposed to be small and intimate with mothers invited. The bachelorette is not as intimate and mothers are not usually invited.
Since you have this already planned and in place, perhaps it is best to inform the bride that you have found that many couples are opting for the gift-less shower due to the negative aspect of double gift dipping. Hopefully she is receptive of your suggestion and you can move forward, as there is no polite way I know of to notify guests that the bride expects gifts.
Unless you are inviting all guests to both events, it might be tricky to host the shower and then some guests get to go on to the bachelor party and some won't (like the moms and grandmas). Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Combined Bridal Shower & Bachelorette
