I had a bridal shower where the guests order the gifts while at the shower. Here are my questions:
1) One woman I invited couldn't make it, so she gave me money and told me to pick what I wanted. Do I send her a thank you note listing the items I bought with the money she gave or just mention the money?
2) My mom and future mother-in-law were there and bought gifts for me. Do I send them a thank you?
3) Do I even send thank yous for this type of shower at all? I was present the entire time and know what each person was getting me when it was ordered.
Sorry if this is a duplicate question, but I couldn't really find anything close to this particular situation. I just want to make sure that everyone who sends something is given their due gratitude and appreciation and in the way best suited etiquette-wise. June 18, 2005!!!!!!!!
I know you were not the host of this party and cannot be held responsible, but ... Yikes! This idea is not ... I can't think of the words. Sorry, but to invite guests to a party to purchase items on the spot is not polite. It puts everyone in a difficult situation. Everyone knows the dollar amount of each gift and the guest may feel as if they have to 'out buy' everyone else. I sincerely hope this isn't going to become a trend.
Hopefully it wasn't too embarrassing for you.
Yes, you would write thank yous to everyone who gave to you. For the woman who gave you the money, it would be thoughtful to tell her what you purchased and that it was very generous of her to give you money. You would want to write a thank you note to the host of the party and may want to include flowers. It was generous of her to host a party in your honor.
I found it a bit awkward myself but was hoping it wouldn't be too uncomfortable for those involved. It seemed to go over fairly well, and noone heard of any complaints. (Granted, I might not have heard them simply because I'm the bride, but everyone who was there was VERY close to me.) I WOULD like to state that, upon consideration for others and to deter any feelings of discomfort in my being within earshot of purchasing prices, I stayed out of the room when everyone started planning what they wanted to buy. From what I gathered about the process, they didn't share what they bought with one another.
Who knows. I doubt I'LL be throwing one of those for someone.
Thanks for the "Thank yous" response. I want to make sure I'm giving credit where credit is due. June 18, 2005!!!!!!!!
Shower Thank Yous
