My older sister is getting married and I have been tasked with creating the shower invitations. Another sister is actually doing all of the shower planning.
She sent me instructions (date, time, place, etc.) and let me know it was a couple's shower. Althought I had never heard of a couple's shower, I thought it was a neat idea. At the bottom of the instructions, she asked me to write out "Please bring gifts unwrapped" at the bottom of the invitation. I understand wanting to save time, but is this extreme? It seems as though it would be in poor taste to tell people how to prepare a gift they purchased. Is this proper shower etiquette?
If it is acceptable to put this information on the card, is there a more formal way to suggest the idea? "Please bring your gift in a bad to save time". I am confused and don't want to put anything that would offend guests. Thank you.
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Feb 19, 2008, 3:28 PM
Post #2 of 2
(513 views)
Re: [kennyjenny] Unwrapped gifts at a couple's shower
[In reply to]
Dear Kennyjenny,
I agree with you that asking guests to bring the gift unwrapped is a bit presumptuous. It is as if the gifts and not the people are the focus. They don't want to focus on unwrapping the thoughtful gifts, but they want to flaunt and parade the gifts in front all of the guests.
If the host wishes to deemphasize gifts, or at least opening them, a gift-less shower would be in better taste.
I know of no polite way to list this.
Neither of you should be involved in the planning or hosting unless you are both also attendants. The planning of a traditional gifting shower must be planned very carefully so as not to appear to be a double wedding gift grab. It may be best for your sister to read our many posts on shower etiquette or a reliable etiquette book.
Unwrapped gifts at a couple's shower
