Ok my wife and I eloped so we never had a wedding shower and we don’t know the protocol.  We are having our first baby and we are having two showers, one my coworkers are throwing for me and one her best friend is throwing.    Do we give a gift as a thank you to the hostess or instead of the plain Thank You  Cards get a really nice one from the store or what.
203963
Just a card is fine. acknowledge all the work she put into the shower. Try and remember or even write down the gift that were given so that when you do the thank-you cards for the rest of the guest youc an thank them for thier specific gift....it's always nicer when you make it personal. If you have the money and you feel the need or want there is nothing wrong with something small to say thank-you to the hostess but it's not nessisary. A lot of people when expecting are on a tight budget and don't have the money to spend.
26039
1st - on cost - i would spend $35-$50 on a shower gift if you're going to spend that much on a wedding gift. \n\nOn what to get - is there a theme to the shower indicated on the invitation? if so, that'll help narrow it down (for my "honeymoon destination" shower, some people got themed gifts from the countries we were visiting. very cute and thoughtful). If not, then you can do one of two things: \n1. buy off the registry. sure fire way to get her something she wants. your safest bet. \n2. since it's in St. Helena, she's obviously into wine. do something wine-related. maybe a Carafe, engraved wine stoppers. something along those lines. \n\nas for what to wear - since it's in february it'll probably be held inside. would say a long skirt or a nice pants outfit. as long as you're comfortable.
499314
Good for you 'old coots' and I hope you enjoy the gift certificate.  You'll actually enjoy it.  Cloth napkins, fancy dishes, it's all good.  Just remember your manner...help your new lady with her chair and her coat...and order your most favorite dish.  A country boy like yourself can probably find a good steak on the menu...you can splurge on desserts...and a bottle of wine if you prefer.  Won't it be fun to dine in and not worry about the check.  Be sure to write a thank you note to the person who gave you the gift certificate and you've got the rest of your life to dine at BK.  Jazz up your clothing for the event (no overalls), help your new bride with the door and be whomever you want to be for the evening.  Just be sure you save some energy for the fun you'll have when you return home.  Enjoy....and good luck.
364692
I wouldn't worry about it.  You got a thank you from the person you sent the gift to, so that seems fine to me.  I wouldn't expect a thank you from every single person in the office.  It would have been nice, but not necessary.  You weren't out of line.
181199
I am a part-time event and wedding coordinator.  This is the information I give to clients.\n\nFor close friends/family; it is expected that a wedding gift will be in the neighborgood of $75 to $100 (or more depending upon the relationship).\nFor a friend/work associate/lesser acquaintance; $40 to $60\n\nShower gifts are typically in the range of $25 to $35 dollars no matter what the relationship.  If you are hosting a shower, it is not necessary for you to give an additional gift because the shower is considered your gift.\n\nIt is customary for the shower gift to cost less than the wedding gift.  Remember that the bride and groom will be appreciative of whatever you give.\n\nGood luck!\n\nCheers,\nShauna
127453
Is this it?\n\nA Basket of Candles For (bride and groom’s names)\n\nA basket of candles that come in a pair in all different colors for you two to share. \n\nThe white ones burn first as you begin your new life at home together as husband and wife. \n\nBurn the green pair next and hope no one is thinner after serving the first guests you have over for dinner. \n\nThe dark blue candles are for after your first fight Use them to burn while making up all night. \n\nRed candles set the mood and pave the way for your first married Valentine’s Day. \n\nNow, when your first year of marriage is through, the cream anniversary pair will light for you two. \n\nAnd in time we hope, maybe, just maybe you can light the purple ones on the birth of your baby. \n\nCongratulations (bride and groom’s names) on the start of your forever. May the two of you always be happy together. \n\nAnd burn these candles just the way it is said, but please don’t forget…blow them out before bed!
584710
I think the receiving line is to personally thank the guests for coming etc. I have been to weddings without, and I like it much better. During a point (I cant remember) during the meal, the bride and groom travel from table to table- it's more relaxed and personal.
62168
Bridal Shower is a cake, punch & gifts , "nice" kinda party that you can invite your soon-to-be Mother-in-Law, Grandma & assorted elderly Aunts to.\nBachelorette Party is for the bride, her sisters & girlfriends to PARTY & get rid of wedding planning stress by dancing your ass off & consuming mass quantities of Margaritas & a varieties of fruit flavored shots. Sometimes, male exotic dancers are involved.
389904
You're worried the printed notecards are impersonal, but you're willing to send a form letter?\n\nEnclose a personal note if you want to, but it's not expected. Announcements like that are just fishing for gifts anyway, so save your personal notes for the thank you cards.
316541
You need some great shower ideas check out this place  http://advancedvideo.50webs.com , I was at their links pages and there was a web site in there that has tons of shower ideas, themes, etc. They also have other wedding info that may help you out.
194221
A fun game - \n\n\nI threw a bridal shower once and we played a game where we split into a bunch of groups and one person in the group was designated as the "bride" and each group got a roll of toilet paper and had to dress the bride for her wedding. It was hilarious to see my friend's grandma dressed up in toilet paper - we still laugh about that.
158481
I would say since the wedding and the graduation are so close, why not just invite close friends to the graduation or grad party, you don't have to invite the world, save that for the wedding, your close friends will probably just give you something small for the graduation a book or something like that, and its almost useless to ask them not to. Congrats on both and good luck.
54854
Yes and no...traditionally, as you already know, the groom's parents throw a party in honor of the engaged couple as a chance to signal their approval of the match and to introduce the prospective bride to their friends and family she hasn't yet met....not having that, in some areas, might give rise to whispers that there is some reluctance on the part of your prospective in-laws....so if his folks want to give you a party, for heaven's sake, let them!\nThere is nothing stopping you from arranging another celebration of the engagement, but I'd ask a few close friends to put the word around that presents are not expected because it's considered tacky to appear to be throwing a party to get more gifts...same reason you can't throw your own shower.\nGood luck and best wishes for a lovely wedding and a happy marriage.
125372
Well first and foremost personalize with their name. If you are thanking them for a gift, include  what that gift was and how you will use it. \n\nIf this is like for wedding gifts, only do about 10 at a time so your handwritting doesn't get sloppy and tired.\n\nQuotes are good, if you know your audience.
297608
Here is arecent one.  My mother in law has been ranting and raving about throwing me a baby shower since January (Im due at the end of this month)  \n2 weeks ago she tells me that she doesnt have the money anymore and she would rather just take me to the store.  So I was dissapointed, but I had to deal with it.\nSo my sister in law ends up inviting some relatives over from my dads side of the family ( I am not even close with them, she just planned the event so that I would get some seriously needed gifts) She never met Danny's mom so she didnt even think of inviting her.  it was a small get together with under 10 people.. no big deal but a great gesture!\nSo long story short, the monster in law is not speaking to me now.  Mind you this was a surprise shower I didnt know until I walked in... not only is she not speaking to me but neither are his 2 sisters.  I could have the baby any second and I feel like this tension is not only unecessary but really hurt ful and mean. \nThere is my story!
186828
Great idea!!  Well it all depends on the theme you used for the Baby Shower.  If you had Precious Moments, you can get a cd of Precious Moments & record that on there.  Winnie the Pooh, well, it's cd....etc.  And if it was a regular baby theme buying a Lullaby cd can't go wrong.  OR ask the mommy-to-be what her favorite song would be for that party.  Something that would bring her back to that time later in life.
298872
Yes. It would be tacky.It all comes in good time.\n\nHave the bridal shower before the wedding.\n\nTraditionally the baby shower should be when your friend is between 7-9 months along.\n\nThis way there are clearly separate occasions to celebrate.