Bridal Shower after Marriage

It wouldn’t be proper to have a bridal shower when you’re not a bride. That being said, if someone offers and everyone invited knows the situation, that’s up to your judgement.

View Quoted Comment Well that sucks, I figured I couldn't have an engagement or bachelorette party but no bridal shower either? Not even for the gifts but just the sake of having a fun party celebrating that we're finally having a wedding.

View Quoted Comment You’re not having a wedding, you’re having a vow renewal. That in itself is a celebration. You can always get together with your friends and have a girls night or throw a party, but bridal showers and bachelorette parties are for brides. Unfortunately these things are sacrificed when you decide to elope.

I would say do what you want and if people find it to be improper they can just not come. I feel like with weddings there are so many rules and I'm wondering who governs these rules that we all must follow? I too have succumb to the rules for fear that people will judge or say that I did it wrong. But truly if you want one and someone is willing to throw you one, do it. Or you could always have a reception!

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I was honestly planning on doing the whole deal: shower, ceremony, reception.

View Quoted Comment I say go for it!!! You only get married once. 😁😁 well at least that's the plan. 😂

I think you should do it all if you want! The people close to you know how much you wanted a wedding and couldn’t get one. You can have your full shot for real this time even when is not the norm or etiquette but the rules are there to be broken right? I say do what makes you happy!
My cousin had a small legal wedding (just parents) and years later did her religious full wedding with ceremony and reception. She didn’t have a shower or bachelorette party because she didn’t want one.

I would consider you a bride if you’re having a traditional wedding! Do whatever you want, it’s still your day!!

It seems gift grabby to me. Like Caytlyn said...there are sacrifices made when you choose to elope. You could have waited to have the full experience when you could better afford it.
I wouldn't gift somebody things if they're already married.

If you’re really interested in the celebration aspect, why not do a bridal brunch instead? Invite people out to brunch for a celebration instead of a gift-giving party.

View Quoted Comment Its your celebration enjoy to the fullest and dont worry what anyone say. They dont have to come period...

Do why you want! It may not be accepted by some but it’s your experience and no one can dictate that for you! I have a friend who eloped and we are planning her vow renewal and bachelorette and bridal shower! You don’t have to sacrifice those experiences! Go for it!

Typically you don’t plan your own shower. If someone wants to plan one for you, I see no problem in that or any other pre-wedding festivities. I disagree with the statement of you giving up things because you eloped. First off, as I said, you generally don’t plan showers and bachelorette parties for yourself anyway. Also, people elope for so many reasons, and it’s not anyone else’s business why. But eloping also doesn’t mean your family and friends don’t want to celebrate your wedding and support your marriage. This is also an important event in their lives, so if they’re up to it, enjoy it! Congrats!

If someone wants to throw you a shower then have at it. But, don't throw one for yourself. That will look very gift-grabby. I do think you may have a lower turn-out since everyone already knows you are married. They may be confused about what the purpose of the event is. If you eloped pretty recently and now are planning a reception for people who couldn't be there then I think that makes sense! But if you eloped years ago then this really is a vow-renewal and I don't know that the same events can successfully be attached to that.

I say go for it. It's like when some people don't have a baby shower and after the baby is born, they have a Sip n See. Everyone has drinks to celebrate, see the baby, and brings gifts. Just create a cute name for it instead of bridal shower.

I guess I'd just be confused by the invite. Are you hosting a vow renewal or reception in the future? Or would it just be a random bridal shower?

I like the idea of a PP for a bridal brunch; not shower. That is a fun way of getting everyone together over food, drinks, celebrating and like you said its not about the gifts; just a festive party. You also shared that you would like to do the whole things; how about a fun reception....I've heard of that a lot since weddings can be pricey. You can still incorporate some wedding celebratory things even though you're already married. Whatever you and your husband would like to do go for it! Like PP's have said, if there is a problem guests will decide to either show up or not. But you can still do some "bride" events. Good luck with everything and congratulations!

I agree that it will probably go over better if someone else throws you the shower. Heck, if worse comes to worse, ask your mom to throw you a shower or something. Just don't make it look like it was your idea!

Other than that, if you're paying tens of thousands of dollars for something, you should 1000% have it your way. Do what you want.

I say do what you want to do. And it honestly boils down to knowing your circle. Hopefully it’s a positive crew and they will be supportive. Also, I would make it a COED shower. I would say something like
“WE DO squared. Please join us and shower us with your love and support. Come only with your beautiful smile , positive heart and dancing feet”
If you wish to give a gift WE are registered at: Bath and Body Works and Victoria Secret.

I had a friend who had an intimate backyard wedding with just close friends and family and then had the big wedding ceremony & reception a year later. Most people knew they were already married but did all of the traditional events for them. I don't see a problem with that? Do what you want!