Non-traditional Bridal Shower

You should open and acknowledge gifts.

A DJ is "extra" for a shower.

What does the person hosting this for you want to do?

Okay. Hope the host agrees.

People really care that much about watching someone open gifts? How boring. I personally could care less if someone opened my gift to them in front of me or not.

My mom is throwing me a shower (she insisted) back home in MA (I live in IL now). I'm obviously not going to be opening any gifts because otherwise I'd have to lug them back to IL with me or have them shipped ( $$$ ). And I also hate shower games. So, my mom is going to have one of those "paint and sip" type places come out for a private painting party. That way, everyone can be entertained and doing something.

I think there's nothing wrong with a DJ at a shower - I think it would be fun! Who doesn't like to dance? As boring as it can be to watch someone open gifts (especially when it's a large shower), I think it's insulting to some guests if you don't. Me? I couldn't give a crap if you opened my gift in front of others. I know you'll open it at home and as long as you send a thank you note, it's fine my me. I was actually dreading the "opening of presents" but thankfully, my shower was only 19 guests so it went quickly. My MOH asked me if I wanted the "bow" hat and I declined. She also knows me very well and refrained from games (just not my thing, and more importantly, not my guest's thing either). My group was older than most showers (I was 56 and most of my guests were in the 40 - 60 range) so we've all been to a ton of showers and done that thing. All we wanted to do was eat, drink and mingle and that's what we did!

If your mom is asking you for input, than do your thing! As long as you are keeping your guests top of mind.