Wedding Shower Basket Raffle?

I didn't have a shower and I have never seen this done at a shower I've attended at a guest. I don't think fundraising is appropriate at wedding-related parties, so if I did see this as a guest I wouldn't participate. Where I come from, fundraising is for charities (causes and people in need), not for vacations or other fun things.

I’ve never heard of it but I don’t like the sound of it. A shower is a defined gift-giving event. I think people trying to get a few extra bucks out of guests isn’t in good taste. I could see some social circles being fine with this and having fun but not in my group of friends.

So I was a bridesmaid for a wedding last year and the MOH planned something similar to this for the shower. The prize wasn't a basket like that, it was just a gift card.

My personal opinion, and my mom and many other people I asked agreed with me, I think this type of raffle is kind of tacky. I don't mind if couples register for a honeymoon fund because that is what they want, but to ask guests to bring a gift AND to put in money for a raffle I think is too much. Now some people did participate in the game, but not very many.

I do think the basket is super cute, though, and I would use it as a prize for some other game, not one asking guests to contribute even more. Again, this is my personal opinion, I'm sure others may like the idea.

I've never seen or heard of it being done, I personally think its tacky. Its not a charity event to try to raise money for a cause. Wedding shower is specifically designed for giving physical gifts - my FH and I have been living together for years and don't need much but we will be registering for upgraded items. There is always something people can register for besides just having a honeymoon fund - and if you don't register at your wedding people will just give you cash/check anyways.

I have only seen free raffles at showers for those who attended (i.e. the host paid for the items and they were raffled free of charge to guests, or they were won in bridal games).

The only other raffles I've seen is at baby showers where you bring a pack of diapers, you get a raffle ticket and a prize is won.

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YES!!! I completely agree with that. My husband and I lived together for 5 years before we got married. We had everything we "needed" to get by, but we were able to ask for nicer things that we couldn't afford initially. I think people can always find something they need/want!!!

Thank you so much ladies!!! I 100% agree!! I've never seen or heard of it being done and I personally think it's a bit tacky. You're asking your guests to bring a gift AND contribute money and that's rude!!! Thanks for confirming my opinion.

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I totally agree with this!! I feel like raffles are for causes and those in need, not as a way to pay for your vacation.

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I agree!!! I'm not ok with it and I don't think my friends would be either. It just seems tacky.

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Yes! I've seen that.. a free raffle where every guest gets a ticket upon entry. And I think a gift card would be ok. But it's not a fundraiser, so it just seems odd to me.

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I have seen those too!! But it seems different to have a diaper raffle (when the diapers can be part of your gift or your gift) than asking for cash donations. I think a wishing well at a bridal shower is ok where guests bring small things for the house (dish soap, sponges, hand towel, etc). But this seems odd to me.

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If they want to do a raffle I would do one where everyone submits a recipe and is entered. That is free for the guests and then the couple has a bunch of new recipes to try! I think that would be nice.

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That's a great idea and very unique!!! Unfortunately, I think some of these bridesmaid like the idea of a raffle with tickets they sell to earn money for the bride. Maybe I can convince them otherwise.

It's definitely in poor taste to have people paying for raffle tickets to win a basket to then give toward the couple's honeymoon. I do like the idea Sarah had about submitting recipes, then the bride can pull the name of a recipe giver from a box/bowl and they win a prize.

I also don't think anything should be included about gift cards to home improvement places - generally at a shower people bring physical gifts and watch the bride (or couple) open them.

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And that is exactly my opinion too!! I wasn't sure if I was crazy in thinking that or if others agreed with me but I'm glad to see a lot of people think the way I do.

Yeah, not a fan of this idea. It reminds me a bit when I’ve been invited to baby showers before that have all of these notes for bringing books, diapers and a gift. Seems a little greedy to me, but others may disagree

That seems like a money grab at a party that is already a gift giving event.

Wedding planner here... I had a couple do a raffle at their wedding for people who purchased tickets or donated toward the honeymoon fund box at the wedding. I cringed at the thought of it........ then I saw how many people LOVED IT and was into it! Guess it depends on your crowd.
Im planning my own wedding now and took the idea minus the money. My guests get a raffle tickets for rsvp on time, booking a room off our block, and then if they actually show up the day of lol Incentive to plan their stuff ahead of time 😉

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It makes me cringe too!! I guess the part I struggle with is actually asking people to contribute money towards the raffle. Asking for money is always a faux pas so that's why I initially wasn't into the idea. But you're right... depends on the crowd!! I like the idea of giving tickets for different things.. so did you (or your customers) have the raffle at the wedding or the shower?

View Quoted Comment Honestly -i came to this conversation because im considering doing a similar thing for my daughters bridal shower- my future son in law is a sommelier- and has some really amazing wines that most people may not typically buy due to excessive price… and i’m a reseller that stocks high end skin care and makeup + hair and beauty products & tools - anti aging products- fashion - luxury purses - etc … my daughter is 30 - she’s well established and successful as is her fiancée- they really don’t need anything and their registry is slim pickings …. i was thinking it would be great to have people buy the tickets - win some amazing gifts - and use the proceeds towards their first time homeownership fund - i don’t want to come off as tacky - but it seems people expect a fully stocked registry to help them figure out what the couple could use- honestly they could use to get rid of some of that fancy wine- cases and cases and cases of it!! and i can clear out some inventory!!!