I was going to write a whole Manifesto on Bridal Showers and how sometimes I don't like them and the reason why is because I don't like playing all those games - they are usually awkward - and then when the games are done we all spend a substantial amount of time watching someone else open presents. But then it started to sound like sour grapes - you know, bitter 30 year old spinster kind of stuff. And the truth is that I am genuinely thrilled for anyone who gets married. It is a complete mystery to me how people find each other and decide that this is the person they want to spend eternity with. So it seems like a miracle every time it happens. And it's nice to sit and chat with ladies I haven't seen in a while. And there is always really delicious food. At my cousin Sarah's shower last night we had cream puffs. And if that isn't reason enough to miss America's Next Top Model, then one must not exist.
So I'm not bitter. But I am jealous. And not of the girl getting married. But of the girl getting the Kitchen Aide. And the pillow shams. And the mixing bowls, and guest towels, and laundry basket, and place mats, and ice cream makers. To get a husband AND a rice cooker seems like an excess of riches.
10 comments:
For me, it's the baby showers that get me. At least at wedding showers people are talking about regular, grown up things. At baby showers everyone's all baby baby baby.
And the games. Oh, the games. Like the one with the candy bars and the diapers. Why you would mush up a perfectly good candy bar in a diaper is beyond me.
Point #1. Anytime I host a baby shower (it's been so long since I've hosted a bridal shower) I forgo the games. I think they don't add anything to the atmosphere. I would much rather have amazing food and wonderful conversation than to see how many safety pins I can grab off of people who cross their legs.
Point #2. I think it should just be a rite of passage that when people move out of their parent's house for the first time - they get a shower. A "now-I'm-grown-up-and-need-a-standing-mixer" shower. That would make the wedding only about getting the husband instead of all the goodies.
I dislike both kinds of showers in general. Mostly because it seems like there is ALWAYS something awkward that happens. I'm coming very close to making a policy not to attend baby showers any more.
If it's not the guest of honor mentioning that she got a waffle iron just seconds before she opens another one, it's something else of equal awkwardness. Or at least it's just me feeling like my gift is stupid.
Now if the husband will use the rice cooker to make dinner for his wife...that's a winner!
My sister had a shower out here for me on Saturday, it was a fiesta theme. You'll be happy to know that she successfully embarassed me...with a pinata, I was blindfolded, the whole bit. And there were a few gifts to make me blush and I did...a lot...I'm still red.
Okay, I've thrown lots of both kinds of showers. I think I threw about 10 bridal showers before I got married, and each time I added less games. I have decided that embarrassing the bride by giving her a test about all the stuff she does and doesn't know about her future husband is the only game I like. You know, the one where she has to chew a piece of gum per wrong answer. Of course, at my own shower I had 11 pieces of hubba bubba in my mouth, so I got what I deserved. There's actually a point to that game, which is to give the bride's friends a chance to see what's she's marrying.
Baby shower games are ridiculous. I agree about the diaper/candy bar game. Gross. And a waste of chocolate. When I throw a baby shower, I do the candy bar memory game so that everyone gets to eat a candy bar. But mostly, I just think there should be good food so you have something nice to munch on while you chat with your friends.
I do think there should be a shower for moving away from home, or graduation from college, or something like that. Graduating from college leaves you penniless as much as getting married does.
Rachel, I think you are one of the mentally healthiest human beings on the planet. Really. It's a joy to virtually hang out with you.
I enjoyed reading the comments also. I always read the comments section of your blog. Your friends are fun also.
Bravo Rachel...you appear to be experiencing a life that is well- lived...in my not-so-humble opinion....
HAHAHAHA! Loved this post. I don't know if I was more giddy when John proposed or when I was registering for gifts. HAHA! don't tell John. :)
Remember how we decided a few years back to throw showers for ourselves just because??? What happened to that idea? I really think that all my friends deserve showers. You know how I feel about little presents and showers and receptions are pretty nice that way. I'm still getting presents for Nathan.
So, who's going to have the first shower. I'll send a gift even if I can't be there?
You know how I feel about shower games; I only love them if I can cheat and therefore win. I get super competitive. Hopefully I have not ruined any showers with this need to win a game and present when it wasn't my special day. There were no games at my wedding or baby shower. I have to say I still think about my Tea Party shower with pure delight. It couldn't have been better. Well, only if Andrea had worn the hat during the shower!
I'm a huge fan of showers, especially ones where they give Target gift cards. If you want to know how Gina feels about those games, just ask her about playing the "Newlywed Game" at our family reunion one week after we got married.
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