Question:
If it is a co-ed shower, should gifts still be opened since the men aren't as interested in china patterns and crock-pots?
Answer:
Dear Ashley,
What a great question! Funny, too. I'm betting there are some grooms out there who like crock pots. There might even be some Brides-to-Be who can't wait for the NFL football season! That crock pot is going to come in handy on Superbowl Sunday. The happy couple will be able to cook up enough chili to feed an army!
You bet, the groom needs to be on hand during the gift opening portion of a co-ed wedding shower. Since the groom benefits just as much as the bride from the generous gifts that will outfit the couple's household, it's showing good manners on the groom's part to be "present for the presents" AND pay attention.
That being said, there's no need to make a pageant out of the gift opening phase of the shower. You can make it easier on the guys by playing a game during the gift opening phase. A game helps guests focus on the couple and maintain active interest.
You can alternate package opening by having the bride do one, then the groom do the next one and so on. You can play "guess what's in this box," play bridal bingo, or even have a fun "gag gift" intevention at various points during the gift opening. The gag gift intervention is where the Bride and Groom suddenly open up a box of silly looking lingerie or underwear, stuffy old fashioned pajamas, or naughty nighties. The bride and groom don't know gag gifts have been hidden in the gift pile! This keeps the surprise alive! Nobody knows what gift will come next. Will it be the really great Backgammon set or one of those late night TV gizmos that seem to always cost $19.99!
Be sure to appoint a helper to record the gift and the giver's name and mailing address so that the Bride-to-Be has her thank you card list ready made. The groom should sign the thank you cards, too. After all, he was at the shower as well. Another helper or two should collect the ribbons and bows that come from the packages and attach them to a paper plate. This ribbon bouquet is the one the bride will use at the wedding rehearsal and will carry to her rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal bouquet is a lifetime keepsake, too!
It may be true that grooms, in general, aren't that hot on china patterns and cutlery, but if the Bride-to-Be coaches him by saying, "Honey, if you want to eat for the next 50 years of our marriage, you're going to sit with me and open these presents," I bet he'll come around.
Just kidding!
Co-ed showers are a blast. The energy is so high you can use it to light up New York City! I've got a feeling that this shower is going to burn megawatts!
Happy Showering,
Susan "The Shower Diva"
Where Fun Reigns!™
