to wonder what the point of a bridal shower is?

[FedupofbeingtoldIcantusemyname]

Just that really!

It does just seem like an excuse to have another party/get presents - but you do that at the wedding surely?

Aibu to wonder why anyone bothers with a bridal shower?

[PurpleDaisies]

Do people do this? I've never been to one or known anyone that's done one. Is it American?

[FedupofbeingtoldIcantusemyname]

It does seem more of an American thing but I'm sure some people do it here too!

[steff13]

It's to shower the bride with items she'll need to make a home with her husband. It's been a "thing" here in the US for many, many years. In fact, I believe they refer to a bridal shower in the original Father of the Bride movie, which was made in 1950.

[FedupofbeingtoldIcantusemyname]

But I thought the purpose of the wedding gifts was to set the bride and groom up with all the stuff they need for a home steff? Hence all the jokes about mutiple toasters etc. Why do both?

[SenecaFalls]

You don't have to give more than one gift. Showers often have a theme and the presents can be inexpensive so some people will then also give a another wedding gift. If I do give a big gift at a shower, I don't give another gift.

Customs are different in different countries. For example, in the US, no one has a second reception with a B-list guest list of people not invited to the main event; that would be considered very rude.