The Bridal Shower: A Modern Groom's Perspective

Mary had her first of two bridal showers last Sunday at Old Oak Country Club for her side of the family and her friends.  It came with some standard accoutrements: favors, mimosas, a light lunch, and of course, shower gifts.  All along, I knew that my attendance was expected.  To be honest, I was looking forward to it.  I expected it to be one of the more fun and easy-going events leading up to our wedding.  I expected this because I knew it wouldn't be an overdone or overly elaborate event.  It was a time for many of the women in Mary's life, of all ages, to celebrate our upcoming wedding with just her.

For many grooms, I'm sure they dread having to attend the bridal shower.  Having to be up in front of female friends and family and pretend to be excited about measuring spoons and vacuum cleaners is certainly something I wouldn't rate at the top of my list of fun activities.  Chit-chatting with the girls is also probably not a groom's favorite Sunday afternoon activity.

For me, however, I really did enjoy having a chance to talk to some of Mary's friends and family that I don't normally see.  While I felt I was mostly there in a support capacity for my bride - pulling out her chair, getting her mimosas, loading up the gifts - it was a nice warm-up for our actual wedding.  I made some introductions, was introduced myself, had a chance to catch up with important people, and also got to celebrate our upcoming nuptials.  As a broad generalization, since women tend to be more social than men, being surrounded by women helped get me into the wedding-mingling mode!

I think that since I had already resolved that I would enjoy myself, I found it much easier to do just that.  I was relaxed and comfortable, and truly did enjoy the socializing.  Mary also looked great in her nice white summer dress!  As far as the gift-opening is concerned, just think about how excited you'll be when you open your brand new wine tool set and beer pilsners.