Creative Bridal Shower Ideas for the Introvert Bride

Not every future bride revels in attention on her big day—or at the events leading up to the nuptials. Introvert brides may shy away from the spotlight and big crowds may induce a bit of anxiety. While a crowded ceremony may be the ultimate endurance test, pre-matrimony mainstays like wedding showers also aren’t the most socially comfortable moments for spotlight shunning brides. You could also help ease anxiety by asking for gifts that aren’t personal, but still unique.

 

 

One of the more cringe-worthy traditions at showers has to be the ceremonious all-eyes-on-the-bride gift unwrapping. Revealing a skimpy nightgown may be a fun surprise in private, but in front of grandma and other guests? Unwrapping personal gifts and even having every eye watching as you tackle to rip open taped-up boxes and knotted bows is over-the-top excruciating. 

If you’re one of many future brides who hate the idea of every moment being captured for the audience—or the guest list—you’re in good company. And, even better, there are plenty of ideas to take the traditional bridal shower and tailor it to your comfort level…or, at least, make that gift opening spectacle more fun.

If you’re prepared to say au revoir to a bridal shower because of introvert anxiety, incorporate a few of these ideas to help make your event a bit more bearable.

 

Insist on a couple’s shower.

Don’t like to open gifts solo…and in front of everyone? Have the future spouse do it instead. Many couples now have couples showers that include all their couple friends…and single friends (of both genders), too. Many of these showers have fun themes, games and offer a more low-key atmosphere. And, for introverts, having your significant other sharing the attention can remove some anxiety.

Limit the guest list.

If the sheer number of guests is just too overwhelming, cut down the numbers. It’s perfectly fine to have keep the list to close family and friends. You don’t have to invite extended family or anyone outside of your inner circle. For a more intimate shower, you can host a luncheon at a favorite restaurant. With a smaller guest list also can allow your hostesses to incorporate personalized details for special guests, like corsages for grandparents, bridesmaids and the couple’s mothers that incorporate your wedding flowers.

Skip the public gift spectacle.

If you don’t want to open your gifts in front of the crowd, you can skip this tradition. Whether or not you open gifts at the shower, just be sure that every gift-giver receives a ‘thank you’ note…good etiquette is a must!

No gifts, please.

Many couples might have all the household items they need prior to the wedding (or the shower). Couples can choose that the shower all about spending time with friends and family and can specify “no gifts, please.”

Find your wingman (or wingwoman).

Many introvert brides still may want the traditional shower with all the pomp and circumstance…even if it makes them uncomfortable. If you opt for tradition, take a deep breath and be sure to find ways at the event to seek out a little solace with a close friend or relative. You’ll need someone to note all the gifts, so have your mom, sister, or best friend sit next to you during the more uncomfortable gift reveal.

Even if you don’t relish in the attention of being the central figure of your wedding day, tradition often puts the bride at the forefront…whether she likes it or not. Bridal showers are no exception, and brides often find themselves swamped with attention with all eyes on their hands as they fumble to unwrap gifts. If the attention causes anxiety, you can amend tradition to create the environment that makes you most comfortable. Skip the gifts, unwrap them privately or just enlist the aid of a friend or your future spouse; there are many ways to create a low-key bridal shower to allow even the shyest brides to shine and have fun!