Eek! Bridal Shower Faux Pas

[aprilcait]

One of my parents' close neighborhood friends is very kindly throwing me a bridal shower. However, I recently received the invitation and noted that she had written "gift cards or checks are preferred because 'aprilcait' and 'aprilcait's FI' are hoping purchase a wine tower and a camcorder." Eek!

Well, I met my mom for lunch today and I mentioned the gift suggestion included on the neighbor's invitation. I said, "I can't be blamed for it, right? I didn't write the invitations." Well, apparently the neighbor is telling people she included that snippet on the invitation at my request.

I told my mom that I had had a conversation with the neighbor a number of weeks ago and she had asked me about gift ideas for the bridal shower and I had mentioned that FI and I were interested in purchasing a wine tower and a camcorder, so perhaps people could chip in for that. It was just an "off the top of my head" kind of idea. I didn't realize it would be taken as a bridal shower commandment. Oops!

There's nothing I can do about the invitation wording now, and I don't think I should address the neighbor about the misunderstanding (it's not worth potentially hurting feelings and I know her intentions were good). I'm just kind of venting about having my image scuffed and feeling embarrassed. Do you think I’m handling this correctly, or am I being a wuss?

 

[Independent Gal]

Oh. Ouch.

poor you!

 

[Stephanie]

Oh my! That''s kinda sticky. You may have to just deal with it as to not hurt the hosts feelings. However, if anyone says anything rude or snarky about you, your mother can relay the miscommunications between you and the host.

 

[krisvrn]

Date: 3/14/2008 2:33:44 PM
Author:aprilcait

One of my parents'' close neighborhood friends is very kindly throwing me a bridal shower. However, I recently received the invitation and noted that she had written ''gift cards or checks are preferred because ''aprilcait'' and ''aprilcait''s FI'' are hoping purchase a wine tower and a camcorder.'' Eek!

Well, I met my mom for lunch today and I mentioned the gift suggestion included on the neighbor''s invitation. I said, ''I can''t be blamed for it, right? I didn''t write the invitations.'' Well, apparently the neighbor is telling people she included that snippet on the invitation at my request.

I told my mom that I had had a conversation with the neighbor a number of weeks ago and she had asked me about gift ideas for the bridal shower and I had mentioned that FI and I were interested in purchasing a wine tower and a camcorder, so perhaps people could chip in for that. It was just an ''off the top of my head'' kind of idea. I didn''t realize it would be taken as a bridal shower commandment. Oops!

There''s nothing I can do about the invitation wording now, and I don''t think I should address the neighbor about the misunderstanding (it''s not worth potentially hurting feelings and I know her intentions were good). I''m just kind of venting about having my image scuffed and feeling embarrassed. Do you think I’m handling this correctly, or am I being a wuss?

Very tough. i would just let it go. The neighbor meant well.

 

[ephemery1]

I would let it go as well... it''s a sticky situation, but if you were my friend and I knew you well enough to know you wouldn''t normally do that kind of thing, I''d assume it was just a miscommunication and wouldn''t be offended at all to see it on the invite. In the grand scheme of things, I don''t think it''s worth worrying too much about.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 3/14/2008 4:55:35 PM
Author: ephemery1
I would let it go as well... it''s a sticky situation, but if you were my friend and I knew you well enough to know you wouldn''t normally do that kind of thing, I''d assume it was just a miscommunication and wouldn''t be offended at all to see it on the invite. In the grand scheme of things, I don''t think it''s worth worrying too much about.

I agree. But I''m with you on the discomfort. Not a good feeling.

 

[LegacyGirl]

Oh you poor thing!

 

[staceybelle]

Eeeek. I''m so sorry you''re having to go through that.

I think shower etiquette is so difficult to navigate. It''s hard to express your wishes without offending or stepping on the toes of someone who is gracious enough to throw you a party in your honor. If someone did that to me, I would be sorely tempted to speak up. But I think you''re correct not to say anything to the hostess, as difficult as that may be.

 

[isaku5]

I''m usually a stickler for doing things right, but I would let this one go without hesitation. Your neighbourhood friend''s generosity in providing a shower far overrides any *suggestions* for gifts that she provided.

In fact, I''d actually welcome the suggestion as I''m usually at a loss as to what to give nowadays .

 

[Rhea]

Oops! How potentially embarrassing.

And how potentially beneficial if you do get what you asked for. I''d leave it alone like you said in your post. Some may be appalled but I imagine won''t think twice about that type of thing unless they have recently planned a wedding.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Most people will know you had nothing to do with the invites (hopefully!) I agree, I would let it go. Awkward though!