Doodle Floral by Eliza DeVogel
Bridal shower tradition is rooted in the material needs of starting a new home. The deepest roots in the tradition stem from the notion that a bride was property. Forget bridal shower invitations–the forerunner to throwing a bride a wedding shower was essentially her own family equipping her with a dowry. A dowry was a culturally prescribed amount of wealth she could bring to the arrangement that made her a more attractive asset to her future spouse and his family.
In the U.S., the more recent history of the bridal shower tradition came from a young couple’s need in starting a new household–acquiring everyday living supplies to build their new household from scratch. In post World War II America, the bridal shower has been a female-driven event. Bridal shower invitations were typically ultra feminine in style, encouraging guests to go out and purchase typical wife-as-homemaker items, from blenders to rolling pins to ironing boards and more.
Cue the Bridal, ahem, Wedding Shower Invitations
But what of the emotional aspect of the bridal shower tradition? What of the symbolism in a tradition to hold as much power for non-traditional couples? Be they older, second-timers, same-sex, live-in and others, who’ve already built a household together? Shouldn’t their name appear as guests of honor on a more modern kind of wedding shower invitation?
As more non-traditional couples head to the alter here, many have possession of a wedding registry, but often do not get the benefit of a wedding shower. This does them and their friends a disservice. They deserve and need the power of a shower as a special form of acknowledgement and endorsement of their commitment to one another. A wedding shower–traditional or not–is no less important for them. Their wedding registry items may not be the obvious set of kitchenware and dishes, but the need to celebrate remains.
If you know a newly engaged couple outside the stereotypical young, first-time-for-both, couple-dom, you can find fantastic wedding shower invitations to personalize in their style at www.looklovesend.com. From classic and feminine to modern and chic for couples of all tastes and preferences, you’ll see a variety of styles, color and themes. All invitations print on premium quality paper and turnaround is fast. Enjoy free shipping for order of 50 or more.
