What is a MOH? As I recall, there was only one bridesmaid at the party. Her college bridesmaids were from her chapter and they (the chapter) had already thrown her a shower. I think that is why I got stuck with secretary duty.

I don't think I have ever been to a bachelor party where "real" gifts were involved. A few times, gag gifts were given. But yeah, normally there is a gift the bride (and/or the couple, he might like that avocado green blender) and then going in on the bachelor party (or night out) and whatever that might, *cough, cough*, entail.

This bears repeating.... people, please do NOT take gifts to the reception.

We had 6 gifts where the card got separated from the box. That does not count the multiple cards that we received that were just well-wishes (those people had mailed a gift instead) and were not originally attached to a box.

We had to wait until all gifts arrived through the mail to figure out which 6 people likely had brought one of the 6 mystery gifts. Then we had to call and explain the embarrassing situation and ask those people if they had indeed brought a gift to the reception, and then ask them to tell us what it was so that we could properly acknowledge the gift in a thank you note. Awful.

In addition, it was pouring, pouring rain on our wedding day. We left and went to a hotel, and our sweet families and friends had to take over 100 boxes up to our 3rd floor apartment. In the pouring rain.

So.. I will say it again. Do not take gifts to the reception. Either mail them or hand deliver before or after the wedding. Miss Manners endorses this as well.

Maid (Matron) of Honor

"Stock the Bar" showers are great! The best shower I ever went to was a co-ed Stock the Bar. The guys got really into picking out cool gifts!

Whew. I was afraid it might mean "Mother of the Ho".

Yeah, this couple made out like bandits.

[QUOTE=Blondie93;1659024]This bears repeating.... people, please do NOT take gifts to the reception.

Last summer, FI and I went to a wedding and he REFUSED to have the gift shipped to his friends. He HAD to bring it to the wedding. There was no arguing and I figured, whatever, the couple were not my friends. Now, we are in the midst of wedding planning. Our wedding is in PA (we live in MA). We are leaving from NYC the day after our wedding for our honeymoon. FI keeps saying how he hopes people do not bring gifts to the wedding because we have no idea what we will do with them! Now he realizes that he has been the worst wedding guest ever and feels badly for making people cart this stuff around! I am certain he will ship all future wedding gifts!

Your mother is a gem. She taught you correctly!

I have noticed that many weddings have a "hostess" or "host" whose responsiblity is to take care of gifts, anything the bride or groom needs pre/post wedding. Helps everyone find their seats at the receptions and deals with the guestbook. I definitely plan on having one. Also, many people accomodate gifts with a gift table. The biggest problems I have seen at these weddings are the guests dragging them around during cocktail hour before the reception venue opens.

I definitely plan on accepting gifts at the event. But I guess that is just tradition in this area? I've never heard of sending it ahead until now.