[kdonline]

I'm late to this thread...and I'm not sure if you want another choir member here, but..

1) 43 is WAY too many for 1 shower. I agree w/ honeychile - she should've had 3-4 (I had 4, of about 20 women each). Geez, I'd have hated to be a guest at the shower, and had to sit while the bride opened 42 other gifts. Zzzzzz....! How did it go, anyway?

2) As if you needed to hear it again, do NOT go along with the big cash gift. Just say, "Sorry, I already bought a gift." Short & simple. Personally, I never go for big group gifts - that's so unoriginal.

3) as for the gift - the sentimental ones mentioned are great. It's true - the best gifts are the ones that people put thought into. I love the photo collages I received. One friend used wedding pics she took & put them in those picture coasters...LOVE IT!

BTW, some of us brides DO remember who got us what....which is why I always try to get the same thing for every bride. I try to always get the coffee maker. (Quick note: I think I jinxed myself with getting everyone coffeemakers...because now we're living in Seattle!) Anyway, every time that I make coffee, I can honestly say I think of the couple who got us our coffee maker.