[SWTXBelle]

Depending on your religious convictions - you can have the civil ceremony, followed whenever by a church ceremony or blessing. I did that for my second marriage. Long story short, civil ceremony in VA in June, and church blessing (with family) in Texas in February. I wouldn't do a bachelorette party (I'm not much on them anyway) but the point behind a shower is to "shower" a couple starting out with the household things they need. If you only invite family and friends who would be in a position to ounderstand the situation you should have no problem. Good luck, and may you have a wonderful marriage, however you decide to handle the wedding!