It’s high time Nigerian ladies let us know if they have another definition/meaning for the word “bridal shower” or has deliberately chosen to ignore the gift given part of the whole ceremony.
More often than not I think it’s either Nigerian ladies have another definition of bridal shower that has removed “gift-giving” from the party or it’s that they never took time to browse and know the real meaning of ”bridal shower”.
According to Wikipedia, A bridal shower is a gift-giving party held for a bride-to-be in anticipation of her wedding. The history of the custom is rooted not necessarily for the provision of goods for the upcoming matrimonial home, but to provide goods and financial assistance to ensure the wedding may take place.
Bridal shower is a gathering where the friends of the would be bride come together to shower her with gifts and presents as a sign of their support and show of friendship, this gifts could come in form of items needed by the bride such as personal effects, Lingerie sets, clothing, shoes, jewelry or kitchen utensils, house hold items, shopping vouchers or other materials, goods and financial assistance to make sure the wedding is a success.
Some even go as far as paying for vacations for the couple etc depending on the economic status.
Dear Nigerian ladies, how do you go for a bridal shower empty handed with no physical, material or monetary gift to support the ceremony, the bride, or the new home?
My Nigerian ladies the next time you are going for a bridal shower please endeavor to carry a gift for the would be wife who is your friend no matter how little. Bridal shower is not just about putting on nighties and taking pictures with 20 ladies on a hotel bed with some tiny cake and party effects.