Weddingbee boards

Hi Bees-

I got into a debate with my grandmother last night about one of my bridal shower themes and I wanted to get your opinion.

The theme of my bridal shower is "Pretty in Pink" and everything will be, well, pink. I had mentioned that I would like the invites to suggest that the ladies coming wear pink as well to go with the theme and my grandmother immediately stated that this was rude.

While I have been to many successful showers (bridal and baby) where colors are requested to be worn she hadn't ever heard of this idea. In her mind if someone doesn't have pink they will just not come instead of either trying to find something or making do without it. She refused to help plan in a shower that indicated such a requirement on the invitations.

Now tell me bees, is it really rude to ask that the guests wear pink? What if I modified the wording to "if possible please wear pink" or something of that nature? Would you be offended if you were asked to wear a color to a themed party/shower? If you didn't have pink would you NOT go to the shower?

I added a basic poll but would love additional input.

I personally wouldn't care at all. I think other people might find some way to be offended by that, but I think that is kind of ridiculous. People will still show up not wearing pink, you can't force anyone to wear anything, but I don't think it's rude to suggest it.

@deathbydesign:  Yeah I have the same feeling. I attended a baby shower last year where I had to wear yellow (which I look horrible in). I never once thought it was rude and was happy to go with the theme (ducks...too fun).

I guess I just don't see any difference in "please wear pink" and "please wear ugly 80's clothing to accomodate our fun theme." People are happy to dress up for a party why would a bridal shower be any exception?

I actually like themed parties..especially where we get to come in theme or costume lol

Case in point: My friend's ABC birthday party (anything but clothes).. I wore duct tape and a laundry basket lol.

@oracle:  "To keep with the festive theme, wear pink if you'd like..."

I agree, that would be the best way to word it. I really do think guests would be put off by being told what to wear. I don't own any pink, for example, and would have to go buy something or risk being odd one out, possibly upsetting the host, etc.

@Mrs.KMM:  

@September29:  

Since you two bees are the most against the idea would you kindly suggest wording that you wouldn't be annoyed/miffed by.

Thanks!

totally cute :) but I love pink...so maybe if it were 'orange-themed', I'd feel different! I think as long as you word it along the lines of 'please feel free to wear pink to keep with the theme' vs. you show up in less than 90% pink, then no cake for you!' you're fine :)

@Cappugcino:  That is a GREAT idea!!! Thanks!

@Ms.Dachshund:  We planned on having pink stuff for the guests to put on (beaded necklaces, crowns, rings etc). Thanks for the idea. :)

@Cappugcino:  I really like that idea!

I own ZERO pink and would show up in bright pink lipstick or something instead.  I like the idea, but the fact that Id probably have to buy something new just to wear to your shower, and your shower only, would kind of bum me out.  BUT!!! If you open it up to "try to follow with the pink theme!", that makes it so much easier for those of us who would show up in pink lipstick and shoes.  :)

I think it's perfectly fine and I wouldn't be offended at all.  I'd wear the color requested or at least an accesory in that color.  Just word it as a suggion and not a request.  Something like "pink attire suggested"

I go to a charity gala every year that supports women's cardiac care and every year the invitations suggests red attire.  Some people wear it some don't, but they still come.  I've never thought it was rude and never heard anyone complain. 

@KristenGotMarried:  Noted. To be honest I never intended for it to be pink "shirts" only but envisioned pink anything...sorry for being vague. And I would appreciate your bright pink lipstick for sure!

Okay, what about something like this?

In keeping with our theme all ladies are welcome to wear their pinkest clothing and accesories. There will be a prize for the most festive outfit. 

@Ms.Dachshund:  Thanks! I sent it to my mom, hopefully she is cool with the idea. I also noted that I would like to have pink accessories available to the ladies too like crowns, pins, play necklaces and rings...anything that is cheap and fun.

I think it is funny how divided it is amongst the bees. I am personally a go with the flow type of person so I wouldn't be bothered by something like this...now asking me to wear lingerie or S&M gear might leave me a bit uncomfortable.

I guess in my mind I don't see any difference bewteen a bride asking her guests at a bridal shower to wear pink (if possible) and asking them to wear "formal attire" at the wedding. We comply as guests because well that is what we do and for some it is more fun than others.

Just a side note, I personally don't own or wear much pink so I would have to be just as creative as some of my guests. I just liked the pink theme and thought it would be fun. If someone is stressing that much (or is that annoyed) by me asking them to have a little fun with me then there isn't much more I can do about it. :)

@joy2011:  And congrats on posting number 3,000! :)