Wedding Shower for Justice of Peace Weddings/Elopements?

Bridal Shower Etiquette

Q: I'm friends with a couple who are eloping by going to see a justice of the peace.  Friends of ours have suggested that we throw a bridal shower for the bride.  Is this okay even though they are not having a traditional wedding?

A: It depends.  If the couple are still planning on having a reception or party to celebrate the wedding, then having a bridal shower for the bride would still be acceptable as long as the guests to the shower are invited to the reception or party.  Many couples forgo the church or traditional ceremonies or choose to have a private, intimate ceremony (and of course many couples do this to save money.) 

If the couple aren't having a reception or party for their wedding, though, then skip the bridal shower and instead consider throwing a party for the couple instead.