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[Gormy Cuss]

69. Bridal showers used to be mostly the domain of women too (hence the name)

Now they're more often called wedding showers to reflect the change to include the groom and other men. Showers historically had the role of easing the financial burden first of new household formation, then of setting up for the first child. We don't restrict them that way anymore. Couples who have been living independently for years don't need a wedding shower, but we still use this tradition because it's a good excuse for friends to host a lower key event before the nuptials. Baby showers these days are becoming common before the birth of second and subsequent children, again because it's a good excuse to show support in the relatively quiet time before a newborn arrives.

IMHO just as we have moved away from thinking that buying the linens, china, and kitchen goods is an aide to the bride alone, maybe we should start treating baby showers as support for both parties who are about to have their lives thrown into the chaos of becoming a parent.