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Yesterday, my coworkers “surprised” me with a wedding shower. My supervisor had asked me last week to block off Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. for a meeting, and was extremely evasive when I inquired about specifics. So I was already suspicious as he led me down the (uncharacteristically quiet) hall. When he started pushing open the conference room door, I heard giggles and shushing… and realized I was dreading this little party!
In the almost two years I’ve worked in this office, the unofficial party planning committee has pulled together nearly a dozen baby showers — but not a single wedding-related soiree, as I was the only engaged employee.
I didn’t quite know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised with several gifts…
(All images from Bed Bath & Beyond.)
…as well as a very cute recipe book (of which I forgot to take a picture, sorry!) filled with my coworkers’ favorite dishes. There was also a very impressive spread, and many of my associates had whipped up the recipe they also were sharing as part of the joint shower gift. Again, I lack pictures, because none of my colleagues know about my blogging, and I would’ve felt even more uncomfortable whipping out my camera to grab a shot of the goodies.
Anyway, I’m wondering now what the proper way is to thank this large group — there are 45+ people in my office. (I noticed, as I was finishing this post, that Weddingbee reader hellopanda posted a thread on the boards pondering how to express her gratitude for a similar work party. Great minds, huh?) I’m also on a bit of a time crunch, as our entire office will be participating in a retreat from Monday afternoon through all day Tuesday — which will be my last two days at work before the wedding.
I’ve already sent out an email to everyone in the office, but am wondering what else — if anything — I should do to thank my colleagues for their time and generosity? Did your coworkers plan any pre-wedding festivities for you?
The email is probably sufficient but maybe you could make cookies or cupcakes for the office. Nothing like sweets to display your appreciation!
Bru, your post with the PPC cracked me up. I’m on the PPC at my office and we’re always making jokes from The Office about it.
My coworkers threw me a Happy Hour Shower, where we all met up at the Melting Pot for dinner and drinks. They also all chipped in for a gift card, which was really sweet. After I got back from my honeymoon, I brought in a card and a tray of muffins for everyone to enjoy. If you can’t put something together before your leave for the wedding, you could always plan it for when you return?
Sweets would be nice =] You could always write up cheap, quick thank yous and just stick them in their mailboxes to save on postage.
Special treat bags - easy and affordable… Or maybe make extra of your favor bags and bring them in?
I agree- a large batch of cookies- perhaps brought in by a close friend coworker in your absence on Wed- would be a great gesture!
I agree with mkat88… maybe a try of cookies or Edible Arrangement with a thank you note on the side, addressed to everyone. Just so there is a touch more than an email.
I agree - the email should be enough. A hand-written note to one or two people who really “made it happen” would be nice, but I don’t think every person in the office expects their own thank-you. We recently threw a work shower for a coworker of mine, and I didn’t expect a big thank-you, as all of us only chipped in $10-15 for the gifts.
I was also thinking maybe you could make some cupcakes for the office? That is so cool your co workers threw a party for you and gave you some super awesome gifts!!!
I work in a school, and anytime we throw a shower the person usually has coffee and bagels the next morning as a sign of gratitude.
What happens after the baby showers? Does the mom (or dad) to be do anything special? I would follow their lead.
I would say that anyone who gave you a personal gift should recieve a thank you card, as you would give to any person who gives you a gift at your regularly planned shower(s) and wedding. Other than that, a tray of cupcakes or other treats with a collective note should suffice.
I did an edibile arrangement last year when my office gave me a graduation gift, that way even the healty (or trying to be healthy) people could partake of my thank you
At my office, people tend to write a general thank you card, and then put it at the main receptionist’s desk for all to see.
I tend to agree with everyone else, though. Bake something! People in my office love sweets.
In our office they bake cookies or something and bring them in with a thank you note to sit by the sweets 
I’ll probably do something similar.
After my shower, I wrote Thank Yous and actually mailed them. They received them (I think) while I was at the wedding. My department is really small, so I’m hoping they just passed it around since I included everyones name on the card.
Is there a break room or common area a majority of the people would see a Thank You if you posted it? They idea of bringing treats is good too…I think ti would be acceptable to do that after the wedding too!
This is kind of a tough one.
I ended up sending out an email to the office thanking them for their contributions, and personalized thank you notes to my department (of 5 people) because I knew they had done the majority of the work and planning for it.
Maybe bake some of that chocolate biscotti you are known for and leave it in the break room with a note.
What about bringing in a basket (or 2) of muffins or something for breakfast? Food is always a great thank you!
When my office threw me a baby shower, I brought donuts the next Monday and said that I really appreciated the party and there’s donuts in the kitchen.
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Mrs. Bruschetta, Philadelphia Age and Occupation: 25, Communication Professional Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Physical Therapy Graduate Student Engagement Date: November 30, 2007 Wedding Date: August 2009 Venue: St. Thomas of Villanova Church & the F.U.E.L. House About Me: I’m a self-proclaimed grammar geek who loves singing (like, really belting it) in the car. My mister and I are planning a vibrant summer soiree celebrating our passions – including food and Philly – and when we make it official, we’ll have been together for eight years! Being super competitive is in my nature, and talking excessively is in my genes. I’ve got a terrible sense of direction, but can always easily find my way into Mr. Bruschetta’s arms.
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