DEAR ABBY: I read your column regularly and find you to be the voice of reason. On many occasions I thought about writing to you for advice -- and now I am. An invitation to an upcoming bridal shower is what put me over the edge.
Is it appropriate for the bride's mother to throw her daughter a bridal shower? And, more important to me, to include in the invitation a three-page history of the bride and groom, along with the bride's panty and bra sizes? -- HORRIFIED IN THE HAMPTONS
DEAR HORRIFIED: According to the etiquette books, bridal showers may be given for the bride by her friends or relatives -- but never by members of either her immediate family or her fiance's.
I see nothing wrong with including information about the bridal couple for guests who might not have met one of them. However, to include the bride's bra and panty sizes is disclosing far more information than necessary.
I've heard of blushing brides -- but it should be a flush of happiness, not embarrassment.