Maid Of Honour
Yes, they can.
It is in poor taste to have a bridal shower at the home of the bride's mother. The bride's aunts or friends host showers.
Generally the Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids get together and have a Bridal Shower or, the mother of the bride may have one as well. Whomever has the bridal shower pays for it and they have the right to ask guests that they know to contribute some of the food if they so wish.
Yes, it's absolutely proper for the groom's aunt (and/or the bride's aunt, also) to host a bridal shower. The main ones who shouldn't host bridal showers are the parents and grandparents of the bride and groom.
Yes, it is completely appropriate for a mothers friend to host a bridal shower. Bridal showers are not to be hosted by a mother, sister, or other immediate family member of the couple due to it looking as though they are asking for gifts.
Either a mother; mother-in-law; sister or good friend has a bridal shower and does not require a hostess gift. If the bride wishes to thank the hostess she could send a thank you note along with an arrangement of flowers.
Traditionally, the maid of honor throws the bridal shower for the bride to be. But since it is a gift giving event, some may concider it improper to have a family member host the shower. In that case, a close friend of the bride may host the shower instead. The shower is normally held about one to two months before the wedding is to take place.
The word host is both a noun and a verb; for example: Noun: The host provided each guest with a small gift. Verb: My sister will host the bridal shower at her house.
I know you're doing a lot, but you do need to give a wedding gift.
To host a bridal shower you will need food, gifts, games, decorations, and additional seating. The bride-to-be will most likely want pictures from the event so having a camera handy is important, and you will need a pen and paper to keep track of all the gifts that the guests bring so thank you cards can be sent out later.
The host of the bridal shower obviously did not do her homework and invite you to the wedding shower if you lived in the same city or town. If you live out of town then that may be the reason you did not receive a wedding shower invitation. You could spent $50 and up (you decide) for either a cash gift and don't break your bank account by giving more than you can afford.