Need advice on long distance bridal shower

[merekc]

My Dh's cousin is getting married out of state. If he were here, the family would throw a shower. The family is all close and everyone else has had showers. I think they should still do something even if the bride or groom can't make it. However, since it isn't my family I'm somewhat sitting back on this. (OK that is a lie, I always have to give my two cents. Therefore, I thought I'd see what my online resources might suggest.)

Questions
1. Is this super tacky to invite people (they would be family) to some sort of shower?
2. Any ideas for showers that work well when neither the bride nor groom can make it.

I was thinking gift card shower, but was trying to come up with something more original. A lot of the family is traveling up to the wedding, but I think people wouldn't want to get hit with two gifts within the same week if we had a shower the day before the wedding.

People in the family are just starting to talk this out, no one has been negative against the idea, but no one quite knows what to do.
Any ideas?

 

[Liltx]

Well everyone knows that really showers are just about the gifts right? If you agree then go for it.
If not then I would skip it and maybe take a collection from family members who want to give and send one nice gift certificate to the couple. Why throw a party without the couple?
People might feel obligated to attend but also feel like it's in poor taste. I would also let a sister or brother of the groom throw the party and you just help if you decide to go that way.

Monica