<p>I’ve been to many showers where some help was most likely given behind the scenes. But hosting has always been about more than just paying, it’s also greeting guests and taking care of them on the day as well as helping plan the event. Just because you pay doesn’t automatically mean you are host and vice versa.</p>
<p>But yes, I’ve seen many people plan and run the whole thing in reality, while using the name of good friends for the RSVPs. Entertaining is expensive,Is the justification, but some of these events have also turned into much, much bigger deals than showers were ever meant to be , ie fully catered, country club or restaurant receptions, with big ticket items on the registry, gift soliciting type of events. </p>
<p>It’s never happened, but of course I would attend the shower in the OP, if it was a close friend or relative’s D. I would not necessarily assume the worst of her unless other signs pointed to the same, only that she had been given bad advice or she is young and oblivious. Though it 's a bit harder to maintain ignorance when all you have to do is google.</p>