Wedding Gifts: Send Cash
Dear Edith
My fiancé and I have decided to have a small, intimate church wedding. We only plan to invite about 75 persons. We already own a home and have all the necessary things to put in it. As a result, we only want cash as wedding gifts. How do we word this on the invitation so that guests understand this and aren´t offended?
Answer
There is NO WAY you can mention gifts on your wedding invitation! People are free to give you whatever they like, and therefore it helps when you are registered so they can make their own choices. However, you or your family may suggest WHEN ASKED that a cash gift is welcome. Anything else is considered tacky! I hope this helps.
-Edith
Fiance’s Wedding Gift
Dear Edith
I am looking for some really good gift ideas for what to buy my fiance for when we exchange gifts. I want to get him something really great. Please help!
Answer
Without knowing the young man it would be impossible for me to pick something! What are his hobbies? Music, sports? Jewelry such as monogrammed cufflinks, tie pin? Go to a fine jewelry store – they have lots of things, pocket knife, fountain pens, etc.
-Edith
Gift Registry for House Warming Party?
Dear Edith
My boyfriend and I our buying a house together and would like to have a house warming party, where we register for gifts. What is the etiquette and is it proper or not?
Thank you, Catherine
Answer
There is nothing covered in any etiquette book that discusses two people buying a house who are not married,– nor does it say whether such an unmarried couple should register for gifts. Under your circumstances, I would say it would seem a bit odd to register If people care to present you with a gift, they ought to be free to choose a gift of their own free will. If an individual, or as a group, asks you if there is something you would like, you could of course offer a suggestion. I hope this helps.
-Edith
Gifts for the Parents
Dear Edith
Is it customary for the bride and groom to give their parents gifts the night before the wedding?
Answer
To my knowledge, this is not what would be called customary. I have not seen it written anywhere, but there is no rule against it either! I hope this helps.
-Edith
Gifts for Wedding Attendants
Dear Edith
Can you tell me all I need to know about the gifts that the bride and groom give to there bridesmaids groomsmen and maid of honors? Please this is a major project research thanks ~ brittnie
Answer
The gifts the bride and groom choose to give their attendants first depends on the couples’ budget. Secondly one ought to choose a gift that appeals to the person whom it is for. It could be a piece of jewelry for a bridesmaid to wear during the ceremony, it could be something personal pertaining to a hobby or interest, for the groomsmen, or it could be something monogrammed with the wedding date, such as a silver frame with the wedding photograph.
Something personal and thoughtful is always welcome. I hope this helps.
-Edith
Honeymoon Registry
Dear Edith
Would it be to tacky to ask our guests to help pay for our honeymoon. We will be registered on the honeymoon.com web site and would love to go to the Bahamas. We dont need material gifts as we have been together for eight years. Your thoughts or suggestions?
Answer
Yes, of course you may suggest that guests give a honeymoon present when they ask you where you are registered. There is a popular site, www.afterimage.com, among others where guests may register. I hope this helps.
-Edith
Wedding Announcements and Gifts
Dear Edith
If I am not having a wedding party, is it okay to send out announcements after the wedding? And if so, should I expect some people to send or give gifts?
Answer
People send announcements immediately after the wedding, and people who receive the announcement are not obliged to send a gift. Still some people do. I hope this helps.
-Edith
Wedding Gifts: Money
Dear Edith
Is there a proper way of telling your guest that we would rather receive a monetary donation rather than gifts, since myself and my fiance’ have just about everything we need.
Answer
You or your family may only “suggest” that you would prefer money by word of mouth when you are asked, but you still should register and give people a choice! I am sure there are lovely things that you could use during your married life. I hope this helps.
-Edith
Wedding Registry
Dear Edith
Is it proper to include where the bride & groom are registered with the wedding invitations? How would you word this???
Answer
Sorry my dear this is a big NO NO ! This information is passed by word of mouth by family and friends when one is asked.
-Edith
Thank You Notes for Wedding Gifts
Dear Edith
It is four weeks prior to our wedding and I am receiving wedding gifts. Should I wait until after the wedding to write the Thank You notes or write them upon receipt of the gift?
Answer
Please write your thank you’s for the gifts NOW! Or the sooner the better! People love to know that their gift has been received I hope this helps.
-Edith