Comments on: Wedding Gift Rants

By: QLD Street Car

QLD Street Car — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:22:47 +0000

[...]I am a photographer, and my son was recently in the NICU. I’d love to volunteer my services there and photograph the babies with their families,[...]…

giving them a cd with printing rights of images….

By: Gloria

Gloria — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 22:24:19 +0000

I am surprised that this is an issue. Are there really engaged couples out there that would be upset over not receiving an expensive gift? When I got married, I did not think or care about what folks spent on our wedding gift, I was just happy that they attended. When I buy wedding gifts, I usually try to find something within my budget; although sometimes I wish I were able to get the couple something really extravagent! For close family members, I will definitely spend a little more, but usually I spend between $50-100 for a wedding gift.

By: Wedding Gift Rants « advancedetiquette | Sharqiyat Magazine Bride

Wedding Gift Rants « advancedetiquette | Sharqiyat Magazine Bride — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 02:51:54 +0000

[...] This week I was contacted by a news reporter who is doing a story about wedding etiquette. In so doing we talked about wedding gifts and how difficult it often is for someone to be expected to give an expensive wedding gift … after … See the original post here: Wedding Gift Rants « advancedetiquette [...]

By: Karen Laffey

Karen Laffey — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:50:41 +0000

Coincidently I’m flying on Memorial Day weekend to my college roommate’s second wedding and had to book both flight and hotel reservations with holiday supplemental costs. Plus it’s Prom/Graduation weekend so space is limited! I personally wouldn’t recommend having a wedding on a holiday, if you truly want all your friends and relatives to attend.

But sorry, no rants as I intend to buy a unique gift reflecting Northern California’s wine country culture so my friend and her new husband will think of me when they use it. I truly hadn’t considered the cost of anything, because at our age I’m so glad it’s a happy travel occasion and not a funeral…life is good.

By: Deirdre

Deirdre — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:07:35 +0000

I just remembered a funny moment when I received an announcement of a wedding to take place in Bordeaux, FR – and I was so excited, I nearly bought a ticket – until I was informed that this was an FYI so that I could send along a gift

All of my cousins weddings in Martha’s Vineyard, Sonoma, and Hawaii have been wonderful, memorable, and important events in our family experience.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 23:56:17 +0000

I have had to face this particular situation in the past few years where I have had to decide whether I could afford to attend the wedding or just send a gift. However, the very last wedding I did attend for a family member that required traveling a long distance was very thoughtful, very low key, and was ask that any gift we would bring should be something I had kept from the past that would help me share one of my fondest memories with all the newest members of our family that day. I’ll never forget how much fun and how much that meant to me

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:30:35 +0000

I don’t have any rants, but am reminded of the Seinfeld episode where the folks bought a very expensive big screen TV and gave it to an engaged couple, only to learn that they had just broken off the engagement. The whole episode was about what they should do. I believe it turned out that the “bride-to-be” briefly claimed the TV (the Seinfeld crew didn’t know the woman, but gave the gift because they liked the groom to be). Ultimately she donated it to a charitable organization.

Perhaps you can address what should be done when plans change: bride and grooms responsibility, and what the gift giver should expect, or express in an event like that.

By: EW

EW — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:17:36 +0000

In this economy, I feel very strongly that we need to return to basics. The main thing is for everyone to be together for a wedding or other family event. If the hosts know that people will be traveling long distances to attend, they should insist on no gifts. It is heartbreaking to think that some people won’t attend because they can’t afford a gift.

By: Mark Jones

Mark Jones — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:34:40 +0000

I hear the “remote wedding attendance blues” comment quite a bit, though I’ve never personally felt it. I think the problem comes when people mistakenly think “expensive” instead of “meaningful”. Yes, it costs money to attend a wedding. When anyone—bride/groom OR guest—is focused on the lowest expense threshold, they are missing the point. A wedding is a ceremony elevating the relationship, not the net worth of the couple. I’ve heard (consistently) that the most treasured gifts from a wedding were those that were thoughtful/unique. Taking the time and making the effort to show how much they mean to you will always trump how much you spent. A little creativity and caring can result in (possibly) spending the least and giving the best. Your heart will be remembered/valued much longer than your toaster – every time. Just my two cents (not enough for a toaster – ha!)

By: Nienke Lels

Nienke Lels — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 18:25:22 +0000

With a destination wedding, – which can be costly, – one should spend on the wedding gift what one can spend. If the bride or groom knows you well, they will understand. If the trip is already costly, I believe your presence at the wedding is more important than the gift. One should not have to get stressed out about attending a wedding, and if it is too costly all togeher, one should decline the invitation. People should keep in mind that attending a wedding it is NOT a business transaction, but a joyous event wherein the bride and groom want to share their happiness with their relatives and friends.