My boss and his wife are having a cookout to celebrate a coworker's upcoming wedding. There will be a total of 4 couples there. I am in no way close to any of these people but feel like I am obligated to go because of work and the small number of guests. Do I have to get the engaged couple a gift? I don't really want to. Also, should I bring a hostess gift? I have been told I don't need to bring anything but I took that to mean food or whatnot. Tell me what you would do.
2006-09-20 06:21:02 · 20 answers · asked by saveit 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I would get a hostess gift, since it is for your boss and his wife. Even something low in price like flowers or a small box of candy.
I would get a small gift for the couple, since the celebration is in their honor, and again, since your boss is giving the party. Something you think they would like - but small ($20 or less). Even a nice picture frame for their engagement picture would be nice, and would be like $10. Just the thought is nice.
Enjoy the party!
2006-09-20 06:40:10 · answer #1 · answered by Leah 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes......on all counts. If you don't want to go, don't. But if you feel that you should for whatever reason, it is classless not to bring SOMEthing. Of COURSE somebody hosting a party says not to bring anything. Here's some ideas. Bring a bottle of wine for the hostess - which, if you like can also double as bringing an item to the party. For the couple, give them something small, like a photo album to use for events leading up to the wedding and an engagement card. This will show your boss that you are classy - and make a great impression on the people you don't know that well yet......you never know who you may meet at a party that could be either a friend or great business connection later down the road.....good luck!
2006-09-20 16:07:12 · answer #2 · answered by Fortune Favors the Brave 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not go if you don't feel comfortable about it.
It isn't your fault there are only a few couples. It might be different if you where close to these people. Just because it is your boss having it doesn't mean you have to show up, unless you feel your job is at risk. I am sure you have other obligations that might be more important then being with people you don't know, which is an uncomfortable situation.
If you do decide to go gifts are not at all necessary, unless you are told to bring a gift. I would not think your boss and his wife would not expect a gift either. it is just a "cookout" for the celebration.
2006-09-20 13:40:42 · answer #3 · answered by G♥♥G♥♥ღ 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A hostess gift of course is not required but it is bad form to show up empty handed. Wine, chocolates, flowers, whatever. It does not need be expensive, just tasteful.
For the couple, a small gift would be nice. It is customary, again not required, but if you show up empty handed you will look like a cad. Think picture frame or photo album, they will be able to use it during the coming months as they plan.
2006-09-20 15:16:05 · answer #4 · answered by logical_centrist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
since you are not really close to any of the guests or host/hostess, i say you are not required to bring a gift-including to the engaged couple. a gift should be given because there's special meaning to it (from the heart) not as an obligation.
you should only attend the cookout because you want to be there and you want to be in the company of the people attending. if you go because you feel obligated to go, you may just feel uncomfortable being there.
can you make an excuse not to go? say you have a previous engagement and you can't make it.
2006-09-20 13:32:39 · answer #5 · answered by mnm34 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Giving a gift is never required, however if you atttend the party it is usually customary to bring a small gift for the couple, perhaps a small picture frame. As for a gift for the hostess, you aren;t required to but most people do such as bringing a bottle of wine, which is usually considered to be polite.
2006-09-20 13:23:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Take a small gift for the couple (maybe a restaurant gift card) and a small hostess gift (perhaps flowers or a bottle of wine). Yes, they will notice if you show up empty handed.
2006-09-20 13:23:51 · answer #7 · answered by pearl101 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think i would bring the people who are throwing the cookout something like a bottle of wine or a dessert
as for the couple being married, i would not bring anything but might keep something small in the car in case everyone else got them something. in this case, perhaps a gift certificate to dinner somewhere that i'd go if i kept it...
2006-09-20 13:24:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since this is not a wedding shower, no gift for the couple.
I would bring a hostess gift & a nice one at that. Hope you all have a good time.
2006-09-20 13:28:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bringing a gift is not required. But it is polite and nice for a guest to bring a gift anyways.
2006-09-20 13:26:54 · answer #10 · answered by ♥**Me**♥ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋