I recently went to a wedding, and was told that it's bad etiquette to bring the wedding gift to the wedding/reception, and that instead they are to be sent to the couple for when they get back from their honeymoon. However, at the wedding, I saw lots of presents, and a table that seemed to be "the present table." The wedding was about 2 weeks ago, and I know the couple didn't go on a honeymoon because they had to work, so how would I go about giving them a wedding gift? Is it too late, or can I still send them one?
2006-09-27 02:19:08 · 10 answers · asked by GLSigma3 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
No, no, no, the best time to give the wedding gift is when you respond to the invitation. You mail the gift to the bride's address. Some of the benefits of this etiquette rule:
1) You don't have to bring the gift anywhere.
2) The bride and groom can receive the gift ahead of the hectic wedding and even get a head start on their thank-you letters/cards.
3) No one has to worry about gifts at a reception, making sure they get to the bride's house or bride's family.
etc.
etc.
If the ceremony has already taken place, or is about to take place, then by all means send something to the bride's address. Only as a last (and rude) resort would you bring a gift to the reception, other than your lovely self and partner.
2006-09-27 04:01:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Generally, it is acceptable to bring a gift to the reception unless it is a "destination wedding." At most weddings I have attended, a gift table was provided at the reception and the couple either opened gifts at the reception or went to a house with family and close friends to open the gifts. The family of the bride or groom should handle keeping the gifts for the couple until they return from their honeymoon, if the couple is leaving immediately following the festivities.
Since you haven't given the gift, I would say that it's not too late. I am certain they would still welcome your thoughtfulness in helping them to settle into their new life. You could either deliver the gift personally to the couple or send it by mail, at this point.
2006-09-27 09:23:49 · answer #2 · answered by JenV 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like the idea of sending the gift so the couple doesn't have to deal with them when they are so busy on wedding day. Yes, if you were invited and attended the wedding a gift is in order. Send something as soon as you can.
2006-09-27 10:04:16 · answer #3 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Having been to many, many weddings as a photographer and videographer in the past, I assure you that the vast majority of them had people bring gifts to the reception and leave them on the gift table. Whoever gave you that advice, I recommend you don't take advice from them regarding weddings in the future. Now that it's two weeks after, giving them a gift would be poor form. Instead, get them a card and put the money you'd spend on the gift in the card, and deliver it personally. Two weeks after the wedding, they'll appreciate the money a lot more than another clock or coffee maker, and you can use the excuse, "I just didn't know what to get you."
2006-09-27 10:10:23 · answer #4 · answered by digitalquirk 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Someone must be changing the etiquette as they go....
Where I am from YOU BRING THE GIFT to the reception, for that is one thing that the reception is for!!!! Good grief the moron who told you to send it to them later must have been struck by lightening at one time or another !!! PLease limit time spent with this person !
If it is after the fact and here you sit with a gift... you certainly do not need to feel uncomfortable...just head on over to them and give it to them and let them know that you thought you would hold off giving it till they returned from the honeymoon but since they had to work you thought you better bring it over before they celebrate their first anniversary ! Alittle humor goes along away and if you make joke it will help ease your tension as well (which really you have nothing to stress over!!!!)
Best Wishes ! : )
2006-09-27 10:51:17 · answer #5 · answered by Kitty 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You are supposed to send the gift to the home address on the RSVP which is usually (traditionally) the bride's parents.
You are correct. Bringing the gift to the wedding site is tres gauche. It should be avoided whenever possible- I've only had to do it once for a last minute wedding.
Send it now or you will look like a cad or at least like the gift was an afterthought.
2006-09-27 10:31:30 · answer #6 · answered by logical_centrist 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Nah, you can still send them one. But, whoever gave you that advice should be slapped silly. There has always been a present table at every reception I've ever been to. I wouldn't take advice from that person again, they're an idiot.
2006-09-27 09:25:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not too late. send them one.
Best time to give a wedding gift is at the wedding. (that's why we call them wedding gifts anyways:)
2006-09-27 09:24:59 · answer #8 · answered by blind_chameleon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, of course it's not to late to give a present. I suggest that you give it sooner rather than later.
2006-09-27 09:24:30 · answer #9 · answered by Caro 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Giving is your option.
2006-09-27 09:28:15 · answer #10 · answered by chickenger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋