Two of my friends got married in Summer 2005. Both couples ended up seperated/divorced within a year. Etiquette-wise, shouldn't they have returned the gifts? I don't actually care if I get the gifts back, I'm just curious because there are always rules about this kind of thing.
2006-12-21 01:20:10 · 11 answers · asked by jamie 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Technically, I believe that you're correct - that has at least been the standard etiquette for that event. However, that rule dates back from a time when very few marriages ended so quickly that the rule would apply to the situation. Nowadays, there would be a lot of couples having to return their wedding presents!
Anyway...
Yes, you're right, but I would think that the couples have too many other problems to dispatch without having to worry about returning a bunch of gifts they probably already used anyway.
EDIT: Looks like the current etiquette IS different. The couples only need return your gift if they cancel the wedding.
http://wedding.weddingchannel.com/advice/gift_etiquette.asp
2006-12-21 01:29:13 · answer #1 · answered by kcbranaghsgirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Strict answer? Yes they should return all gifts/money if they separate and divorce within a year.
Real life answer? Don't expect to get anything back.
Most couples don't know this rule or are even too embarrassed to return things. Remember they stood up in front of their family and friends and promised to love each other for ever; less than a year later they are divorced.
2006-12-21 03:07:47 · answer #2 · answered by KitKat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. I don't think so....did they remember who gave all the gifts. And why would you marry someone if you couldn't even stay married for a year. Something must have gone wrong before those marriages even started. Crazy world where you can get a 5 minute divorce. Yeah, let's rush to divorce and NOT try to work it out. Frustrates me to hell!!!
2006-12-21 01:24:26 · answer #3 · answered by Boo Boo Head 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No they don't give the gifts back. If the wedding didn't happen, they should return the gifts that were sent ahead of time.
2006-12-21 01:22:55 · answer #4 · answered by Crystal P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that it should be a mandatory thing, it's up to the couple....then again, you gave a gift, whether the marriage will work or not, that's something no one knows and you don't gift the couple on the basis of whether it works or not. It's unfortunate that these couples didn't last, marriage takes alot of work and everyone nowadays just gives up without trying.....
2006-12-21 01:25:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't need to return the gifts but if they get married and invite you again, spend less on the gift, or don't attend.
2006-12-21 02:44:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe if they had called off the wedding, but they did get married and those were gifts to them. I vote no.
2006-12-21 01:36:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you only return the gifts if the wedding didn't happen.
2006-12-21 01:28:48 · answer #8 · answered by Coleen429 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's best not to expect the gifts back. Would you want something back that's been used. Or that once belonged to your friends who are now apart?
Just move on and realize that when the gift was received, it was appreciated by the couple.
2006-12-21 01:30:47 · answer #9 · answered by garynjanice 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they should have returned the gifts.
2006-12-21 01:38:45 · answer #10 · answered by Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋