we had a friend's brother's marriage a few days back. Her brother is a well off person earning well. All thought of giving few thousand rupees in cash. Nobody bothered of really going out and buy a real gift. They think its good for the receiver because he can spend money his own way and can buy a thing which he think is useful for him.
Are we not materializing every thing in life.
your views are welcome......
2007-02-25 23:24:25 · 12 answers · asked by guptaravi2k 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Split the difference and give a gift card to a place they go to a lot
2007-02-26 01:21:40 · answer #1 · answered by Experto Credo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We all need to face the fact that in our modern culture, it is all about the money, and the more money, the better. It used to be rude, and a sign that the giver really was not enthused about the event, and did not care to take the time to go buy a gift, when money was given.
People do not want gifts anymore, they want cash, to spend however they want. They want to buy the big ticket items, like a plasma TV, they want some else to pay for the big wedding they just had.
In some cutures, it is the tradition to give money, the bride even carries a purse so she can recieve the gifts. In others, money for a Bat or Bar Mizvah is a tradition.
A co-workers daughter just got married, a fairly large wedding. They had a gift opening party the next day after the wedding. I asked, she got gifts, like wrapped with bows on them? She looked at me like I was nuts, and said "yes."
Another co-worker invited me and another worker to her daughter's wedding. They are of a fundamentalist religion, and we had never met the bride or the groom. The prospective bridegroom did not want the bride to register at a store, it would be like asking for gifts, he said. The real reason was, he was overdrawn and maxed out financialy, and needed the money. Two weeks before the wedding, he changed his mind. My friend and I were told about the change, and told the bride only wanted things on the registry list.In the store, I walked by a beautiful glass bakeware set, half price [marked down from $50 to $25] and not on the list, to go buy a somemore maker, full price. I could have bought the bakeware, and bought something else equally nice and still been within my budget of $50. I ended up buying a few cooking utensils, like a silicon spatula $8, and a measure cup $8, and on and on.
I was told later that the bride was in tears the day she moved into her apartment, she had nothing to cook with, and was sorry she had asked for all those stupid things on her registry list. Too late!
I guess the groom expected supper to be on the table that night, and when it wasn't, got mad and walked out..
There was a study out awhile back, that said, when the choice for a gift was between money, or a gift, ask for the gift. People will spend more on a gift, even though they have to wrap it, than they will give in actual cash. Food for thought.
So, I think, call the person, ask what they want, money or a gift, and go forth and do what is asked for. and yes, everything is material these days. All about the bling.
2007-03-01 17:48:11 · answer #2 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me, it's not bad at all. In fact, I would like it better because I get to save the money for later, or buy a gift that I like better for myself. In our culture, it's normal to give money as gifts especially during the celebration of the New Year (there are some beliefs attached to that too). Maybe it would depend on how you give the gift or something because usually, money given is placed inside special (well, not that special) red envelopes then given to godchildren or relatives to give them good luck and good fortune. But if you don't believe in that kind of things, well, maybe you could ask the recipient of what he or she would like to have as a gift.
2007-02-26 00:40:25 · answer #3 · answered by J 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its quite common for newlyweds in Western countries to circulate a wedding list to their friends. This is a list of things that they want, and it is usually found at a major department store. So, one can select the items that the couple want, within their own budget.
Others may simply pool in money and give a gift cheque to the couple. Sometimes, I feel this is a much better option than getting 10 identical toasters.
2007-02-25 23:37:32 · answer #4 · answered by Tarzan 2007 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My personal preference is to give a gift rather than cash - although there are some that are less fortunate than others and prefer receiving cash as opposed to a gift - in this instance, I will give cash ...
2007-02-25 23:36:08 · answer #5 · answered by Bite Me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The memory of a gift or the gift itself will last a life time. How long will the money last?
2007-02-25 23:33:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Giving cash is the best. I hate it when I receive gifts I don't like or need.
2007-02-26 10:41:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
no... this is what people need the most in my opinion, and although you didn't have time to shop for a gift, does not mean that they are not going to be happy with cash... it's something that they will always use... no matter how rich they are!
2007-02-25 23:33:43 · answer #8 · answered by Michelle M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No we are not materializing.
Money is a traditional gift in many cultures. Many Europeans and Asians have done this for many, many, many years, regardless if the couple is well off or not.
What they choose to spend it on is up to them.
2007-02-26 10:23:13 · answer #9 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not bad, per Se, but it certainly doesn't show any imagination or thought.
2007-02-26 02:33:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋