When a couple breaks off an engagement - and they have already had an engagement party and recieved gifts - should they return the gifts to the people that gave it too them? - i think they should but then some things would be used - but then they have been given a gift for no reason????? am i silly to think this?
2007-03-02 02:48:51 · 14 answers · asked by pinkchampagne 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Actually, it's polite for the couple to give gifts back, unless it's something that can't be returned. I would hope that they would give back the expensive gifts as well, seeing as it was meant for the couple-to-be, and they are no longer.
However, if they received a gift that can't be returned, and I was in the couple's feet, I would send a note to the gift giver and say, "Thank you so much for the gift. We would like t o give it back seeing as the circumstances have changed, but we were so excited to use it, and the store won't return it at this time. Please accept this gift to replace it." I would include something similar to t he original gift.
I think that's more than fair.
I've also heard of couples you who married and divorced a year later who returned most of the wedding gifts.
2007-03-02 02:56:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
When an engagement breaks up, the last thing the couple is thinking about is the gifts they received. They have just decided not to spend their lives together and have to deal with being single again and going through all those emotions. I don't think that they should have to give gifts back, unless it was something like a house or an investment of some kind. Those huge futuristic togetherness gifts should be returned, but money and small items, they have enough on their minds.
2007-03-02 02:54:07 · answer #2 · answered by mfupipoet 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually gifts are not returned ... even though the party was held and everyone was under the impression the wedding would take place. The couple should send out letters, or short notes, but other than that it isn't a bad thing to keep the gifts.
2007-03-02 03:36:46 · answer #3 · answered by VAWeddingSpecialist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In an engagement party gifts are not expected, however if they were given to you and there engagement has been broken off, then is isn good taste to return the gifts, specially if they are cash, gift certificates, or unopened gifs.
If you received personalized gifts, plants or if you used the items, don;t bother returning them. However, is in good etiquette to call the person that gave you the gift and ask how can you compensate them for it. Chances are they want you to keep it anyway and you will observe good manners.
Good luck
2007-03-02 02:56:10 · answer #4 · answered by Blunt 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes they shoudl be returned. They also shouldnt be used. Gifts for your marriage are bad luck if you use them before you actually get married, so they shoudl never have been used in the first place. If you have used them, I dont know what you should do, you shouldnt give back a used gift, that is rude. I would almost say you should purchase another item and give that back. You should also give any money that you recieved back.
2007-03-02 02:54:43 · answer #5 · answered by kateqd30 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Return the gifts to the giver. They may tell you to take it anyway. If that's the case, it's up to you whether you want to keep it, return it to the store, or sell it. But you should always attempt to give it back.
If it was used, I guess you should just call whomever gave it to you; tell them the situation and that you would be more than happy to give it back to them, but you have already used it. More than likely, they won't want it back. If they do, you have to hand it over, though.
2007-03-02 02:58:25 · answer #6 · answered by Just tryin' to help 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, unfortnately this happens and things do not work out. Its worse to have a bad relationship go to marriage and then have that fail. Protocol says that if an engagement falls apart, the woman is obliged to give the ring back, but all gifts are yours to keep.
2007-03-02 02:57:52 · answer #7 · answered by Sane 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would return the gifts. If the used ones can be cleaned up and not look used, I would return those as well.
2007-03-02 02:55:02 · answer #8 · answered by lakee_4 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They probably should return the gifts, but honestly, they likely have tons on their minds right now other than giving Aunt Mary back the candlesticks she brought to the party.
2007-03-02 02:55:21 · answer #9 · answered by melouofs 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes you should at least make an effort to return the gifts, but what you can't split up evenly.
2007-03-02 02:59:17 · answer #10 · answered by lostthoughts27 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋