I have searched the net for the answer to this question...to no avail. Does anyone know if you open the gifts in front of everyone, or have someone open them and display them, or just bring them home to open? Thank you,
2007-06-20 04:36:30 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
No need to open the gifts in front of everyone, this isn't a shower. Even if you're having a reception after the ceremony, it's best for you to bring home the gifts and open them there. Don't forget to send thank you cards to everyone! Personalize them by enclosing a picture of you and the baby with their gift. =)
2007-06-20 05:21:40 · answer #1 · answered by Tammy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Opening gifts at the festivities is NEVER appropriate, except at events like showers, when the gifts ARE the festivities.
The reason for this is because you are having a party to celebrate your son's arrival into the Christian community, not as an excuse to get presents. Gifts are an extra, not a requirement, and you should not assume that guests will bring them (though most people will). Be grateful and humble when you receive them and open them in private.
2007-06-20 05:55:39 · answer #2 · answered by Mysterious Gryphon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually there is no place or time in the service to have a gift opening party so to speak, so you would normally have some kind of gathering after the service or if you don't have a party afterward, then you just take them home and open them there but be sure to send out thank you cards acknowledging the gift by name.
2007-06-20 04:43:19 · answer #3 · answered by Moose 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be considered impolite to open the gifts in front of everyone, simply because someone may have given a gift which was not too expensive but was from what they could afford, thus embarrassing the giver. It would be polite to open them at home and to send a small thank you card to the giver of the gift.
2007-06-20 05:01:40 · answer #4 · answered by Dr Paul D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's up to you. At my kids' Christenings, we opened gifts as people arrived at our house afterwards for lunch, gushed over them properly and then displayed them. However, we had small family-only gatherings. If it is a big event with lots of people and lots of gifts, I would wait until afterwards (just thanking people for being thoughtful) because there is likely to be a lot of duplicates, and that would embarrass the givers.
2007-06-20 07:19:20 · answer #5 · answered by sparki777 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do not open the gifts at the event. That would be tacky. Instead bring a decorated bag or box and put all of the gifts inside of it. When you send your thank you's, with details about their generous gift, don't forget to include a picture of the baby. God bless your little one. Congratulations.
2007-06-20 04:41:22 · answer #6 · answered by betrayed 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of people enjoy watching their gifts being opened. However, if you have a lot of people attending and bringing gifts, it might be best to do it when you get home. You don't want the main event to be gift-opening.
2007-06-20 04:41:08 · answer #7 · answered by ashley 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring them home and open them. Because of that make sure you are a little more detailed on your thank you notes. Like "Thank You so much for the lovely picture frame." Instead of "Thank you for the gift."
2007-06-20 05:26:44 · answer #8 · answered by OohLaLa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would open them at home...the ceremony in the church is supposed to be a solemn occasion. You can always have a small get-together after the ceremony for opening gifts. Just serve a bit of cake and coffee, sort of thing.
2007-06-20 04:40:26 · answer #9 · answered by Blue Oyster Kel 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
bring home to open later. It's a religious service or event, so don't open gifts during.
2007-06-20 04:39:40 · answer #10 · answered by gouldgirl2002 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋