Opening presents at a Wedding?

Question

Do you think the bride and groom should open presents during the reception? I think you shouldn't because sometimes people give you the same thing, or some people can't afford to give you a gift so they feel left out. But what do you guys think?

Answer 1

I think it's tacky & rude

Answer 2

I think it's a terrible idea to open presents during the reception - some people may have given something smaller because they couldn't afford the huge gift, and they'll be more embarrassed than the person who didn't give anything. But more than that, it celebrates a crass concern for what kind of "loot" the couple got above and beyond the importance of the day which is supposed to celebrate a sentimental feeling and lifetime bond. A wedding shouldn't have the class level of a six-year-old's birthday party.

Answer 3

I think it is very rude and tacky. Especially since a lot of people give cash as a gift. Now wedding SHOWERS, Birthday Parties and Baby showers, people expect you to open the gift there. Receptions are for spending time in Marital Bliss, since it doesn't last long. I don't understand what the rush is. Now, if someone asks you to open their gift, that is a different story. I had a friend that received a gift of various drinks that needed to be refrigerated. The guest asked that the open it, so it could be refrigerated.

Answer 4

I have never seen anyone open presents at the wedding, even if it's small. It is best to open the presents the next day at a Present Opening. My mother-in-law hosted ours with lemonade and a few treats. It was a word of mouth invitation to close friends and family who wanted to see us open our gifts. We had one of my husband's aunts write down each gift and giver so it would be easy to write thank yous later. We did get multiples but we took it in stride and luckily, the two couples that gave us waffle makers were not there. Don't open the cards, you don't want to expose the amounts people are giving you - do this is private with your husband. Write the amounts on the back of the cards and don't forget to take time to read them. Another present opening I attended was a brunch the morning after the wedding, also a nice idea. You could have a BBQ, too!

Answer 5

I'm a professional wedding planner- I can tell you without hesitation, it is not acceptable to open gifts at a wedding! At a bridal shower, yes- but not at the actual wedding. You would be surprised how many clients ask if gift-opening can be included.

Actually, it is a faux-pas to even bring a gift to a wedding- the gift is supposed to be delivered/given to the couple before or up to 1 year after the wedding. However, it's become so customary for guests to bring their gifts along to the wedding, most brides or planners go ahead and prepare a gift table. However, at some of the high-end reception venues in large cities, the venue's wedding coordinator may refuse to allow a "gift table", because gifts being brought to the reception is very bad form.

If you want to provide a gift table and a container to hold monetary gifts, this is becoming widely acceptable, and I would recommend you go ahead with that. But indulge in gift-opening only at your shower- wait to open your wedding gifts until after the reception, at least.

Best wishes!

Answer 6

My mom says that there was a period of time where opening the presents at the reception is the way it was done, but I don't like the idea. Like you said, some people may feel left out or embarrassed if they've given you something smaller or nothing at all (or even if they just mailed their gift earlier!) It shouldn't be a display.

Plus, if you open presents at home on a later date, you can feel free to make a face when you open Aunt Margies box of hand-knitted lime green pot holders.

Answer 7

Of course your don't. It's tacky and rude. Not to mention the wedding would have to be pretty small to accommodate that. The only event where you open gifts is a birthday party for children and a shower. All other events the gifts are opened in private later.

Answer 8

NO!

First of all, what kind of reception is this? I would have never thought of opening gifts at my wedding reception! We were too busy eating, drinking and dancing to even think about opening gifts.
You should wait until you get home to open gifts, after you get back from you honeymoon. You definately don't want to look greedy on your wedding day infront of everyone.

Answer 9

No of course not! Wow would that be tacky--take the present at the door and tear into it like a 5 yr old at a birthday party. Then you could even judge them and put them at a table based on how much money they spent on you. Certain tables get better food (like the medieval sitting above the salt). No--this is your wedding day. One day to be gracious and courteous. You should celebrate and thank all your guests for attending. Not to mention all the other traditional things (first dance, father-daughter dance, cake cutting, bouquet toss) take up too much time to allow you to sit there tearing through wrapping paper.

Answer 10

I have been to many weddings and although it used to be a tradition to open gifts at the reception, it is now out of style, much like poofy sleeves and big bows on wedding dresses.

If in fact you do have a pushy aunt or grandma who thinks that the gifts should be opened, or at least hers, politely tell her that you wouldn't have enough time to open everyone's and that you'd like to share that time with your bride/groom later.

Answer 11

This was popular in the 70s and early 80s but not anymore. Sometimes the couple will have a gift opening party with both sets of parents, but its not necessary. After your honeymoon, just come home and rip and shred into that wedding paper!