My aunt is throwing an engagement party for my cousin(his son) which I don't really see much, all the family will be there, I am really broke, just had a baby, do I need to bring a gift? If so, how much do you generally spend on an engagement gift?
2007-12-20 15:52:41 · 10 answers · asked by Lovemygirls 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
A card will suffice, esp since you dont see them much. There will be plenty of time for giving later on- bachelorette party, bridal shower, wedding.... it never ends.
2007-12-20 16:27:00 · answer #1 · answered by Dig It 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
throwing an engagement party - operative word is party. It is what it is.
Official definition of party: Definitions of 'party' (pärtē) - 11 definitions - The American Heritage® Dictionary - party (n.) A social gathering especially for pleasure or amusement: a cocktail party.
An announcement of the engagement and the opportunity for both families to meet each other as once the happy couple is married, they will be a family of acquaintances or eventually blended (not a requirement). A celebration of an impending union
Gifts are traditionally reserved for shower and wedding. In addition, it is not polite to expect a gift at both shower AND wedding from the same set of people who gave at either. Shower gifts are more from close friends and family ties that attended this intial get together before the wedding. The gifts are more of a personal nature to the bride or to the groom, whomever is having the party
Wedding gifts are for those remainder people who did not attend a shower but then can gift the couple, which are traditionally for household items. However, same parties can gift by choice at both events
Otherwise, an appropriate card expressing your heartfelt congratulations on the event. If you feel you must give a gift, then consider to gift, then think of something both would enjoy together when they alone (i.e. small picnic basket with fruit, cheese, wine which is the amount 2 people could share or a gift card for dinner for 2)
However, because of the circumstances of financial burdens (congratulations on your new baby!), I would just simply opt for the card as the fact you, yourself said "I don't really see much" and a polite appearance with card in hand should be good enough.
Good luck!
2007-12-20 16:38:57 · answer #2 · answered by Miss Spicy Song Yung 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its the thought that counts. Besides, its not a wedding or even a shower for that matter. Something small, but thoughtful is more than enough. If it was my engagement party, your presence, sincere happiness and best wishes for me would mean more than some expensive gift that in the end, means nothing. All these money grabbing events are just getting out of hand!
2007-12-20 16:04:41 · answer #3 · answered by trixxi_fan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's just an engagement party, that's the way I see it. There is no guarantee that they will be married. If you're attending a wedding, then a gift is usually expected. I would just "mail" a nice greeting card that congratulates them for getting engaged. Mail it instead of giving it in person where they can risk misplacing it. Then I would just attend the engagement party. You can offer to bring food/drinks. That would already be a gift itself.
2007-12-20 17:13:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It customary to bring a present at a celebratory event.
You can find an inexpensive, but quality gift, at an import store, such as Pier I. There are hand-carved wooden candlesticks, which are beautiful for example.
Another option, is a candle store. There are crystal globes which use oil as the means of lighting.
These are just two examples of gifts. Both should cost under $30.
2007-12-20 22:00:34 · answer #5 · answered by Marguerite 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't buy an engagement gift no matter how much money you have. Save the gifts for the shower or wedding.
2007-12-20 16:03:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I looked at your other questions and I realize that you did *just* have a baby. Your baby is young enough and that you can make some excuse. Say that you have not been getting much sleep or that you did not sleep the night before the shindig. You can think of something. Who cares.
2007-12-20 17:08:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really should go. If you cannot get a gift get them a card.
2007-12-20 16:11:03 · answer #8 · answered by kim h 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just get them a nice card and express your heartfelt joy for them.
2007-12-20 16:01:27 · answer #9 · answered by Kari H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are broke, WHY WOULD YOU HAVE A BABY??? how much is your baby going to cost us, the tax payers?????
Just make an exuse that you can't make it to the party so you wont have to show up with a present.
2007-12-20 16:06:13 · answer #10 · answered by AskingAQuestion 1 · 1⤊ 4⤋