wedding gift etiquette?
353658
Are you questioning whether or not her marriage is deserving of a gift because\n\n1) her previous marriage was short lived \n\nor\n\n2) she recently divorced\n\nor\n\n3) she is having a reception which you see as pointless\n\nor what?\n\nGive her a gift if you want to give her a gift !
346731
Traditional Wedding Anniversary Gift List\nAnniv.  Gift \n1st  Paper \n2nd  Cotton \n3rd  Leather \n4th  Fruit, flowers \n5th  Wood \n6th  Sugar \n7th  Copper, wool \n8th  Bronze, pottery \n9th  Pottery, willow \n10th  Tin \n11th  Steel \n12th  Silk, linen \n13th  Lace \n14th  Ivory \n15th  Crystal \n20th  China \n25th  Silver \n30th  Pearl \n35th  Coral \n40th  Ruby \n45th  Sapphire \n50th  Gold \n55th  Emerald \n60th  Diamond \n\nModern Wedding Anniversary Gift List\nAnniv. Gift \n1st  Gold jewelry \n2nd  Garnet \n3rd  Pearls \n4th  Blue topaz \n5th  Sapphire \n6th  Amethyst \n7th  Onyx \n8th  Tourmaline \n9th  Lapis \n10th  Diamond jewelry \n11th  Turquoise \n12th  Jade \n13th  Citrine \n14th  Opal \n15th  Ruby \n16th  Peridot \n17th  Watch \n18th  Cat's-eye \n19th  Aquamarine \n20th  Emerald \n25th  Silver jubilee \n30th  Pearl jubilee \n35th  Emerald \n40th  Ruby \n45th  Sapphire \n50th  Golden jubilee \n60th  Diamond jubilee
643386
You should give them something that will allow them to spend time enjoying one another without worrying about everyday nonsense. These are gifts that keep on giving. \n\nIf they hate housecleaning, a week or month's worth of maid service is great. If they have a yard that gives them a hard time, a month's lawn maintenance, or a season's for that matter, would be, well I wish someone gave that to me. Then they can concentrate on being newlyweds rather than worrying about everyday house business. \n\nOr you could give them something fun to do together. Since they are both women, assuming they'd be into it, a trip for two to a dayspa would be suitable, especially if you give it to them beforehand, so they can gussy up for the big day. Then get them something smaller off their registry on the day of the actual wedding. \n\nIf they like amusement parks, two tickets to the nearest one or even one further away would be suitable. If there's a music festival coming up, two tickets to that, if they're into it. If there's a certain cause they're into you could reflect that too, like a membership to the local zoo, historical society, etc. \n\nThese all sound boring, I know, and not nearly as exciting as a new car, but they will give them the opportunity to do things together as a couple they might not normally do. To make it more special think about the presentation. For example, if you got them a zoo membership, you could give them a big giant stuffed tiger with the membership card attached to his collar. Then they'd have the cute tiger to remember you by long after the membership expired. For a spa day, you could tuck the certificates into a basket full of lovely smelly stuff and massage oils. \n\nRemember, think about what they're into. Women get really annoyed if you get them something they obviously don't like. If they are into country music, they aren't going to be interested in Ozzfest tickets and your sister is going to wonder how it is her own brother doesn't know her better than that. Not trying to scare you, but women are like that. I know. I'm a woman who can't handle being touched by strangers. Our first Christmas together my husband gave me a gift certificate for a massage. I didn't speak to him till New Years.
216871
Wow, beyond what you have already listed, I can't think of anything really. How about buying each other a gift on eBay (limit how much spent) with the idea that you want to send them something they think the other would truly love.\n\nHow about a mutual blog in planning the wedding? That way when the date is close, you can break out your list with all the flower type, colors, location etc. all ready.
356983
Did they register somewhere?  If so, pick out something from their registry.  That way you know you are getting them something will want/need.  \n\nI have given things like: flannel sheets, a bottle of champagne and a pair of candles, gift certificates.
273622
it depends on how many people are coming! if its a small group, then they will most likely expect you to open them. if there are 30+ people, they might cut you some slack.\nI went to a bridal shower where the bride didnt open her gifts, and nobody really cared. she wrote thank you notes expressing her excitement, so it was fine.\nHave lots of games to keep people busy (or suggest that to the hosts) and by the time they are done, everyone will be ready to go home rather than watch you open presents.
675579
What about little white boxes or tiny pails of chocolate hearts or other candy, with a little note saying with love from (you & your partner)? (The Conversation Wedding Hearts look like a fun thing to wrap.) Or a white candle wrapped in gold or whatever color theme you have chosen? \n\nYou could put one at each place-setting at dinner, or you could send them out after the wedding with the thank-you cards - easier to organise than distributing them when you are trying to get away yourselves! \n\nThere are some great ideas on the links below, BTW, like personalised wedding-cookies.
58468
The History Behind Traditional Anniversay Gifts\n \nBy Charlie Welf \nNobody can say with any amount of certainty when the tradition of giving anniversary gifts started. Most probably it evolved over time. Traditionally, each wedding anniversary is celebrated by giving a gift made from a different material. The first anniversary is symbolized with paper, and subsequently anniversary gifts become more precious or scarce to reflect the growing number of years a couple has remained together.\n\nSome say calling the twenty-fifth anniversary Silver Anniversary and the fiftieth anniversary Gold anniversary may have originated in medieval Europe, where wives were given a silver wreath to celebrate their twenty-fifth year of marriage and a gold wreath for their fiftieth anniversary. Diamonds are traditional in both the sixtieth and seventy-fifth years. \n\nThe traditional anniversary gifts list may seem somewhat boring, but it doesn't have to be. There are many ways you can turn each year's theme into a special gift. The traditional paper and cotton gifts for the first years can include a lovely origami booklet, paper tickets to a movie or a scrapbook with a plush cotton cover, filled with memories.\n\nA bit of creativity can twist tradition to give an enchanting new flavor. For instance, you can celebrate the yearly tradition even if you want to break away from it to give another type of gift. Or use the yearly theme to wrap your gift or trim it with any item made from that year's material.\n\nYou can go a step further and make the theme material of your traditional anniversary gift a carrier for your gift, like tucking a ring in a leather wallet, or tying a cluster of roses together with a bracelet. You can even try hiding a necklace inside the pocket of a silk robe or fold a cozy woolen shawl around another gift.
709300
IF THEY HAVE AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY, YES YOU BRING A GIFT TO THAT PARTY AND A SEPERATE GIFT FOR THE WEDDING.  THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY  I WOULD GIVE A GIFT CARD TO HOME DEPOT...NEWLYWEDS LOVE THAT
693872
Guests should never be  Required to bring anything.\nYou are invited presumably because your Host likes you. \n\netiquette says you should send or bring a gift if invited to the Wedding  or the bridal shower.   \n\nIf  this is the first public event after the wedding. It would be nice if you brought a gift  but its not required.
261251
Wow!  I can't believe you are paying for all that stuff for them.  Thats something no one does anymore.  Thats alot of money.  My opionion...NO!  Don't buy them any more presents.  A dress, thier hair, and makeup is a huge gift.  They will enjoy it.  If not they aren't truely a friend if they expect anything else.  I know how all that costs I would have been delighted if someone would have payed for my dress, shoes, makeup, hair in the three weddings I was in.  They are lucky girls to have such a good friend like you.  You think alot of your friends.  But remember budget budget for the life after the wedding.
1104422
usually they have a gift registry where the couple lists things they need.  The best thing to do is to call her up ans ask "are you registered anywhere?" If not just give them some money .
365799
THIS IS WHO SHOULD PAY FOR WHAT. CONGRATS! FUN A WONDERFUL WEDDING DAY!\n\nWedding Gown, Headpiece & Accessories - The Bride's Family\nWedding Ring for Bride - The Groom\nWedding Ring for Groom - The Bride\nWedding Gift for Groom - The Bride\nWedding Gift for Bride - The Groom\nBridesmaid Gifts - The Bride\nGroomsmen/Usher Gifts - The Groom\nBride's Bouquet - The Groom\nBridesmaid Bouquets - The Bride's Family\nMother's Corsages - The Groom\nGrandmother Corsages - The Bride's Family\nGroom's Boutonniere - The Groom\nGroomsmen Boutonnieres - The Groom\nUsher's Boutonnieres - The Groom\nCeremony/Reception Flowers - The Bride's Family\nAltar Baskets/Arches - The Bride's Family\nCanopy/Carpet - The Bride's Family\nKneeling Bench/Candleabrahs - The Bride's Family\nRented Items for Wedding - The Bride's Family\nRented Items for Reception - The Bride's Family\nInvitations/Announcements - The Bride's Family\nWedding Programs - The Bride's Family\nNapkins/Matches/Printed Items - The Bride's Family\nMarriage License - The Groom\nMedical Visit for Bride - The Bride\nMedical Visit for Groom - The Groom\nChurch Fee - The Bride's Family\nClergyman/Officiant Fee - The Groom\nMusician/Soloist - The Bride's Family\nChurch Janitor - The Bride's Family\nReception Hall Fee - The Bride's Family\nCatered Reception/Professional Services - The Bride's Family\nWedding Photography - The Bride's Family\nVideo Photography - The Bride's Family\nOrchestra/Band/DJ - The Bride's Family\nWedding Cake - The Bride's Family\nWedding Favors - The Bride's Family\nGroom's Cake - The Groom's Family\nRice Bags - The Bride's Family\nRehearsal Dinner - The Grooms Family\nBridesmaid Luncheon - The Bride\nBachelor Party - Best Man/Groom's Attendants\nWedding Breakfast - The Bride's Family\nBridal Brunch - The Bride's Family\nBridesmaid's Gowns - Bridesmaid's\nMaid of Honor Gown - Maid of Honor\nMatron of Honor Gown - Matron of Honor\nBest Man Formal Wear - Best Man\nUsher's Formal Wear - Ushers\nGroomsmen's Formal Wear - Groomsmen\nGloves/Ties/Ascots for Attendants - The Groom\nFather of Bride Formal Wear - Bride's Family\nFather of Groom Formal Wear - Groom's Family\nChildren's Formal Wear - The Children's Parents\nLimousine Service - The Groom\nHoneymoon Arrangements - The Groom\nTravel Expenses to the Wedding - The Out-of-town Attendant\nAccommodations for out-of town Guests - The Bride\nGifts for the Couple - Guest, Attendants and Family :)
952112
I'd still send a thank-you card.   If these two  individuals find out that you sent every other guest a card except them, they could cause you even more trouble in the future.\n\nMore importantly, you'll be taking the ethical high road, and who knows, maybe jar their consciences a bit -- maybe even enough to make them apologize to you for their inexcusable behavior at your wedding.  \n\n.
734770
I suggest something engraved ... http://www.personalizationmall.com\nIf you're not into that, how about something personal. A nice framed picture of you guys from your wedding or just a great picture of you in a christmas frame with some nice words along with it....
1007498
Depends on how big the gift is. \n\nNo set rules but it's more special if you can add some sentiment, "Friends always-Pandora" or "Engraved in my heart-P" "Your friend-etc."
1105658
There is no guideline.  You give a gift that (a) is something you can afford, and (b) is appropriate, given your relationship to and knowledge of the preferences of the couple.