D.M. asks from La Palma, CA on June 28, 2008
Wedding Presents
What is the proper edict concerning gift giving when a couple gets married by the justice of the peace and plans a formal ceremony for next summer? My Nephew sent me a lovely picture of him and his new bride, telling me he hoped to have a church wedding next summer. I mailed a card congratulating them, but feel kind of funny not sending them a gift. A few years ago my sister got married the same way. I gave her a gift right away, but then I felt a little strange when I did not give them anything at the wedding a year latter. I guess I feel cheep either way, but can't afford two wedding gifts for everyone. How would you handle something like this?
So What Happened?™
Thanks for all the responses. People weren't doing this when I was getting married,(back in the stone age) and I just wondered if there were some sort of guideline on what seems like a new idea to me. For the next month or so my Nephew is in a training program and his bride is staying with his folks. When they get an appartment I will send them a gift. Indeed, they may change their mind on a big wedding and they will need things right away. thanks
Featured Answers
J.C. answers from Los Angeles on June 30, 2008
I would of done what you did send them a card. And when they get married next summer get them a gift then. A card is fine when there not having a reception or a wedding inviting any body. When he gets married and has a reception get him a gift then.
E.Z. answers from Los Angeles on June 29, 2008
Hi
Either way you look at it, they are married now, and a gift is appropriate.
I would not wait until they have a big wedding, what if they never get around to do it? That does happen, they might not have enough money, might get pregnant etc...and then it will be really awkward!
get something nice, and then attend the big wedding (if any) and feel good about getting the gift out of the way already!
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J.C. answers from Los Angeles on June 30, 2008
I would of done what you did send them a card. And when they get married next summer get them a gift then. A card is fine when there not having a reception or a wedding inviting any body. When he gets married and has a reception get him a gift then.
H.S. answers from Los Angeles on July 02, 2008
My middle son did that and everyone just gave the gifts at the formal wedding the next summer.
H.
M.G. answers from Los Angeles on June 29, 2008
D.,
I would send them a card with your blessings. If they live close, maybe drop off a personal token... like a recipe of your favorite dessert.
Say something like: Be "sweet" to each other! It can be as easy as $10. A spatula, chocolate chips, pretty kitchen towel and a recipe attached with a wide ribbon. Personal and light. I still use all of my family recipes and we've been married 13 years!
Have you thought of pulling something simple together as a family? $10 from each aunt or cousin, could purchase them pots and pans or something.... then you can be personal at the second wedding.
Good Luck,
M.
M.Z. answers from Reno on June 29, 2008
My husband and I did the same thing as your nephew. Because our 1st wedding was just us we didn't even expect gifts. I don't think you should be expected to send a gift if you weren't invited to the wedding. Wait for the one you go to.
E.F. answers from Las Vegas on June 29, 2008
I think you should do what you feel is the best for you - It can get very expensive to do 2 gifts but I would probably do it now in case they dont have a formal wedding in the future and if they do take a nice picture of them yourself and frame it as the 2nd gift ,depends how close you are to nephew and what they need for there home together ,Maybe a toaster or some kitchen appliance they are always having sales these days and walmart has great prices on that stuff too- always look for the holiday sales we have the big 4th of July sales coming up might be a great time to get something then and if you want to hold onto it till they think they will have the 2nd wedding or just give it to them whenever you feel the right time is - It would be a very nice surprize for the couple and they will always remember you did something for them nice to celebrate there new marriage and life -
A.A. answers from Las Vegas on June 29, 2008
I think a card is fine for the first wedding and then a gift for the second wedding! I guess I figure that the more they spend the more you should! =)
I personally didn't really care if my friends and family got me something (unless it was people that I just knew had the money) I just wanted them there. I HOPE that more people are like that! but they're probably not. and it seems that that is a great trick to get people to give you two gifts. =) sheesh I should have thought of that!
S.R. answers from Los Angeles on June 29, 2008
im sure they wont be expecting you to give them two gifts. ive never heard of people expecting more than one gift for their wedding, that would be extremely selfish.
since its customary to give a gift at the wedding, thats what i (and im sure most people) would do, if you feel bad about not being able to give more, maybe just make it an extra special gift. since they are family, i think that they would appreciate anything you were able to get them. after all, receiving a gift is a privilege not a right!
good luck, let us know what you decided to do (and what you got them!)
C.C. answers from Visalia on June 29, 2008
hi,
my husband and i were married by a JP, i did have a shower before then, we had a reception the following weekend and the gifts kept coming.
if your nephews situation i would give a 'toaster gift'. if they do wed in a church and then a reception, maybe a more expensive gift or just give a small amount of cash at the dollar dance with your nephew.
my young nephew was married in vegas and we wernt invited, just the immediate family went. that was cool with me but no gift.
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