My daughter is attending a bridal shower of her boyfriend's brother's, fiance. They don't know each other very well (my daughter and the bride to be). My daughter is only 20 and is on a strict budget. Here is her question (emailed to me):
Hi Mom,
I have a bridal shower to go to for Claudio's brother's fiancé. He told me that the way they do it is to give the presents on the registry at the shower, then you also give an envelope of money at the wedding. I have to give both of these presents myself though since only women go to the shower and Claudio is a best man- so he doesn't give an envelope at the wedding (I think their getting them a big screen TV or something). How much do you think I should spend for the wedding present on the registry? And - because I am at the house when they're planning stuff - I know that the plates at the wedding cost $160 per person. Does that mean that I have to give them like $200 or something - at the wedding? I don't want to be rude, and I don't really know what's proper.
Please tell your daughter that although most people do give gifts at the bridal shower they are not mandatory. If she would like to bring a gift, tell her to select a gift from the registry that is in her budget. If there is nothing on the registry within her budget she can either ask her boyfriend to chip in since it IS his friend or she can select a gift on her own which is within her budget.
If she is the guest of the best man (again gifts are never required and should never be expected) it would be assumed that her boyfriend would gift the gift on their behalf. Your daughter should discuss this with her boyfriend. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
bridal gifts
