After thought invitation - do I need to send a gift?
We (three of us) recently took a co-worker to dinner to celebrate her upcoming wedding. None of us were invited to the wedding. However, at the dinner, we gave her a gift from the the three of us.
During the dinner, the bride-to-be talked, among other things, about the invitee lists and that if everyone showed up, the reception was already over capacity limit for the room.
She then orally invited us to both the wedding and the reception. Due to the close proximity of the wedding date, two of us cannot attend due to other obligations.
For the two of us not attending, are we obligated to send a gift?
We feel that if not for the dinner, she may never offered an oral invitation at all. Moreover, the bride explained the potential for an over-capacity issue as well.
It seems that the invitation may have only been extended because we did something nice for her and perhaps she felt guilty for not inviting us. Moreover, not one of us ever expected an invitation at all.
While we are "work friends," we don't feel a closeness that would extend beyond the office. However, we want to do what is right by way of etiquette.
Thanks for any help you can offer.
(This post was
edited by mtileston on Feb 5, 2007, 9:40 AM)
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Feb 5, 2007, 9:19 AM
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Re: [mtileston] After thought invitation - do I need to send a gift?
[In reply to]
Technically, a wedding invitation obligates the recipient to send a gift. However, if you aren't close with the couple, haven't seen them in many years, etc. you would then not be obligated. However, in your case, you already gave a gift so you've really fullfilled your obligation. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
After thought invitation - do I need to send a gift?
