This will be my last question since the wedding is in a week. Thank you so much for your help.
I'm the MOG, and we will be hosting the rehearsal dinner at our house on Friday night. Although it is not customary, the wedding gifts are being sent to our house and will stay here until the bride and groom take them to their new home. The MOB would like to display the gifts during the rehearsal dinner because she thinks people will be interested. I remember this being done when I was growing up, but I reviewed other posts and could only find one that suggested that inviting people over to view the gifts was inappropriate. That is not quite this situation. I am not very comfortable with the idea, but it is probable that the bride's family will want to see the gifts. Should we display or put them up? If it makes any difference, all of the out of town guests are invited to the rehearsal dinner so it is not just close family and bridal party.
TWQadmin
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Aug 2, 2008, 12:50 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: Gift display at rehearsal dinner
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In some social circles this may be viewed as traditional, but let's examine why most people, like you, find displaying gifts to be objectionable. Putting the gfts on display allows the gift giving to become a contest of sorts, pitting Aunt Lousie's gift against cousin Sue's.
If the bride wants her family to see her gifts, she can host a get together after she and her husband return from the honeymoon. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
austinmother
Aug 2, 2008, 12:57 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: Gift display at rehearsal dinner
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Thank you. We do have a great disparity of incomes among the guests, and I think that was the basis of my concern. I also thought that since most of the bride's family will be in earlier in the week, they could come over then. What should we do if people ask to see the gifts during the dinner?
TWQadmin
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Aug 2, 2008, 1:41 PM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: Gift display at rehearsal dinner
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Start packing the gifts up now and keep packing them as the couple opens them and sends their thank you notes. Then, if anyone asks to see them, you can honestly say they are packed and ready to go to the couple's home. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
austinmother
Aug 2, 2008, 2:14 PM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: Gift display at rehearsal dinner
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Thank you so much -- that is a very creative and truthful response.
TWQadmin
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Aug 2, 2008, 2:17 PM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: Gift display at rehearsal dinner
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You're welcome. I'm glad I could help. I hope I can be that creative when it's my kids turn to marry. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Aug 3, 2008, 7:33 PM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: Gift display at rehearsal dinner
[In reply to]
I'm sorry I couldn't have chimed in sooner. But, I completely agree. Displaying gifts is (Southern Californian lingo) so last century. Most of us just don't do that anymore. It puts all of the focus on gifts and not on the happy couple and joining two families. So...great advice! Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
Gift display at rehearsal dinner
