I have a friend who is getting married in a few months and her situation is kind of unique. She is dating an older man (who has been married before) who is financially stable enough to support her, so she has left her job which leaves her with no benefits. She has a child with this man and a child from another man which leaves her other child without benefits. They are rushing their marriage because both she and her daughter need medical benefits. She does not have an engagement ring, nor are they having a 'formal' wedding. They are having a civil wedding in the Judge's chambers then holding a cocktail reception later in the week. What is the etiquette for gifts for this type of wedding? Is it treated like a normal wedding? Should I give cash or a present? They are not registered anywhere that I know of.
Thanks for your help!
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Sep 17, 2008, 2:58 PM)
TWQadmin
FORUM EXPERT
/ Moderator
Sep 17, 2008, 3:03 PM
Post #2 of 3
(149 views)
Re: Should gifts be given for civil wedding
[In reply to]
Dear Luvlee -
If you are not invited to the wedding then you're not obligated by etiquette to send a gift. However, most people close enough to the couple to be invited to the reception will want to send a gift. The type of gift you choose is a personal decision. I'm not a big fan of the cash gift and, since her husband seems to be well off, I would shop for something special for my friend - something to commemorate the day.
All of this being said, I hope that someday your friend doesn't regret her rushed wedding, wishing she could have walked down the aisle in her white gown with all of the bells and whistles. We see that often on this forum. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Sep 17, 2008, 5:17 PM
Post #3 of 3
(143 views)
Re: Should gifts be given for civil wedding
[In reply to]
Should gifts be given for civil wedding
