Registry Etiquette
- Question:
My fiancé, who’s been married before, wants a "no gifts" policy for his guests, since they gave him presents the first time. How do we do that for his half of the list?
- Answer:
Your fiancé is trying to be considerate, but his friends and family should make this decision themselves. There's no formula that reads Wedding Invitation = Present, so guests who've already helped feather one nest aren't obliged to feather another. Most people will want to give a gift anyway, though, and you shouldn't dissuade them. The nicest thing you could do is to create a gift registry with at least half the choices in a low-to-moderate price range. You could also register with a charity—that will make both you and your guests feel good. Your mom and bridesmaids can pass the word.
- This content originally appeared in Brides magazine.
- How much cash do I give a friend's son?
- Can we register for a courthouse ceremony?
- How should our table linen monogram look?
- To whom do we send our registry info?
- Can I choose china from my 1st wedding?
- When must the thank-yous be sent?
- Can we return gifts?
- Can we ask my fiancé's guests not to give gifts?
- Can we register for a mortgage?
- Does the maid of honor have to give us a gift?
- When do we open and close the registry?
Submit Your Own Etiquette Question
Have an etiquette question you'd like our editors to answer?
- How do you say thanks for a check?
- Can I register at local boutiques?
- Should I register for expensive items?
- Is it OK to register for wine?
- Must I register for champagne flutes?
- Can I send registry cards with my invitations?
- Do we need to wait until thank-you notes are sent to our guests before depositing their checks?
- Is it OK to register for gifts for a second (or third) wedding?
- Must thank-you cards be signed by bride and groom?
- How many gifts do I register for?
- Should I register for a themed shower?
- Is it OK to bring gifts to the reception?
- Can I change my registered china pattern?
- How do we ask for cash gifts?
