More Frequently Asked Questions

WEDDING GIFTS

"How do we decide what we want?"

My fiancé and I had been living together for five years and have recently decided to get married. Over the years we've bought everything we need for the house. I know that it's traditional to have a wedding gift list, but what can we possibly put on it?

What a fortunate position to be in. I suppose after five years of use, one or two items must have past their sell by date.

Why not borrow an idea that the Greek Orthodox community have at weddings. They call it the money dance. While the newly married couple waltz around at the reception, the guests pin money (of the folding variety) to the brides gown.

I don't suggest that you actually dance, just explain the situation to the guests in a letter that you send with the invitation. Suggest that the money be placed in an un-identifiable, un-signed envelope, that is to be placed in a box at the reception, (so that those guests who can't afford to give as much as others don't feel uncomfortable). Then the money can be used to buy those items that you need, when the need arises.

Or you can use the money to pay some of the cost of the wedding or the honeymoon.

Don't forget, letters of thanks will still need to be sent.
Or, on a more unselfish, philanthropic note, you could have the money donated to a charity that digs wells or provides schooling, or medicine in impoverished regions around the world.