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Guest question

I am not the bride; I am a guest of the bride (who is in her 30s, 1st time marriage). (Actually I am a long time friend of her mother). I will be attending a wedding as an out-of-town guest. There will be a cocktail party Friday night at hotel, a rehearsal dinner Saturday night at the bride's parents' home, the wedding is Sunday night, and a brunch on Monday. Of course, we have to have special outfits for each event plus our travelling expenses and hotel. I was wondering if it is necessary (or proper wedding etiquette) to bring a gift for the bride's parents. If so, what type of gift would be appropriate?

weddingguest

Married: 09/02/2007

Posted On: Aug 28, 2007 at 8:45 PM | Vendors are allowed | Add to My Watchlist | Flag As Inappropriate

5 Answers

This question is closed for answers.

Dawn G.

DLHG Photography

Posted On: Aug 29, 2007 at 1:45 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
When it comes to weddings, most times a gift to the parents isn't necessary any more. If you'd really like to give them something, the most common gift I see is a simple bottle of wine. Otherwise, I wouldn't think you'd need to worry about it. Her parents are most likely not expecting anything. If you want to play it safe, buy a bottle of wine that you like, leave it in the car, and if you see other people have brought gifts you can say "Oh, I forgot something out in the car!" That way, you don't have to worry about being the only person who brought a gift, or vise versa. If you don't give it to them, you have a nice bottle of wine to enjoy after the chaos of the weekend. :)

Alisha M.

Blue Dawn Events

Posted On: Aug 29, 2007 at 4:32 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
The reason people started bringing a gift for the bride's parents was because traditionally the brides parents paid for the entire wedding and reception. I feel it is important and respectful even this day to bring a gift for the parents especially if they had any part of the wedding expenses or honeymoon expenses. I agree that in most cases a bottle of wine would be a pleasant unexpensive gift that I am sure would be greatly appreciated. It is also nice to include a heart felt note.

Kanetria W.

YoungMoneyTravel

Posted On: Aug 29, 2007 at 1:06 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I have never been to a wedding where the guests brought a gift for the parents of the bride so I don't believe its necessary. But since you are a long time friend, I think it would be appropriate for you to bring maybe a gift basket of some sort, nothing too over the top...because it is about the bride and groom.

Yujin K.

Married: 05/20/2006
Reviews: 10

Posted On: Aug 29, 2007 at 12:45 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
No, it's not necessary for you to get a gift for the parents although it's certainly a nice gesture and one that I'm sure the parents will appreciate. I would think any type of gift for the home would be appropriate.