Skip to main content

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

K.J.
Savvy September 2020

Do i buy gifts for the non-existent wedding party?

K.J., on April 2, 2020 at 1:04 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 8

Context: We're having a small "destination" wedding (6 hours away in Michigan), with a max of 70 guests attending. No groomsmen or bridesmaids, flower girls, ring bearers, etc. No special friends helping with DJ/photos/officiant... It'll just be me and my boy at the alter. My parents are paying for it. Who do I buy gifts for?

I bought jewelry for my MIL, SIL, and my own sister who will be getting ready with me in the morning. I'm planning on also getting my mom something, but maybe should it come from the fiance? (Should he have gotten my sister something?) He also has two brothers who will likely take no part in the wedding, and probably won't even be with him in the morning. But should they get something?

The day before the wedding we're going to have a girls getogether and get crafty making bouquets, should I get people thank you's for that? It's supposed to be more of a fun activity rather than "helping" with the wedding, but I don't know if people will get the wrong idea if I don't thank them.

Any/all advice is appreciated, weddings are not exactly my ~thing~, and I've only been to really traditional ones with huge bridal parties/wedding coordinators/etc. (And yes I know, since we're not having a traditional wedding I suppose traditional wedding etiquette doesn't 100% apply, but I'm just looking for opinions here.) Thank you! Smiley smile

8 Comments

Latest activity by K.J., on April 2, 2020 at 4:12 PM
  • Caytlyn
    Legend November 2019
    Caytlyn ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    There’s no need to give any of your siblings gifts if they aren’t in the wedding party. It’s not typical for the bride and/or groom to give gifts to each other’s parents either. I don’t think thank you gifts for helping with the bouquets is necessary, although I would still probably write them a nice thank you card and maybe provide dinner.
    • Reply
  • Courtney
    Super September 2019
    Courtney ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I don’t think you need to get gifts for anyone that is not participating in or really helping with the wedding. Parent gifts are nice if you want to do one and I think can come from both of you. If you’re getting your friends together to make something for the wedding I think having pizza or something would be nice as a thanks.
    No special, thoughtful gift required.
    • Reply
  • W
    VIP September 2020
    Willow ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I'd provide refreshments and food for the bouquet makers, and maybe a thank you card. Helping you make bouquets is helping with the wedding.


    FH and I are gifting the parents, and it will be from both of us. I'd definitely give your parents a generous gift and a thank you card for paying
    A wedding with 70 guests is a significant expenditure, and it's still a conventional wedding. I say traditional etiquette does apply. Just disregard any of the etiquette rules about the bridal party.
    Congrats and happy planning!
    • Reply
  • K.J.
    Savvy September 2020
    K.J. ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment

    Thank you's and dinner, I will do that! Thank you!

    • Reply
  • K.J.
    Savvy September 2020
    K.J. ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment

    Perfect! I was thinking of doing pizza anyhow! Thank you!

    • Reply
  • K.J.
    Savvy September 2020
    K.J. ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment

    Thanks, I'll keep that in mind and brainstorm some gift ideas for my dad... (yikes)

    • Reply
  • Samantha
    VIP October 2020
    Samantha ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Traditionally, the parent gifts would come from you as a couple so I don't think it matters who picks them out. For reference, I'm purchasing my parents' gifts, but not his. While bridal party gifts are traditional, it is generally a thank you for standing with you during the wedding and any time or expense they have incurred as a result. I wouldn't buy gifts for my siblings if they weren't in the wedding party. Of course, a gift is always a nice gesture so if it's in your budget you can expand on what's typical. If not, don't sweat it. Nobody will be expecting anything.

    • Reply
  • K.J.
    Savvy September 2020
    K.J. ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment

    Thanks! Some people have been weird about the whole "no bridal party" thing, so I've been feeling a little lost on expectations. :/

    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×
WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Explore how we embrace diversity

Groups

WeddingWire article topics