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Dedicated January 2009

Opening gifts after the wedding

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Allison, on January 5, 2009 at 10:13 AM

My future mother-in-law wants my fiance & me to host a small party after we get back from our honeymoon to open our gifts. She says this is pretty standard, that people come over to the new couple's home to watch them open the gifts from the wedding. To me this seems like it's placing too much importance on the gifts. I'm afraid some people will be embarrassed if their gift isn't as nice/expensive as others. Has anyone heard of this? What should I tell my mother-in-law? To be honest I would rather just RELAX with my new husband, but when I questioned mother-in-law's idea she seemed upset. Help?

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24 Comments

Expert April 2009
steeler74386 · on February 18, 2009 at 7:34 AM
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I never heard of that either....y should u guys host a small party after you prob. put out alot of money for the wedding/honeymoon? to me thats stupid. it should be between you and your fiance to open up gifts and stuff after teh wedding. either before you leave for honeymoonn or whenever you guys get back from your honeymoon....she prob. just wants to be nebby and prob. make a comment on whoever got u what. just sit her down and tell her like u sadi you would rather relax iwht your new hubby and you never heard of anything like that. and as for the gifts its something between u 2. ud take pictures of everything to show her what u got in the future.
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Just Said Yes July 2012
reatha · on July 12, 2012 at 10:08 AM
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Yes this is custom it is an appreciation for both families together for helping and being there for your day and its the first party as a couple for both families to become one its almost like a bridal shower where someone writes done what they got so they can do the thank you cards from the guest and a way both families enjoy and talk about that day and how their honeymoon was its just an appreciation from the bride and groom stop taking it so personal lol
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Just Said Yes May 2025
Jeannie · on August 16, 2024 at 2:18 PM
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I think it may have to do with traditions. I know that many cultures celebrate for 2-3 days. Our Hispanic culture has many traditions. We usually have an after party and usually it's held at the parents home. It's not to brag about gifts. It's more to continue the celebration and have more intimate time with family. With many venues only providing 5-6 hours, by the time you have your ceremony, picture taking cake cutting, special dances and in our culture we do "The Marcha", "Entrega de los novios" and my husband's family culture the "Dollar dance" all of which have been celebrated over 500 years, the Bride and Groom don't have much time to spend with guests. We enjoy the day after sometimes more than the Wedding Day. We will host a lunch and have both families join us to continue the celebrations of our families becoming one. I am so grateful my daughter and son in law embrace their culture. I say to each his/her own.
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