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Just Said Yes October 2024

Happily Ever After Party(post destination)- requesting advice on gifts

Erin, on April 17, 2024 at 2:06 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 8

My husband and I got married in December 2023 with 10 guests in Key West, FL and it was a dream! Now my mom is forcing us to do a reception at home for everyone who didn't get to come to the real wedding. I decided that our wedding website is going to serve as digital invites, but I am now at a loss on how to handle the topic of gifts.

We do NOT expect gifts whatsoever and definitely don't want our guests to feel like this just a gift grab because that is absolutely not the case. The problem is I am very aware that some guests will still want to bring gifts/money, so I figured I would set up a small table for cards and gifts. I feel like if I put on the website that we don't want gifts at all, and then have the table guests will feel weird that they didn't bring something. I also didn't plan on making a registry because to me that feels like we are asking even though we aren't. I mainly need help trying to put this into the proper words for the website that isn't cheesy, but if anyone else has been in this situation I will gladly take your ideas/insight on how to handle it politely!

Note: I attached a picture of the details page (rough draft) on our website below to help give an idea of the type of "reception" we are going for. - Also, we sort of had a "honeymoon" in San Francisco 2 weeks after the wedding. We tied my husbands work trip into a mini vacation so I don't feel that a honeymoon fund is necessarily a great alternative.

Happily Ever After Party(post destination)- requesting advice on gifts 1


8 Comments

Latest activity by Heather, on April 22, 2024 at 9:05 PM
  • Jacks
    Rockstar November 2054
    Jacks ·
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    I would take the registry right out of it entirely. Like, just delete the section. Technically by etiquette if your website is serving as the invitation, it's rude to refer at all to gifts on an invitation. I wouldn't have a gift or card table displayed, because that will make people that didn't bring something feel awkward. When people arrive with a gift or card to the home open house, just take it and thank them and put them away in a private area or room. If it's a cocktail style open house that should be easy enough to do.

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  • Michelle
    Rockstar December 2022
    Michelle ·
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    Don’t include any registry information. If someone does ask, then give the information by word of mouth. Be aware that many people do not give cash gifts or honeymoon/experience gifts, and you will get physical gifts that you may not want and cannot return. It’s impolite to decline those gifts and say in any way that you are not accepting gifts. Graciously accept whatever you get and give prompt physical thank you cards asap.


    Agree with Jacks to not have any gift/card table but make sure there is a space available for those who bring gifts with them.
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  • C
    CM ·
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    For a post wedding party following an intimate wedding you would not properly register or refer to gifts in any way. I would also lose the section on dress entirely. There's certainly no need to tell people that you'll be in wedding attire. TMI. People are adults who know how to dress for a celebration of marriage, anniversary party etc. as they see fit.

    I would lose the gift table. Take any physical gifts and put them in a closet or separate room somewhere.

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  • R
    Rockstar June 2018
    Rae ·
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    This was going to be my exact advice. Don't include anything about gifts. If someone brings something, put it in a safe place away from the party and send them a thank you note after.

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  • A
    Amy ·
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    I would remove all of that information. You only need to say please join us for an open house reception from 6 - 10.

    An open house says to me that there will be no meal.

    People don't need to be told how to dress.

    I wouldn't set up a gift table either. If someone brings a gift, have someone that can place it in a secure location.

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  • Jacks
    Rockstar November 2054
    Jacks ·
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    Quick note about timing, if you're not serving a meal, it's best not to plan the event over a meal time. I'd do something like 2 pm or 8 pm.

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  • R
    Rockstar
    Rosebud ·
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    I agree I d omit any mention of gifts. At the party you can stick any gifts under/next to your table. Congrats!

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  • Heather
    Dedicated October 2024
    Heather ·
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    Depending on how many people you're expecting, if you're dealing with a large group perhaps assign a greeter, like a younger relative, to assist with moving coats *and gifts* to a side room. This allows you two to focus on being hospitable and not on those exchanges.

    Because I agree, no gift table seems like the best policy, if you don't want to set that expectation.

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