Celebrating your wedding with you

27 Apr, 2018 - 00:04 0 Views

The ManicaPost

Ann Ruthenburg
Hello Mutare, its 2018 and we want to celebrate your wedding with you. Makorokoto! Amphlope! Congradulations!

Send us the photographs of your wedding and we will publish them. We want Manicaland and the nation at large to celebrate your wedding with you though scintillating photos. Text or call Ann on 0772933845 or the Editor on 0778175925.

This week’s question: Must every guest bring a present to the wedding?

What people do not know is that there is such a thing as wedding etiquette. Yes there are rules to putting together and attending a wedding. It is confusing, I know, but that is why I am here to help you answer the question on wedding gifts. Yes it is necessary for everyone who attends a wedding to bring either a material or financial gift. It is considered highly disrespectful for a guest or family member to go to a wedding empty handed. But so many people ignore this.

How do I know what to give? Is it mandatory to buy from the wedding registry?

In days gone by, brides were expected to have what we call a “bridal registry.” This where the bride sets up a station inside a departmental store with all the types of gifts she would like her guests to buy for her. However, with the introduction of low cost fake cutlery and glassware, many brides simply choose to let their guests buy anything they want.

Nothing is wrong with this, especially if guests do not have much money at the time of the wedding.

But if there is a registry, it’s best to buy from the registry.

I mean think about it, the couple spent time creating a registry that will help them build their life together. If you prefer to buy something not listed, check the registry to ensure you get something that will match their style and decor.

Can I bring the gift to the ceremony?

Yes of course, most weddings have a gift table set at the ceremony and the reception.

However, if there is nothing at the ceremony, feel free to hand it to the maid of honour to deliver it to the couple for you, if you are not attending the reception.

How much should I spend on a wedding gift?

Buy within your budget, but also with your relationship to the couple in mind. If you cannot afford anything on the registry, make something thoughtful.  As mentioned before, with the amount of fong-kongs being sold in our low budget priced shops, it is now easy to buy quality looking glassware for as less as $5.

Should I bring a gift to the wedding shower too?

If you are invited to multiple wedding-related activities, it is expected that you bring a gift to each of them, so budget accordingly.

For example, if you are going to a close relative’s wedding and plan to spend $200 on gifts, allot money before purchasing anything. You could spend $20 on the engagement party gift, $20 on a bridal shower gift and $160 on a wedding gift.

Does my wedding date have to bring a gift too?

If you bring a guest, you are expected to factor that into your gift amount since the couple will be paying more for your date. Many couples purchase gifts jointly and spend more than they would individually. You can do that with a friend also.

As a member of the wedding party, do I still need to buy a gift?

It is customary for the bridal party to give something as a group. This can help lessen the cost for everyone. Proper etiquette still calls for a gift regardless of how expensive being in a bridal party can be.

What is the protocol for giving cash as a wedding gift?

Money is quickly becoming the most popular wedding gift, either in the form of cash or Ecocash. Many couples today get married after living together for a while.

Most couples prefer money instead actual gifts because they probably already have furniture and other stuff.

It is also becoming more popular to ask for help with a honeymoon, so be sure to check if the couple have paid for a honeymoon, if you have a larger budget.

Okay so there it is folks, if you are attending a wedding you need to take a present. It is the right and respectful thing to do. Until next week, God bless!

Ann can be messaged only on 0772933845 or book to meet her at Meikles Department Store Hair and Beauty Salon Mutare. or emailed on [email protected]

 

Share This:

Sponsored Links

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey

This will close in 20 seconds