Creative gift ideas for a "no gift" wedding

roshke
Sat, 27 Apr 2013 11:10:55 +0000

Well intentioned as it may be, according to etiquette, " no gifts" doesn’t really belong on an invitation. The reason is you don’t want to give the unfortunate impression that one is thinking of gifts or anything other than offering hospitality to your guests. Not to mention that today there are people who will actually interpret this as “cash only!” If people ask about a registry, word can always be spread that the couple has everything they need or that they support a particular cause.

But if an invitation does say “no gifts” and you feel especially moved to do or give something, I wouldn’t bring anything to the wedding itself. It should go without saying that it is wrong and turns good manners on its head to actually be “insulted” or “offended” by the fact that someone gives you a gift. On the other end, you can, of course, take the couple’s wishes into account if you know about them.

PS I’ve been to many of those Larry David parties, too.