No Wedding Gift Received? Here's How to Handle This Situation (2024)

FAQs

What to do when it says no gifts for a wedding? ›

If it's a matter of space, you might always ask guests to donate cash to either your honeymoon fund, or make a charitable donation in your name instead. Or, if you are not comfortable with that, perhaps suggest a simple bottle of wine would be the perfect compromise.

For those writing thank you cards, if you express your gratitude and leave out any mention of a gift, an astute guest who did, in fact, send you a present will realize you didn't receive one. And, in the event that the guest really didn't give a gift, your thank you note will still be a gracious and polite gesture.

Thank you for the gift when the guest could not attend

We are so sorry that you weren't able to make it to our wedding. We had a lovely day and were thinking about you. We would like to make sure that you know how much you were missed and that we are so appreciative for the gift that you sent us.

While it's by no means mandatory to gift the happy couple, most consider it the right thing to do. It's a gesture of goodwill and a lovely way to express your support of the newlyweds. That said, it's highly likely that not every guest at a wedding will oblige.

Here's how etiquette experts handle this common conundrum. If the invitation says no gifts, “it's most polite to follow their request,” Gottsman said. This applies to any celebration, not just kids' parties. “Bringing a gift will make others feel uncomfortable.

These lapses in manners (and judgment) occur more often than one might imagine. Ms. Smith estimates that between 7 and 10 percent of guests fail to give a gift.

Giving a gift, especially one you want to make a statement, can be a vulnerable experience. “That's why some people get so stressed out giving gifts, because it feels too exposing to express their emotions and like they won't do it right,” Dr. Buchele said.

The short answer is no. A gift is like a tip, always appreciated but not necessary. Giving a gift is a wonderful way to show your support of their marriage and your appreciation of being there to celebrate with them.

Send thank you cards to those who attended your wedding but didn't give you a gift. I know, the wedding etiquette world is asking a lot from you to do this when those guests didn't even take the time to get you a set of hand towels or salt and pepper shakers.

How do you thank someone without a gift? ›

Write a thank you note or card.

When these situations occur, a written 'thank you' is vital. Whomever treated you to this extra-special kindness deserves the same in return, and writing a 'thank you' note or card is the best way to show how much you really do appreciate what they did.

Yes, etiquette dictates that thank-you cards should be sent to anyone that has given you a gift—whether that's at the wedding, bridal shower, bachelorette party, or beyond.

According to Swann, $25 is a solid starting point; you'll spend more depending on your degree of closeness to the couple and your own budget. The etiquette expert uses what she calls "the onion method" when determining appropriate wedding gift spending—regardless of whether you RSVP yes or no.

A lot of people have no idea that there is a tradition of the bride and groom exchanging wedding gifts. To be fair, it's not a tradition that every couple adheres to. Still, it's an increasingly popular wedding custom that you and your spouse should discuss and be on the same page about.

a gift of money in a card would really make our day! We would prefer your presence rather than your presents! As we are so lucky to have a home together, we have decided not to request wedding gifts.

While wedding gifts are not required, they're still appreciated and expected, especially if you're close to the couple.