Greetings, Traveler Weekly Readers!
I’m Sherry Gordon-Harris, Certified Etiquette Consultant, owner and instructor of Royal Purpose School of Etiquette. Our purpose is to assist with the Total Refinement of You, including children and adults, by offering classes and workshops on Etiquette and proper Manners.
As we learned in the previous articles, Etiquette is the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group. Manners are a person’s outward bearing or way of behaving toward others. It’s a way in which a thing is done or happens. In general, Etiquette is simply respecting others and not causing an offense to others.
The month of June is a popular time for weddings. Normally this month has mild weather. This is perfect for a wedding that is outdoors or in destination spots like the beach or an island. June is derived from the word “Juno” who was the Roman goddess of love and marriage. Regardless of the month, any time is a good time to marry the love of your life.
Guests often have questions about the wedding gift. Should a gift be bought? Is there an obligation to buy something from the wedding registry? What about if it is a destination wedding? How much is an acceptable amount to spend on a wedding gift? Can cash or a gift card be given as a gift?
If the guest decides to give a wedding gift, it is appropriate to either take a gift to the wedding reception or mail a wedding gift in advance of the wedding date. There is no obligation to buy a gift from the wedding registry. But it could help to view it to get ideas of what kind of gifts the couple is hoping to receive. Including a gift receipt with the gift is a good idea if purchased from the registry or elsewhere. This allows the couple to return or exchange the gift in the event of a duplication, wrong size, wrong color, etc.
Some believe that if guests spend a significant amount of money to travel to a destination wedding that no gift is required. This is not a reason to omit giving a gift. However, if it’s decided to still give a gift the cost can be considerably less than if it had not been a destination wedding. The presence of the guest and the cost to get there is part of the gift.
The amount to spend on a wedding gift can vary. Let your affection for the bride and groom and your budget be your guide. Cash or a gift card can optionally be given. If this option is taken, let the packaging be appropriate wrapping in an envelope or a decorative gift card box.
The gift of your invited presence, participation in the nuptial celebration and your loving support is most important.
Hopefully, these articles are helping you to learn additional Proper Politesse.
Once again it has been my pleasure sharing this Etiquette tip with the Traveler Weekly Readers. There’s more to come. Well wishes to you and your family. I encourage everyone to, “Live your life with Purpose in a Royal Manner”.
If you, your family, or group want to learn Etiquette for the first time or just want to brush up on your skills, consider enrolling in a scheduled class or book a private class with Royal Purpose School of Etiquette LLC. We can help with the Total Refinement of You.
Contact Sherry Gordon-Harris:
(309) 585-6145
RoyalPurposeSOE@gmail.com
Thank you.
The Traveler Weekly 