Etiquette & Guests
Wedding Gifts and Registry Etiquette & Advice
Our etiquette experts answer all of your registry-related questions.
Q: How many gifts should I register for?
Q: Is it appropriate to bring gifts to the reception?
Q: Whom do I send my registry information to?
Q: What is the best way to thank a guest who sends a check?
Q: Does the groom also sign the thank-you cards for presents received after the wedding? Should I sign both of our names on all of our notes?
Q: How long after the wedding do I have to get the thank-you notes in the mail?
Q: We just announced our engagement—when should I register, and how long can we keep the registry open?
Q: I know that in the past, including registry information with wedding invitations was a no-no, but I've seen it in the last few invitations I received. Can I send registry cards with my invites?
Q: I want to give money to my friend's son as a wedding gift. What's a good amount? I don't want to give too little.
Q: How do we ask for cash instead of presents?
Q: I just found a china pattern that I like more than the one I registered for. I've already received some pieces of my registered pattern. What should I do?
Q: We're having a civil ceremony at the courthouse and then lunch with a few friends. Can we register for gifts?
Q: Is there any point in registering for expensive items like a set of luggage or a plasma-screen TV?
Q: Is it OK to register for gifts if you've been married before? I think it's tacky, but my brother wants to do it for his third wedding.
Q: Is it okay to return a wedding gift that we don't want or need? My FMIL's friend sent us beer mugs—the problem is, we don't drink!
Q: My fiancé, who's been married before, wants a "no gifts" policy for his guests, since they gave him presents the first time. How do we do that for his half of the list?
Q: My maid of honor hasn't given us a gift, and the wedding was a year ago. Should I say something?
Q: What do I do if a check from a wedding guest bounces?
Q: We were married over a year ago but never had a wedding celebration. Now we're having a vow renewal to celebrate our marriage. Is it okay to register for gifts?
Q: I'm confused about all the different gifts I'm expected to give, and for which events. Money is tight, but I don't want to hurt the bride's feelings, either. Help!
Q: Can we spread the word that we don't want gifts brought to the reception? We're off to the airport first thing the next morning, and our parents' cars will probably be too crammed with all of our personal stuff to fit a lot of boxes and bags in the trunks.
