Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)
Question: My cousin is having a destination wedding in Aruba. I’ve budgeted for the trip, accommodations and everything else I need to do to get there and participate as a guest, but am wondering about the gift. Are you obligated to give a gift when you attend a destination wedding?
Answer: Generally, couples understand that when guests join them for a destination wedding and incur sometimes considerable expense in order to be there for the celebration, gifts are frequently scaled back or altogether relinquished. You are not obligated to bring a gift. If you do decide to give one however, it can be a little less than you might budget for if the wedding was in your hometown. Be sure however to either give the gift in advance or mail it to the couple, so they don’t have to find a way to transport it home after the wedding.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Respond in the comments or email Melanie@MyNewOrleans.com.
