It is an awesome feeling to see a wedding invitation card in your mailbox, and know that someone wants you at their big celebration. Even before you know whose wedding is it, you might start imagining yourself dressed fancy, surrounded by all the beautiful sola wood wedding flowers and other decorations. However, once you open a wedding invitation, you might realize that you won't be able to make it to the wedding. It is always a sad moment to RSVP "no" to the couple. On top of that, it is not an easy task, especially if the couple is close to you. One of the biggest questions that most people have is if they should still send a wedding gift even if they are missing the wedding. There is no right answer to this question. The wedding etiquette states that it is up to you if you want to send the gift to the wedding. However, there are a few things that might help you to decide whether you want to send the gift or not.
How Close Are You to the Couple?
If you don't know the couple that well and got surprised by invitation in the first place, you can be sure that no one will be expecting to receive a gift from you. Just be polite, RSVP "no" as fast as possible and send a congratulations card with it. The couple will appreciate you giving them an honest and fast response, and will not expect anything.
Things are a little bit trickier if you are declining an invitation to a close family or friend's wedding. In this case, it would be best if you picked a small gift from the registry and send it to the couple before the wedding. This way you will show how much you care for the couple and that your absence to the wedding has nothing to do with them. Also, instead of the wedding gift, you might buy the couple some wooden wedding bouquets or other small decorations. This way, you make your presence felt at the wedding ceremony even if you are not there.
No Pressure
In the end, you should not feel pressured to send a wedding gift just because someone told you that it is a mandatory thing to do. If you don't attend the wedding, nobody will expect a gift, as well. Remember that old wedding traditions are slowly fading away and there are very few rules left as of what is right and wrong to do. People choose sola wood wedding flowers instead of fresh flowers more and more often. Others do their weddings at sports stadiums instead of classic ballrooms. And the list is endless.
However, one thing remains the same – you have to respect the couple and show them gratitude for inviting you to the wedding even if you decline the invitation. If you can afford to send a small gift or a check to go along with that gratitude, do it. If you cannot or don't want to, the couple will understand and should not get offended.Comments will be approved before showing up.
