Gift Opening Procedure at a Bridal Tea

by Mary
(Franklin)

In the South, I am accustom to a large Bridal Tea given between the hours of 2-4 to mean that ladies can come and go. also, that the gifts are opened by the Hostess and displayed for all to see. The Bride, Mother and Grooms mother greet the guests. The guests eat and look at the gifts.

Is it acceptable to NOT open the gifts and have them just sitting on a table unopened?

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Oct 16, 2015
 opening presents NEW
by: Laura

Presents get opened in front of guests at the shower and bachelorette party, but definitely not at the wedding - that'd be so tacky!

Sometimes there's a gift opening brunch the day after the wedding for the bridal couple to open gifts at a brunch with their immediate family, wedding party, and out-of-town guests that already know other people at the brunch.
Jun 05, 2015
 Bridal shower gifts NEW
by: Wanda

I personally think it is inconsiderate to not open gifts in front of the giver. They have spent a lot of time choosing the gift and would love to see your reaction. Any thing else makes it seem like you are more concerned about receding than giving.
Aug 20, 2012
 Gift Etiquette NEW
by: KevsWife

I observed the same at a wedding I once attended. While it wasn't super fancy, it was the nicest wedding I'd gone to and the first that served a meal, not just cake, punch and nuts, etc. As the reception was fairly boring (dinner had been served and, while there was a DJ and a dance floor, he wasn't playing anything so no one was dancing). My family grew tired of waiting (I was 17 at the time!), so my grandmother finally inquired about the unwrapping of the gifts. We were told that out of respect for those who didn't/couldn't bring a gift, they would be opened privately by the bride and groom at a later time. I've seen that occur on several TV shows as well, so it might be considered proper etiquette in more upscale (read: expensive!) weddings. Personally, I wouldn't know, as my hubby and I went to Jamaica to get married, and apparently no one felt it necessary to give us gifts. His parents pretty much paid for our trip, my best friend made us a very large and lovely romance/travel gift basket, and my mom got us a $5 mixer. Oh well, I've moved on from hurt feelings, it's just that we were and still are (7 years later) college students, so some household basics would've been greatly appreciated! I hope this helped answer your question. God Bless You!!

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