ETIQUETTE OF WEDDING GIFTS.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXVI, Issue 3364, 8 March 1915, Page 4

ETIQUETTE OF WEDDING GIFTS.

The question of sending a wedding gift must be decided by friendship 01 obligation. In the first instance there is the natural wish to please a friend, and in the other case one, may be indebted to the bride, or bridegroom or to their- families for kindnesses or hospitalities. Those who are invited to a home \\<dding or a wedding- reception usually send gifts, although there is no absolute rule to bo followed as to this. As it is supposed to be a special compliment to bo bidden to a home ceremony, a g-uest likes to return the courtesy by a gift, however simple it may be.

A- gift is sent invariably to the bride; even though' she may not be known personally to the giver. The custom is to send a gift directly from ihe place where it is purchased. The visiting- card of the g-iver is enclosed in a small envelope and placed inside the box containing the present. A brief line expressive of good wishes may be written across the top of the card, if the giver is a friend f?j)oci;illv iulcreated. Wedding gifts are marked with the initials of the bride's maiden name.

In regard to tno display of wedding • presents there is a division, of opinion. Some persons consider itostentatious to show the; gifts, or that it destroys sentiment to have critical eyes examining- these offerings,- oLhe.rs prefer to share their -pleasure with their friends' and are glad "to give evidence of. the good-will and the generous 'attention .they have received.

When a wedding- takes place in the 'country and friends are expected from a distance,-the .■■custom is to show the presents on the wed .ling dayj or if the wedding is an informal one, with only relatives and intimate friends present, tho gifts are shown. ,

The preferred custom-/is to show the presents a few days before the wedding:. The bride-elect, or her mother, may write informal notes, asking intimate friends and all those who have sent gifts to come in on a certain afternoon, during hours designated, to see tt'.a presents. It is allowable to write on one's visiting-card, "Will 3*oll come iii on Saturday afternoon, between four and sis o'clock, to see the presents?"

The gifts are arranged on table' xhicli are covered with white damask tablecloth. Here and there are vases of flowers. Great care is taken to place er.ch article at its best advantage, especially the small and simple ones, so 'that x the fivers may feel that the br!<];> has- truly appreciated their liioiigULfulncss. The cards of the givers are usually placed with the .gifts.

The informal serving- of tea finishes tho afternoon. A bride-elect i.s careful to write s\ "tie of appreciation to every one who :;"i:-!s a gift. When sho sees those who hr.ye sent presents, .she remembers to repeat hertlr.mks-*u person. The best rule is to write withoujt .delay, and to •iv.'ntioft the g-ift'definitely, so that the note may not be a duplirate of others