More often than not, bridal couples and their families have many, many guests to invite. But every once in a while, the opposite occurs: those hosting the wedding have too few people on their list. What to do? Unfortunately, they may reach out to far-off acquaintances — and sometimes even people they barely know — rather than friends to help beef up the guest list.
Dear Wedding Guru: “Help! My husband and I were invited by a woman to her daughter’s wedding. I’ve spoken to this woman no more than five times in my entire life — in passing. So, basically, I don’t know her or her husband. I asked my husband why we were invited, and he’s clueless! I don’t know why we were included, and we’re not interested in attending. Do we still need to send a gift? Why do people do things like this? Looking forward to your thoughts on this one…”
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Dear (reluctant) wedding guest: I understand your frustration. Perhaps this woman has a very small group of friends and family and feels your company would make the wedding somehow more pleasant? (Of course, it’d be a better idea if she held the wedding in an intimate setting and invited only her real friends and family.) Or maybe she’s simply looking for a gift? Tacky!
Anyhow, you most certainly need not send a gift. I recommend that you write a note (or a “Congratulations on Your Wedding” card) and mail it to her for her daughter. You can be classy even if they’re not!
» Hudson Valley Weddings 2011
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