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Heather asks: “I got an invitation to a family member’s wedding, and inside the envelope was a small silk purse. I have no idea what to do with it! What is it?”
Dear Heather: The little purse is actually a place for you to put the cash or check you’re giving as a wedding gift!
In our culture, asking for cash gifts is considered to be in poor taste. However, many countries believe it’s not only perfectly acceptable, but expected. If you attended a Japanese wedding reception, for example, you’d bring a cash gift called an Oshugi. (The amount may actually be spelled out on the invitation you receive.) Your cash gift would be enclosed in a decorative envelope called Shugi-bukuro.
In several other cultures (like Chinese, Eastern European, Russian, and Italian) where cash is given, a silk purse is the method for conveying the gift. Once you’ve decided on an amount, put it in the purse and bring it with you to the reception. The bride probably has a “money purse” that she carries with her.
For more info about giving cash gifts, visit Hudsonvalleyweddings.com‘s article “We Really Don’t Need a Toaster.”
