"Dave Smith" > wrote in message
...
> Puester wrote:
>>
>>
>> Yep. Even worse, some financial institutions will let the couple
>> "register" for a mortgage donation and travel agencies will accept
>> donations for a honeymoon. Whatever happened to waiting for marriage
>> till you can afford it and paying your own way?
>
> No problem..... Have the bank send the couple a card that says that you
> donated, but not the amount.
>
>
>> I am told it is generally understood that "We really have everything we
>> need." is code for "We want cash gifts." And cash gifts should equal or
>> exceed the cost of the reception meal. Huh? No guest ever required
>> that a couple feed them an overpriced dinner. Tacky, tacky, tacky.
>
> This thread has passed through here a few times over the years. IMO it is
> absolutely ridiculous the way people blow money on weddings. My son is at
> the age where some of his friends are getting married and inviting my wife
> and I to their weddings and outrageously expensive dinners. Sorry, but
> even
> if we hadn't both taken earlier retirement and the huge drop in income
> that
> goes with it, I am not spending $300 or more on a friend of the son just
> to make sure the gift covers the price of the meals when it is about three
> times what I would spend on a decent meal in a restaurant where I get to
> pick what I want for dinner instead of what the caterer can turn out 200
> servings of.

My first wedding was a big one, with a nice reception (now meal just light
refreshments and cake). The second time though we threw into the E A S Y
side of things and went elegant but less expensive. The second time was far
more fun and more relaxed and emotional/sentimental for all involved.

We didn't mention gifts are registration but got some very lovely and
personal gifts. It was the second marriage for each and one "wedding support
specialist" at the mall where I was shopping who thought we should place the
following line on our invitations, oh and if we did it was good for a
discount on the invitation order.

"Though gifts are not expected, they are appreciated and for your shopping
convenience you can find us registered at 'store name'. If you would prefer,
cash and giftcards will be welcomed."

Yea, NO!

Cindi