Wedding gift dilemma

[cassi06403]

I'm on the boat with the others that the $1001 just wouldn't be right. I think it is neat that your husband wants to give that back, and I think he is maybe looking more at the sentimental part of it than the financial part of it.

I love the idea of treating them on their honeymoon a trip to a spa. DH and I went to the spa for the first time on our HM and it was AMAZING. SO relaxing!

A couples massage and facial could run what you are looking to spend.

--Cassi

 

[gina2000]

Ya know........ I think I would give the $1001. And I'd include a detailed, silly note breaking down the money....how knowing him has made your lives so wonderful in 1001 ways. And that the gesture is returned so that he, too, may enjoy that money 1001 ways....but mostly with his heart enriched by the memories of your friendship.

It's not the money....it's the memory that counts. If you can afford it and want to, I would do it that way. If you can't, I'd still include a wonderful note telling your DH's friend how much he means to both of you.

I know it's against the popular opinion here....but that's what I'd do.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

BTW--the $1 is an Indian custom (my DH is 1/2 Indian). My MIL tells me that adding an extra buck to the gift you intend to give tells you it is a gift and not a business transaction. All gifts from my husband's side of the family are like that $11, $51 etc. Our dear friend is aware of the custom (he is also foreign born--not sure if it the custom in his country of origin, however) and that is why the $1001 wedding gift.

Thanks for the responses all. I will now get my creative juices flowing for a gift (We have not yet met the bride--so it will be difficult). I was thinking plush robes and slippers from a high end shop. Maybe matching towels.

 

[kadaten]

I'm with the majority, especially after your second post explaining the relationship. I bet your friend feels very lucky to have had your DH in his life to help with his DS all those years ago, and gave the generous $1001 wedding gift to help you out as newlyweds....as he recognized how much your DH had helped him.

Don't give the money. I, too, think it looks like it's being returned, and that's not what you intend.

Since he is a close friend, and there's so much history, I'd go with a highly personal gift, something they can treasure and always see as a sign of your friendship.

I like the towels, spa robes, spa goodies that was mentioned earlier....especially 'cause they'll have them to keep afterwards. While I LOVE a good day at the spa, I think I'd rather give something tangible they can keep.

How about something silver? That's pretty classic and elegant. You could do a champagne bucket engraved with "To friendship" and put in a couple of their champagne flutes if they registered for them and maybe a bottle of bubbly! Throw in some monogrammed cocktail napkins and a bar set if you need more to the gift.

There are lots of silver things you can have engraved and personalized. Since it's a wedding, I'd go for sterling.... You'd have to order it shipped to you and then take it somewhere to be engraved...

Just a thought! Good luck finding the *perfect* thing!!

 

[decker96]

I'm from MN too, where is the wedding?

I would not go with the money. I think it would be tacky as well. I would definitely go for something more personal, on the high-end side as well. If they're registered somewhere, give them something off the registry you can personalize. One of my parents friends bought us four place-settings of our silverware and a mahogany box to keep the silverware in which they had personalized with our names and wedding date. It was one of our best gifts.

 

[cassi06403]

You could do a champagne bucket engraved with "To friendship" and put in a couple of their champagne flutes if they registered for them and maybe a bottle of bubbly!

I think this sounds like such a sweet idea. Just be sure they like champagne first! LOL.. it would be a gift that I wouldn't have any use for!

--Cassi

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Thank you to the Minnesota contingent who weighed here. Where I come from cash is the traditional gift for weddings. I get the impression that such is not the case in MN. I will have to see if they will register. I have a feeling they won't, but you never know.

Not sure where in MN the wedding will be, but you can be sure I will be posting when I find out to see what the MN disers can suggest to help with my planning.

Thanks again.

 

[SC Minnie]

In my earlier post I was actually referring to the spa treatments or the like in addition to any 'thing' you would get them. The treat on their honeymoon to me would be a little something 'extra' and kind of let them know they are in your thoughts and hope they have a wonderful time.