When someone elopes

[Sugardimples]

If I'm not invited to the wedding, I don't send a gift.

 

[Sabrefan]

DH and I eloped (although family did come to the court house) we had a big party the day after to celebrate, almost everyone brought a card, I did get a few gifts but certainly wasn't expecting anything but did appreciate them.

We eloped because I did not want to spend $10k on a wedding.

 

[Lynne M]

IMHO:

Couples who wish to marry are not obligated to throw an insanely expensive party to entertain their family and friends.

An invitation to a wedding reception is not compensation for a wedding gift.

The kind, size, or location of a wedding ceremony - or whether I'm invited - has nothing whatsoever to do with whether or not I'd give the couple a gift. If they're my friends or my family and I want to wish them well, I'll give them a gift.

It's just like any other gifting occasion. I don't need to be invited to a birthday party to give someone a birthday gift, and I don't need to be present at the birth of a baby to give someone a baby gift. Why would I need to be present at the wedding to give a wedding gift?