Also accepting suggestions for what I should get my sister for her wedding.
I’ve been told that I probably shouldn’t just get something from the registry. But I am at a complete loss. The wedding’s in three weeks, and I still haven’t figured it out. So I turn to the dope: what should I do?
When my sister got married last fall I got her a candelabra from Pier One and a bunch of candles to go with it. I never even looked at the registry. Of course I forgot to buy her anything until the day of the wedding when people asked me what I got her so this may not be the best approach.
When my brother got married twenty years ago, I just gave them a check for $500. (Boring, I know, but they were impressed at the amount.)
I don’t have a sister, but I gave one of my brothers a bread maker, and another one a espresso maker. Fun little kitchen gadgets are always nice. They can have long-term utility, purpose and entertainment value.
$500. It was supposed to be a loan. Bitch.
I got registered as a notary and performed the ceremony. Obviously, this idea is completely non-helpful for you. Sorry.
Well when she married the 1st time I was only 6 months old so I didn’t get her anything. The 2nd time she was living out of state, got married on a whim (we found out after the fact), and I only met my brother-in-law once before they divorced (the marriage lasted less than a year). I was a teenager for wedding #3, but I didn’t actually get her anything; my mom just put my name on her & my dad’s gift. I think it was a breadmaker.
Not that this is what you asked but I think a registry gift is fine. Especially if you’re short of ideas. Get a card too and write a nice note in it.
I always give them what they want…Money!
$1000 both times
I hate giving money for birthdays and other occasions but I see nothing wrong with giving money at a wedding, especially to your sister. Can you give a decent amount? Or maybe ask your mom what she wants and get her that.
Something off the registry and a $200 cash. I don’t think going off the registry is wrong.
But what do I know? If it was a faux pas, I’m ok with that.
I went to the registry and got a couple place settings, since I knew she was probably going to have a hard time getting as complete a set as she requested, so I wanted to help her out as much as I could in that area (and I wouldn’t know the first thing about getting her a more “personal” gift that she’s actually like).
Were you given a reason why in the world not? Because that’s what registries are there for, so people like you don’t have to kill yourselves trying to come up with a great gift.
I can’t imagine why somebody would tell you that.
How about a case of good wine? For a romantic Brucie Bonus, get a case such that each pair of bottles matures in time for a different anniversary.
Perhaps the idea is that you should be able to come up with something more personal and meaningful when the bride or groom is your sibling.
Yeah, pretty much. It’s one of those things where the thought definitely counts, and just grabbing something off the registry implies that the thought is either “shit, I got no idea what she would like” or “well, there’s that out of the way.” There’s something kind of disheartening about the prospect of your closest family thinking either thing about you.
I gave my brother and his wife a basket full of seed packets for their wedding flowers and other plants traditionally associated with wedding-type sentiments, little pots to start them in, and a booklet outlining the traditional meaning and planting/care instructions for each plant.
My beloved little sister got married 20 years ago. In spite of a fourteen year age difference, we have some shared musical tastes; we also share our Dad’s sense of humor.
Her wedding gifts from me were:
1- The Complete Beatles CD’s in the roll-top wooden case (hadn’t been on the market all that long at the time)
and
2- A toilet plunger. Brand new. Untouched by other people’s dooky.
.
I’d advice you to go with the registry unless your having a really good idea for something and are sure she wants it and has space for it. By the way your asking it seems to already preclude the latter two conditions so go for registry.
I just got married and I must say most non-registry items were thoughtful gifts, I just can’t figure what those thoughts were. It was really nice of the people to gift us but we got several things we already own that we can’t return and we feel bad but they’re getting donated or possibly sold on ebay.
If you don’t mind me asking, is this how you felt about some of the gifts you got at your own wedding? Genuine question.
OakBro didn’t seem to mind when I gave him cash for a wedding gift. If OakSis existed, she’d probably get the same, plus shotgun service or bouncer duty, as needed.