Wording For [No Gifts Please]
My husband and I were married in a small, private ceremony one month ago with immediate family only. We are having a party at our home next month to celebrate with extended family and friends. We do not want gifts and would like to indicate such on the party invitation. While I know it`s improper to mention gifts on a wedding invitation, is it OK to do so on a party invitation, even though it`s a somewhat formal invitation which indicates it`s a celebration of our marriage? If OK, then what wording options do I have other than No gifts, please?
Posted by Patti; updated 09/08/03
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"Please, no gifts" sounds like the most appropriate way to me.
Posted by May Bride; updated 09/08/03
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I see no reason why you couldn`t include that information, something simple like "Please no gifts, your presence is gift enough" or something along that line.
Posted by Bethy; updated 09/08/03
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Oooh, this is a tricky one based on the debates we`ve had over this subject. This is a little different than the others but I think you might have to treat it the same way. Word of mouth. I`m not sure how you would even go about mentioning it. Just be prepared, some people will bring a gift regardless of what you do. You might want to have someone put those gifts in a less high-traffic area, like a bedroom, so that guests who heeded the "no gifts" instructions don`t feel sheepish for actually honoring that.
Posted by ann; updated 09/08/03
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You could put in smaller print at the bottom of the invite or a drop in card that says
"Your presence is our present"
Posted by Beverly; updated 09/09/03
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It`s perfectly acceptable to request guests to not give gifts. I would recommend putting something like "Your presence is presents enough." It`s simple and kinda catchy.
Good luck.
Posted by Kay; updated 09/13/03
