Wedding Gift Mistakes of Global Proportions
Friday, 27 November 2009 09:43 | 
Author: Frederick Smith |
A poorly selected wedding gift can really take some of the joy and fun out of the occasion. Further, a gift that is not in line with cultural norms can really make you look, well, foolish. Considering that what is an appropriate gift in one country may be a total disaster in another, it probably makes sense to think long and hard about what you are giving as a wedding gift.
A poorly selected wedding gift can really take some of the joy and fun out of the occasion. Further, a gift that is not in line with cultural norms can really make you look, well, foolish. Considering that what is an appropriate gift in one country may be a total disaster in another, it probably makes sense to think long and hard about what you are giving as a wedding gift.
Etiquette for Wedding and Bridesmaid Gifts
1. In Malaysia it's a bad idea to give a pre-engagement gift. As it turns out a pre-engagement gift is seen as something of a bribe. Oops.
2. When looking for a gift for a friend that is from India, you might want to skip anything made out of leather. In India, the cow is seen as a sacred animal, and this means that leather or a beef product is likely to create a very awkward moment or two.
3. If you don't use your right hand when presenting a bridesmaid gift in the Middle East, it is considered an insult.
4. Items such as alcoholic beverages and pigskin footballs should be taken off your list of candidates for a groomsmen gift if your friend is of the Muslim faith.
5. In China, clocks are closely associated with the unpleasantness of death. Obviously, a different gift is in order.
6. Another gift that seems safe at first glance (but isn't safe) is the handkerchief. In different parts of the world the handkerchief is associated with sadness.
7. In Japan you always want to bring an uneven number of wedding gifts. This way the gifts cannot be divided between the bride and groom.
8. Knives are not the best choice for a wedding gift in China and Latin America. While your gift will be accepted, don't be surprised if you receive a penny so that your knife is no longer technically viewed as a gift.
9. When the time comes to present your bridesmaid's gifts in Japan or Hong Kong, be sure that you are using both hands. It is also best if you deliver your wedding or bridesmaid's gifts in person if your friend or acquaintance is Japanese. Failure to do so would be deemed a social misstep.
Is it difficult to know what gift to give when you don't know all the rules? Sure, but just take a little time and research the topic. If you have other friends from the same culture or country ask them for advice.
A poorly selected wedding gift can really take some of the joy and fun out of the occasion. Further, a gift that is not in line with cultural norms can really make you look, well, foolish. Considering that what is an appropriate gift in one country may be a total disaster in another, it probably makes sense to think long and hard about what you are giving as a wedding gift.
Etiquette for Wedding and Bridesmaid Gifts
1. In Malaysia it's a bad idea to give a pre-engagement gift. As it turns out a pre-engagement gift is seen as something of a bribe. Oops.
2. When looking for a gift for a friend that is from India, you might want to skip anything made out of leather. In India, the cow is seen as a sacred animal, and this means that leather or a beef product is likely to create a very awkward moment or two.
3. If you don't use your right hand when presenting a bridesmaid gift in the Middle East, it is considered an insult.
4. Items such as alcoholic beverages and pigskin footballs should be taken off your list of candidates for a groomsmen gift if your friend is of the Muslim faith.
5. In China, clocks are closely associated with the unpleasantness of death. Obviously, a different gift is in order.
6. Another gift that seems safe at first glance (but isn't safe) is the handkerchief. In different parts of the world the handkerchief is associated with sadness.
7. In Japan you always want to bring an uneven number of wedding gifts. This way the gifts cannot be divided between the bride and groom.
8. Knives are not the best choice for a wedding gift in China and Latin America. While your gift will be accepted, don't be surprised if you receive a penny so that your knife is no longer technically viewed as a gift.
9. When the time comes to present your bridesmaid's gifts in Japan or Hong Kong, be sure that you are using both hands. It is also best if you deliver your wedding or bridesmaid's gifts in person if your friend or acquaintance is Japanese. Failure to do so would be deemed a social misstep.
Is it difficult to know what gift to give when you don't know all the rules? Sure, but just take a little time and research the topic. If you have other friends from the same culture or country ask them for advice.
About the Author:
Make sure your wedding event is a smash hit. Frederick Smith gives advice all things wedding related such as wedding party gifts, wedding favors, bridal dress colors anything more then one man should know about weddings.
