My fiance and I planned a wedding for about 90 people. It was quite a financial stress on us, but it was really important to the two families, so we made it happen. As we've drawn closer, I've been keeping a close eye on the wedding registries. I was encouraged to do so, just in case the registries were emptied out and needed to be replenished. I started checking when there was about a month before the wedding. I was shocked. Hardly anyone had purchased items off either registry. We used Amazon and Pottery Barn, and I worked hard to include items within all price ranges (from $4 to $300). Most fall within the $20 to $60 range. We included the one $300 item as a shot in the dark.
Just this morning, a mere week before the wedding, I checked again. Of the 45 or so different households attending, only 20 have purchased gifts. I was always raised that, even if you cannot attend, if you receive an invite, you send a gift. The only exception I've learned is for guests who travel long distances or who are under financial strain. I know who those few guests are. Most of our guests are local and fine financially.
I know that weddings are not about gifts, but in all honesty, it makes me angry. Less than 50% of our guests purchased gifts, and we are spending 17,000 of our very hard earned dollars to make this event not only memorable for us, but enjoyable for them. It makes me wish I hadn't have worked so hard to appease everyone. Nearly our entire menu is gluten free! The wedding venue is in the middle of nowhere, so that neither family has to travel more than 1.5 hours. And the wedding is 70 people larger than we had originally planned.
Okay, enough with the rant. But, seriously... is this typical? Is it normal for 60% of the guests to show up without a gift?
ADDITION: While I appreciate everyone's attempt to lecture me into humility, I
would be more appreciative if people addressed my question. I asked if
my situation was typical: less than 50% of guests purchasing gifts with
less than a week to go. I was simply seeking perspective. Thank you to
those of you who addressed my question.
As current or former
brides, I am sure you remember what it feels like to overcome the
massive amount of details associated with weddings. Show some compassion
for those of us tackling those details right now. Forgive us for our
moments of anger or frustration, and guide us positively rather than put
us down.