Gift timing etiquette

jillielizabeth

Hello!  I jumped over from TheBump board to gain Knotties advice on this:

My brother and his longtime girlfriend eloped yesterday.  We are all delighted for them and an elopement is very much their style.  They mentioned that they will have a party to celebrate, but this will not occur until this summer or even further in the future.  

My husband and I of course plan to send them a card of congratulations and some flowers to my new sister in law.  When is it appropriate to send a gift?  I suppose there is no wrong time to send a gift, but what is the norm in a situation like this?  They will not register, so I can't go by that timing.  

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

NOLAbridealmost

I'd just send it now.  I don't think there's any etiquette on this because gifts are never required; I'd just do it while I was thinking of it to get it out of the way.

specialk84

I would send the gift now. It's to celebrate them getting married, which they just did. I would not give a gift at their later party.

dori851

I agree with PPs & would send it now. Congrats to your brother & new SIL