Wedding Etiquette Forum

Grownup B-Day Party?

I'm going to bed in a minute, but figure I'll get answers in the morning anyway.  I'm planning a birthday party for my fiance, hoping to invite a few of his friends that I don't think he's seen for almost a year, and wanted to ask an "etiquette-esque" question.

Is is considered weird, or is it expected, to open presents at the birthday party?  I know this is standard for kids' parties, but somehow it seems odd at a grownup party.  I'm not even sure people will bring presents, but I wanted to ask anyway in case it comes up.  Thanks!

Re: Grownup B-Day Party?

  • I'm not sure if this is normal or not, but my family likes to take pictures of the birthday person opening each present, as well as a picture with the person with gave the preset. Kind of like, an award thing. Cheesy smile, hold up the present, and they shake hands. Well, maybe not the shaking hands part Wink But my family is a little weird, so don't trust my advice.
  • Personally, I wouldn't make a fuss of opening presents- if someone brings something, he can either open it when they give it to him, or open it when everyone has left... but in most cases, people aren't going to bring much beyond a bottle of wine etc anyway. 

     

    What sort of a party are you planning?

  • I would say just open the presents when he is given them, or leave them until the morning. Decide based on the vibe of the party.
  • I wouldn't expect many people to bring presents at all.  I've been to a couple of adult b-day parties this year and only one or two people brought presents.  I would just have him be sure to open the gift before the person who gave it to him leaves, so he can show his appreciation and thank them.  I wouldn't make a big production of sitting everyone down to watch him open gifts, that's a little weird in my opinion.
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    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • I wouldn't say, round up everyone like cattle while chanting, "TIME FOR PRESENTS!!!!" but, he can just open something when they come... go with the vibe and don't stress :)
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  • Haha, Salty, that would be a big no.

    Panda, believe it or not, that actually is sort of the norm in his family, BUT he hates it.  He's hates having his pic taken and his mom is... well let's just say she treats him like he's a child most of the time, but worst on his birthday, and I almost don't want to invite her because I know she'll bring the camera and annoy him - he doesn't really want her there, but for the sake of family peace, blah blah, you get it.  Smile

    Sun, I'm having sort of a dinner party, something pretty casual.  I'm planning on having a cheese board, two lasagnas (one marinara, one pesto), homemade herb flatbreads, roasted mixed vegetables, a really rich chocolate espresso cheesecake, and a birthday cake that I'm spending way too much time designing.  I guess that's heavy on the dairy but it's a good thing everyone we know is fine with that.

    Anyway, thanks to the rest of you for your suggestions and experiences.  It was really helpful.  Go with the flow it is.
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