Return gifts?

ap601

So my fiance and I went to a wedding 6 1/2 months ago.  Now, we just found out that the bride was cheating since even before the wedding.  Nice, right?  Now they're separated, but dating... whatever.  Jokingly, I said they should return the gifts they received since the gifts were meant for them to start a life together... but they're not together anymore (kinda).  What do you think?

goheels05

Well, they got married, so no, they aren't under an obligation to return gifts.  The rule is that you shouldn't use gifts until the wedding just in case something happens and it is cancelled, because then you are supposed to return them.  So if they are already married, they have already used the gifts and there's really no point.

ETA:  couples who divorce after 15 years don't return gifts. I don't see why it would be any different for a 6-month marriage. 

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

If they're still married and planning on staying together to work things out, fine. If they are going to divorce and then "date", then yes, they should return the gifts. At least, I've heard that if the couple divorces within a year, it's proper to return them.

andy71781

I agree with heels - they got married so you don't get the gifts back. I hope they can work it out.

ohwhynot

Well, the wedding occurred, so etiquette-wise, they're entitled to keep the wedding gifts.  It's really no one's business, in my opinion. 

Mrs.B6302007

I ditto the others.  The wedding happened so they aren't obligated to return the gifts.

banana468

They actually did get married so they don't have to return them.

She sounds like she's no one to brag about but the gifts get to be kept.

JennaV26

They get to keep them, but I'd be annoyed too!

ap601

Jenna - that pretty much sums it up.  I definitely won't be calling them to demand my gift back, but it's still annoying.