Empty Wedding Card?

linnyv27

The "budget wedding gift" post got me thinking...

FI and I are attending a wedding this Sunday (3rd wedding we attend in under a month). We are on a pretty tight budget since we are currently saving up for our own wedding and a down payment on a house, so even though this wedding is a 2 1/2 hours away (one way) - we are going because the bride is a dear and old friend of FI's. We are driving back that same day since we can't really afford to stay at a hotel and take the day off from work the next day.

Orignally I wanted to give them a budget gift but the only registry they listed on their site/accommodations card is a honeymoon registry. And it states that they aleady have everything they need  and what they desire most is our presence (not gifts), but have set this registry up for those who feel the desire to give them something. It also states that they prefer this online method over mailing or bringing cash/checks as it's hard for them to manage and easy to lose. The couple also recently moved to NY but is still having the weding here in Northern California and they will be flying back home the day after. This is another reason why they didn't want any physical gifts as they were in the process of moving and didn't want anything lost or have to travel with extra items.

So without a registry of physical gifts, what should we do? I've never showed up to a wedding empty handed and honestly I feel kind of guilty about it. But I wouldn't want to show up with a tiny amount to give to them either. Would a heartfelt hadnwritten card be enough? Or would they think we forgot to include a check/gift card inside the card?

I've been thinking a lot about this and now we are 5 days away from the wedding and still no idea on what to do about the gift.

Girlie1030

Considering all of the faux pas they made, I honestly wouldn't feel terrible about just giving them the nice heartfelt card. 

NOLAbridealmost

What about a small token like a Christmas ornament w/ their anniversary date on it or something? 

You could go to Michael's and get the stuff to make it yourself.   Or bake them something?  I dunno.  I'd feel weird giving just an empty card even though a gift is by no means necessary. 

lauralaur

Yeah, I'd be all sorts of OK with not getting them a gift after receiving that invitation.

OP, the card/gift that sticks out in my mind from our wedding is the one SIL got us because it was a really cute, sweet card. She did not get us a gift for our wedding but got us an awesome "our first Christmas" ornament for Christmas a month later. I was actually sad she gave it to us at Christmas because it didn't get to stay on our tree for that long before being taken down.

pretzelgrrl

I would say a gift card in an amount you can afford or a frame for honeymoon photos

KellyBrian2013

I'm in the camp that, given their lack of etiquette with mentioning gifts and a money registry, I think it's fine to give just a heartfelt card. I will add that one of my favorite wedding gifts was from my new BIL and his GF. She framed our invite in a lovely silver frame using the envelope liner as the "photo corners"... it was very simple, probably cost them less than 10, and is one of only two gifts we displayed immediately.

MrsGandthebeag

Personally I'd never attend a wedding without bringing a gift, but that's just me.  Gifts aren't required.  You're fine.  

Lisa50

Can you afford $25?  If so, buy a BBB, Target or Home Depot gift card and enclose in your greeting card.  If you cannot afford that, just give a card (a beautiful card, Is there a Papyrus nearby?) ... but spend some time planning a thoughtful sentiment for inclusion. 

Good luck!

linnyv27

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I was put off by the honeymoon registry as well, especially knowing that they don't get the whole amount. I really love the idea of framing their invitation so I think I will go that route and take Lisa50's advice of a nice card from Papyrus. Plus a frame should easily fit in their luggage. Thank you ladies I really don't like showing up empty handed so this is a perfect little something.