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Wedding Etiquette Forum

What would you think?

If you received an invitation for a "Bridal Tea" for someone where no registry info was listed and a recipe card was included?


Would you take a gift/ask where the couple was registered at?


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Re: What would you think?

  • probably not, I would probably fill out the recipe card and that is it, or ask around to see what others are doing.

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  • I would think they don't want presents, and I would bring a favorite recipe or two.



  • That's what I was thinking, which surprised me since this was the invite my MOH sent out for my shower in a few weeks.  I was at my FSIL's house when she opened hers and she was like, "Oh, I thought you guys registered....?".  I'm not complaining, just confused!
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  • I would ask the host or someone close to the bride if this is a shower or just a tea
  • Rebl90 said:
    That's what I was thinking, which surprised me since this was the invite my MOH sent out for my shower in a few weeks.  I was at my FSIL's house when she opened hers and she was like, "Oh, I thought you guys registered....?".  I'm not complaining, just confused!
    Are you registered?  Seems like an odd choice if you are, but no, I would not bring a gift, or I would bring something small along with the recipe card.

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  • Since it's a shower being thrown for you, I would just not worry about it.  If anyone asks you whether they should bring a gift to the party, direct them to your MOH who is hosting.
  • If you are registered, it's really easy for someone to take 5 minutes and check all of the standard registry locations in order to find out where you registered. At least, that is what I would do if I got an invite with no registry info on it. I stalk registries all the time for coworkers when we throw them wedding or baby showers at work.

    If I didn't want to take the time to find your registry (or, if you didn't have one), I still wouldn't want to show up to your shower empty-handed. I would buy you something nice that I thought was cute, and I would stick a gift receipt in the card so that you could exchange it.

  • I'd bring a recipe and assume it was not a shower, since the invitation reads "tea."
  • From my persepective a tes/luncheon is for rides wo didn't regeister and don't want physical gifts but still wanted to have a get together as a pre-wedding event.  A shower is or the brides and/or grooms who registered for physical gifts. 

    In your case it sounds like the bride who didn't register just wanted a gathering, so fill out the receipe card and you're good.  If you talk to others and feel the need to bring more, than a small gift with a receipt would't hurt but I don't find it necessary in this situation.

  • I had one of these for my first wedding...and I LOVED IT!
    I would write out your favourite recipe and then gift some of the ingredients needed to make it.  It's a great way to help a new bride stock her cupboards.

    If I was the bride, I would only expect the recipe and the ingredients would be a nice added bonus.
  • edited March 2014
    I would assume that a tea meant 'no gifts, please,' and the recipe card was for us to write down a recipe for you (I'd write my go-to, which is spinach-artichoke dip). I would not look for your registry, because I would assume you didn't have one.

    ETF homonym error because clearly today was NOT my day grammatically
    Anniversary

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    I'm gonna go with 'not my circus, not my monkeys.'
  • Rebl90 said:
    That's what I was thinking, which surprised me since this was the invite my MOH sent out for my shower in a few weeks.  I was at my FSIL's house when she opened hers and she was like, "Oh, I thought you guys registered....?".  I'm not complaining, just confused!
    Are you registered?  Seems like an odd choice if you are, but no, I would not bring a gift, or I would bring something small along with the recipe card.
    Yeah we're registered.  I was just surprised as my MOH was so insistent on throwing a "shower", but I really don't mind the change. I've always felt that showers were a little gift-grabby (personal opinion, don't shoot!) so it works out. It's just different from what she's been telling me all along, that's all :)
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  • strlzfan11strlzfan11 member
    Ninth Anniversary 1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited March 2014
    I know several people who still believe it's inappropriate to include registry information in shower invitations.  Maybe your MOH had someone proof it for her (like her mom perhaps?) and was urged not to include it.
  • I know several people who still believe it's inappropriate to include registry information in shower invitations.  Maybe your MOH have someone proof it for her (like her mom perhaps?) and was urged not to include it.
    That's a good point, like I said, I've always had that view of showers, but I thought the combo of all of the elements put together made it seem like we didn't register anywhere.  I'm sure it will be perfect and wonderful even if no one brings a  gift or remembers their recipe cards.  
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  • I would assume that a tea meant 'no gifts, please,' and the recipe card was for us to write down a recipe for you (I'd write my go-two, which is spinach-artichoke dip). I would not look for your registry, because I would assume you didn't have one.
    You wanna fill out that card for my shower? Cause that dip sounds delicious! :p
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  • My sister had a bridal shower tea so it was clearly gift giving. If it just said tea then I'd think bride and groom probubly have everything but just wanted to get with friends
  • lc07lc07 member
    Tenth Anniversary 2500 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    I have never attended a Bridal Tea but I have heard of them. I would think this was not a gift giving event. 

    However, being one who always covers my bases, I would still bring a card with a gift card stuck in my purse so that if it did end up being a gift giving party I wouldn't feel bad if I were the only one without a gift. 

    Likewise, I wouldn't want to walk in with a boxed gift to any event other than a shower. I think (correct me if I'm wrong) etiquette dictates that gifts should be mailed to the person's home for occasions other than showers.
  • Tea = no gift.
  • I think it is a little weird since it is your 'shower' and your MOH must know that you registered. My question is was the recipe thing your idea or a surprise to you? I feel like that and the 'tea' in lieu of 'shower' wording pretty much nixes any chance of getting gifts, as most people who ask for recipes view that as the gift. Often a bottle of wine is gifted to complement the dish. I can see how it would be confusing if it was not what you were anticipating.
  • Rebl90 said:
    I would assume that a tea meant 'no gifts, please,' and the recipe card was for us to write down a recipe for you (I'd write my go-two, which is spinach-artichoke dip). I would not look for your registry, because I would assume you didn't have one.
    You wanna fill out that card for my shower? Cause that dip sounds delicious! :p
    @Rebl90 LOL -- sure!

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

    Ingredients:
    1 block of cream cheese, softened (I usually use the neufchatel because it's lower fat), and cut into chunks
    1 bag of mozzarella-parm blend cheese, shredded
    1 jar Alfredo sauce, any kind (I often use the garlic kind because I love garlic)
    1 bag fresh baby spinach (about 8 oz), shredded finely (or one block frozen spinach, defrosted, but I think the fresh spinach gives a better flavour)
    1 can artichoke hearts, roughly chopped

    Mix shredded cheese, Alfredo sauce, and cream cheese together until well-blended. Add spinach and artichokes, mix well.

    Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Serve with tortilla or pita chips.
    Oh my goodness, you're wonderful! And now I'm hungry!
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  • SP29SP29 member
    Sixth Anniversary 2500 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers
    Agreed, since the invitation says Bridal Tea, I would assume no gifts and that the recipe is the gift.

    However, my MOH threw me a Bridal Tea with no registry information on it (even though I did register- because my mom told me I MUST!). Every guest gave a gift, though only one was from my registry. So I think it will likely depend on what your guests are use to. Either way, if anyone asks you, direct them to your MOH and be pleasantly surprised either way at your tea! 
  • In a way this situation kinda sucks because you can't exactly complain as it is a gift from your MOH so you should be grateful, but if there are truly things you need and registered for them, showers are a way for people to get you those items... But again nobody's entitled to anything, but I can see how one could be a bit disappointed
  • I would still ask, mainly because my crowd is unfamiliar with the nuisances of tea versus shower. Also, I'd probably consider still buying a gift for your wedding, so I'd want to know that information for that.

    But I'd fill out the card and bring something related to the dish (probably a spoonula in your favorite color) and a serving of the dish (spinach artichoke dip, as is my staple).
  • Oh haha. I guess this dish is popular. This is te recipe I use:

    Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip
    Ingredients
    1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
    1/4 cup mayonnaise
    1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
    3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
    1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (basil, thyme, etc)
    OR
    2 tablespoons fresh herbs (tarragon, basil, etc)
    1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
    salt and pepper to taste
    1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
    1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
    1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

    Directions
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.
    In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, garlic, basil, garlic salt, salt and pepper. Gently stir in artichoke hearts and spinach.
    Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven 25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned.

    Serve with: Tortilla chips, bread chunks/slices, veggies (radishes, carrot sticks, celery sticks), pita bread, anything!

    Hint/Tip: I often submit one of my favorite cheeses: goat! The great thing about this recipe is that you can substitute cheeses (don't like parmesan? Fine! Use extra mozzarella or feta or jack, or anything your heart desires!) and flavors (I used a can of marinated and roasted artichoke hearts - but try adding sliced black olives or roasted red peppers or sundried tomatoes!).
  • Gosh you ladies are making me hungry! I'm going to write these recipes down!!! Yum! I love artichokes!
  • It's SUPER easy. And you can make it a day or two ahead and store it covered in the fridge and bake it the day of!
  • Inkdancer said:
    Tea = no gift.

    Shower = gift.
    This.  In FI's family, his Aunts usually host a bridal tea/luncheon for the Bride a day or so before her wedding.  It's not a shower or a gift giving event, it is just a chance for all the ladies to get together before the wedding.

    "Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."


  • My guess is that the bride & groom didn't register because they feel they don't need or want anything. I would find my favorite receipe, or of you know of something you have made that the bride & groom seem to love put that on the card, even if it's from a cookbook. When you RSVP you can always ask the hostess if they are registered anywhere and she'll either go "Yes, they are registered at xxx, or no they opted not to register because they don't need anything but would love for you to give them a recipe."
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