going to an Italian wedding

[t0ny.brun0]

do I check my fire arms at the door or leave them in the car ?
(sorry bad joke)

anyhow, I am buying a gift for a buddy, should I give it to him before the wedding or do I bring over on the day ? to the church or to the dinner ? there must be a gift registrar I suppose ?

also I understand that I need to give money, right ? what is the proper etiquette ? I put it in an (un)marked envelop and hand it over with a kiss, like I have done so many times ? cash or check ?

and does it happen in the chapel or at the dinner reception ?

thanks.
(my only knowledge about italian wedding is from the movies like Goodfellars, probably quite accurate i suppose).

 

[The Bandit]

You're giving a gift and money?

The money(cash) you put in a wedding card with their first names(or blank) on the envelope, and drop in the box on the receiving table where they greet you before going into the hall for the reception.

 

[Venus_mgr]

CASH IS KING... no gift... if hes a very close friend.. 500-1000... if hes an acquaintance $200-$300 ish...

 

[WhaWhaWha]

CASH IS KING... no gift... if hes a very close friend.. 500-1000... if hes an acquaintance $200-$300 ish...

Holy crap -- only if you're guaranteed an hour with a bridesmaid.

With a cash policy like that who can afford to go to weddings?

 

[Gerald Ford]

Now that's an idea!

I am Italian, and none of you know what you are talking about.

 

[Tick]

I am Italian, and none of you know what you are talking about.

You so sure? Some brides and grooms see weddings as big business, and Italians are usually the kings of this. I know people who have weddings that cost in excess of $50K, and they turn a PROFIT when you add up the gifts and the cash in the Convenient Box that will be 3 feet from the bride at the recieving line. I know of a bride who had FIVE showers for her wedding. FIVE. I know of another bride who actually sent out invitations to her shower and in the invitation, it said.. CASH ONLY. (She was Italian)

I'm not going to paint all Italians with the same brush, but when I get a Gold Leaf embossed widding invitation to a 6 course dinner with a live band, plus DJ, Open Bar, blah blah blah blah.... I can pretty much expect at least one of the family names involved to end in a vowel.

Of course, I've also been to a wedding where it was a big deal that the bride's father dug a fresh toilet in the back yard for the event.

 

[LancsLad]

Just for laughs run into the church as the ceremony starts and yell: " Hey, Tony, concretes here"

Then hide,

 

[great bear]

Just for laughs run into the church as the ceremony starts and yell: " Hey, Tony, concretes here"

Then hide,

that would really cement their marriage.

 

[LancsLad]

that would really cement their marriage.

theres mortar it than you think.

 

[Pedro Sanchez]

Dont bring a gift. Gifts are not common at Italian weddings. Bring an envelope with money (cash or cheque). Usually $150 per person is sufficient so if you're a couple $250 - 300. This covers the cost of the meal/drinks etc and adds a little more for the bride and groom. If they are a close friend, then $400 - $500.

I know many Italian families write down the money they receive and from who. So make sure you invite this couple to your wedding and im sure you will see somewhere along the same amount as your wedding gift.

 

[great bear]

theres mortar it than you think.

Why are you always such a brick?

 

[lookingforitallthetime]

Why are you always such a brick?

and I thought this thread was going to be constructive.

 

[LancsLad]

Why are you always such a brick?

........ in the wall.......

 

[LancsLad]

and I thought this thread was going to be constructive.

I'm just a brick looking to get laid.

 

[lookingforitallthetime]

Of course, I've also been to a wedding where it was a big deal that the bride's father dug a fresh toilet in the back yard for the event.

And, if I remember correctly, your wedding gift was really lame.

 

[Tick]

And, if I remember correctly, your wedding gift was really lame.

You wound me sir... His and Hers Dale Earnhardt Jackets are a FINE gift.

 

[Never Compromised]

to the church or to the dinner ? there must be a gift registrar I suppose ?

also I understand that I need to give money, right ? what is the proper etiquette ? I put it in an (un)marked envelop and hand it over with a kiss, like I have done so many times ? cash or check ?

It's a wedding, which is suppose to be a social event, not a party fundraiser. First, check to see if the bride is registered anywhere. If she is, check the registry and buy a present or presents from that list that you can afford. Giving some cash in an envelope as well is perfectly fine to help defray the cost of the night.

Anyone that rates your friendship based on how much coin you put into an envelope is not your friend.

 

[Venus_mgr]

It's a wedding, which is suppose to be a social event, not a party fundraiser. First, check to see if the bride is registered anywhere. If she is, check the registry and buy a present or presents from that list that you can afford. Giving some cash in an envelope as well is perfectly fine to help defray the cost of the night.

Anyone that rates your friendship based on how much coin you put into an envelope is not your friend.

The man asked about an ITALIAN wedding... they cost a lot of money sooo... 200-300 per couple min... and if its a VERY CLOSE friend... 500- 1000.... and most Italians are very generous at other weddings... and yes its a social event ...but its also to help them start their new life together... and most do keep track of who gives what... so at the next wedding they know what to give.

 

[Venus_mgr]

You would think a guy with the name "Tony Bruno" would know what hes talking about????

 

[lookingforitallthetime]

You wound me sir... His and Hers Dale Earnhardt Jackets are a FINE gift.

My apologies. That was a great gift and we still wear them to fancy parties.

I thought you gave us the cheese cutter.