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Do I give a wedding gift if I’ve already given a shower gift?

wedding gift

Dear Polite One,

If invited to a wedding shower and you bring a gift for the couple, are you obligated to bring another gift for the couple when attending the wedding?  I suppose I always thought that you brought a gift to the wedding if you didn't attend the shower.

Thanks

Over-spent

Dear Over-Spent,

This is another reason so many brides are opting for the gift-less shower because the shower is often viewed as a ploy to receive two wedding gifts.  

That said, if you attend the shower and have not bought the bride a gift for a previous wedding, you are expected to give a shower gift.  If attending the wedding, you are expected to ship a gift to her home before the wedding.  

The gift doesn’t have to be expensive. 

Sincerely,

The Polite One

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