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Couple's secret elopement sparks intense gift-giving debate: 'The audacity!'
The bride proposed adding a QR code to the wedding announcement for guest contributions.
In the ever-frenzied world of wedding planning, where emotions run high and etiquette rules are constantly scrutinised, one anonymous bride's innocent query about gift-giving after a secret elopement ignited a fiery debate within the online wedding community.
"How did you ask people for gifts/money?" the bride enquired, outlining her plan to send out announcement cards after her secret elopement, complete with a QR code linked to a registry for potential gift-givers to contribute to their future together.
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But the response was far from what she might have expected.
"If you're eloping in secret doesn't that kinda forfeit the ability to get gifts?" one commenter questioned, echoing the sentiments of many others who found the idea of soliciting gifts after a secret ceremony distasteful.
The etiquette of gift-giving
Others were more direct in their criticism, labelling the idea as "tacky" and "soooo not cool." Some even likened the notion to sending out a bill rather than extending an invitation to celebrate a joyous occasion.
"My husband and I eloped (not in secret) and expected absolutely nothing from anyone," one commenter shared, pointing out the sentiment that eloping, particularly in secret, should not come with the expectation of gifts or monetary contributions.
Indeed, the prevailing sentiment among many was that the trade-off for a stress-free, low-cost elopement is the absence of gifts and that asking for contributions under such circumstances was, at best, in poor taste.
"You were in our hearts and we want to be in your wallets," joked one person, while another person added, "the AUDACITY!"
In the end, the anonymous bride's proposal to solicit gifts after a secret elopement was met with resounding disapproval from the online wedding community, serving as a reminder that while love may be boundless, tact and etiquette still reign supreme, even in the digital age.
Summing up the collective sentiment of the group, one user gave a resounding, "girl, no."
Your presents, not your presence
Nevertheless, it's not totally uncommon for couples to receive gifts even in the case of elopement. According to wedding experts at brides.com, although there may be less pressure to give a wedding gift to a couple who has eloped due to the absence of a big formal celebration, a small gift is often appreciated and serves as a thoughtful way to participate in the union, even if you weren't present physically.
SHOP:
"While it's definitely not a requirement, it's a great deed, especially if you're a close friend or family member."
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