Wedding Gift Mistakes of Global Proportions
A poorly selected wedding gift can really take some of the joy and fun out of the occasion. Further, a gift that is not in line with cultural norms can really make you look, well, foolish. Considering that what is an appropriate gift in one country may be a total disaster in another, it probably makes sense to think long and hard about what you are giving as a wedding gift.
Etiquette for Wedding and Bridesmaid Gifts
1. In Malaysia it’s a bad idea to give a pre-engagement gift. As it turns out a pre-engagement gift is seen as something of a bribe. Oops.
2. When looking for a gift for a friend that is from India, you might want to skip anything made out of leather. In India, the cow is seen as a sacred animal, and this means that leather or a beef product is likely to create a very awkward moment or two.
3. If you are presenting a bridesmaid gift in the Middle East, please use your right hand. Failure to do so will be taken as an insult.
4. When shopping for a groomsmen gift for someone of the Muslim faith, you should avoid such items as pigskin footballs or alcoholic beverages.
5. Clocks may seem like a pretty safe bet, after all, who doesn’t need to tell time? But in China clocks are related to the word and concept of death.
6. What could possibly go wrong with giving a handkerchief as a gift? As it turns out, plenty. The handkerchief is deemed inappropriate in many parts of the world because it brings up the idea of crying.
7. When buying for your Japanese friends, it’s best that you give an odd number of gifts. By giving an odd number of gifts, the bride and groom can’t split them evenly and thus you’re making a statement about the wedding’s longevity.
8. Knives are not the best choice for a wedding gift in China and Latin America. While your gift will be accepted, don’t be surprised if you receive a penny so that your knife is no longer technically viewed as a gift.
9. For your friends living in Japan or Hong Kong, it is best that you show up in person to deliver your wedding gift or bridesmaid gift. Also in these two countries gifts should be given with both hands. If you want to avoid embarrassment it would be best to follow these two rules.
Giving wedding gifts, or any kind of gift, can become complicated when one is venturing into a new culture. But don’t sweat it. Learn about the customs and act accordingly.
Frederick Smith has been to a wedding or two and loves everything about them. The event and events leading up to the big day. He tends to list his favorite things when he writes such as weddings favors and how they can really make or brake an event memorable.
