Gift from non-wedding guest?

[Miya03]

So I recently received a beautiful wedding present from someone who I had not planned on inviting to the wedding (this person is a parent of a close friend--extremely nice, but not someone I have ever really known). I of course sent a thank you note, but my question is, am I supposed to invite this person to the wedding? They sent the gift 3 months prior to the wedding, and while I had not intended to invite them, I do feel a bit awkward having received a present before I have sent out the invites. My mom says no, it was just a nice gesture, but I thought I''d ask you all what you think.

 

[megumic]

No, I definitely don''t think you need to invite the gifter. Gifts are given out of generosity, not out of expecting something in return. We received a gift from someone not invited to our engagement party and we were touched at their thoughtfulness, but did not feel bad about not inviting them to the party.

 

[havernell]

This happened to us to- a former co-worker of mine sent a gift even though he wasn''t on our invite list. We did not invite him after that- if he wasn''t important enough to invite before the gift shouldn''t change that. All you are obligated to do is send a thank you note, which you have done.

I know if feels a little weird to not invite someone who has recognized your upcoming marriage with a gift, but you don''t "owe" someone anything (besides thanks) when they give you a gift. Really, don''t feel bad at all!

 

[Miya03]

Thanks for the advice ladies! It made me feel a lot better.

 

[yssie]

Yup - just a very nice thank you for your generous gift, we'll make good use of it/it'll look lovely on ______ will do nicely. No need to invite them if you hadn't planned to already! I agree it can be awkward though

 

[swingirl]

Yes, this was just a nice gesture. My DD has many friends from high school and beyond and someday they will be getting married. I don''t expect to be invited because our relationship wasn''t really close but I have a soft spot for many of the girls whom I drove to the mall, took prom dress shopping and watched grow up. I probably will send them wedding gifts and baby gifts and I hope for nothing more than a thank you.

 

[PumpkinPie]

I agree - your only responsibility is to send a gracious thank you note