some more etiquette?...

...so I've been asked a bunch what I think about Weddings, Showers for whatever, birthdays, etc.

Here's what I think....and really, what do I know?

Baby Showers: I think that if someone is having their first baby shower then you spend between $30-$50 depending on how close you are. For a second shower or third shower you should spend much less...so from $15 to $25. I think it's nice to buy a new mom a little gift when she's in the hospital but that should only be about $10-$15. I wouldn't think you'd need to go overboard, especially if you went to the baby shower.

Weddings: I think if you're invited to the entire wedding you must buy a gift. I would spend between $35 and $60 depending on how close I am. If I've been invited to a Wedding Shower prior to the Wedding then I'd use my price range and break it up between the two. If you are simply invited to the wedding dance I wouldn't buy a gift. This, to me, is the Happy Couple's way of inviting those they simply couldn't invite to the whole thing so you going doesn't mean you owe them anything. They just wanted you to come and have fun with them.

If you spent a lot of money to go to the wedding, i.e.: Down South, out of province, at a resort, etc... I think you're wedding gift should be cheaper than had you not done that. Spending $2000 to go to a wedding then coming back and spending another $50 + on a gift isn't necessary in my opinion. It was nice that you took lots of time and expense to go with the Happy Couple...you don't have to go broke by doing so.

Birthdays: These are really for children. Buy for them....as for adults, no gifts are necessary. I intend on having my own Birthday Party this year as I'm turning the big 30. I don't want gifts...I just want people to come to my party and have a good time with me! I assume most people feel the same way. I also don't need cards...a phone call, facebook message, email, text, etc is sufficient. I just like knowing people think about me on my special day.

Stagette/Stag Parties: If you chose to go on one of these expect to spend money. If you do not want to spend money then don't go. There is often gas, hotel, food, activities and drinking costs associated with these so decide wisely. It's not a time to skimp..,pay your share IMMEDIATELY. You know ahead of time that you will be going so if you owe money to someone then pay them before the activities are done (before you drive home). If you do not have cash, most people accept cheques so I vote you do that. Cheques are good cause you can give the exact amount you owe...no change necessary. Waiting to pay at a later date frustrates everyone and if you can't afford to go then don't. No one will be mad and frankly, you don't have to give a reason as to why you won't be attending. Also, this event is for the Bride and Groom so they should get a money break. Most of the time the Bridal Party pays a bit more than the guests. Don't be afraid to ask $5 from everyone attending to help with costs...no one will argue....but make sure that the entire Bridal Party spends the same amount. I wouldn't say it's fair for some to spend more than others. Nowadays people do this anyways, but it's still something worth mentioning.

Housewarmings: I usually spend $25-$50 depending on how close I am. If this event occurs near their Wedding, I would vote that a Wedding Shower is not necessary....seems to me a Housewarming and a Wedding Shower would be the same thing. Call it one event and move on.

So these are just my thoughts....what are yours?

"What made you say that..." - Shania Twain