Wedding Etiquette!

[legal girl]

I'm getting married soon and want to know what people think about giving presents during the groom's speech? My bridesmaids will already have their presents as it is their jewellery. I would like to give presents to my parents as they have helped enormously. However, my in laws haven't helped at all towards the planning and haven't shown any interest during the run up. Do you think we should get them something too, just to keep the peace?

[Barmaid]

Personally, I would just get your mum and dad something and give it to them privately.

[LoftyLottie]

I agree with Barmaid. Just thank your parents in the speeches. No embarrassment on anybody's part then.

[ummmm]

Both or none at the wedding I would say. It'll be very embarrassing for his parents otherwise.

[echokilo]

Why not plan an experience/event/tickets for you parents for a while after your special day? Doesn't need to be a material gift - perhaps a nice meal out, theatre something which will create a memory and that they will know is your thank you gift without having to gift wrap it?

[marval]

Most weddings I have been to, all that is seen is both mothers being given a bouquet of flowers. What you do privately is up to you, and your in laws don't need to know about.

[lorla]

Think giving gifts during groom's speech is fine - we did and it worked well.

Hmmmm tricky one and was simialar for us. My Mum & Dad were fab and so we presented them with gifts. My husband's father however didn't turn up and his mother couldn't have shown any less interest if she tried and my husband actually struggled to find anything to thank her for during his speech but felt he had to thank her for something given that everyone else on the top table got a mention. We gave her a big bouquet of flowers which she seems chuffed with.

[lotsafun]

i personally would get flowers for each of the mothers but because of all the help and support your parents have given you give them a extra gift but not on the day.as this will no doubtilly cause tension. Perhaps treat them to a meal out, just you, your future hubby and your parents. Oh and good luck for your big day :)

[Nosha123]

I realise you may not want to give the in-laws anything if they havent helped... but maybe they havent helped as they feel it isnt their place (lets face it they refer to it as the BRIDES day!).
I totally agree with other posters here about giving your parents something in private... BUT....
Wouldnt it be nice to start married life off on a good foot with the in-laws and get BOTH mum's matching bouquets as a way of welcoming everyone to the family/marriage...
Might be worth a thought! See what your fiance thinks