Wedding Gift Giving 101: Avoid a Cultural Faux Pas
No one wants to make a faux pas when giving a gift. It some cultures, it's offensive to give clocks. In others: umbrellas. If you're attending a wedding or giving bridesmaid gifts, be careful your gift does not offend your recipient's beliefs.
Wedding and Bridesmaid Gift Etiquette
Some countries, such as Malaysia consider gifts given before a firm commitment the same as a bribe. That means no pre-engagement gifts!
Do not give your friends from India leather or beef as a wedding or bridesmaid gift. They believe the cow is a sacred animal.
In the Middle East, present your bridesmaid gift using the right hand.
Groomsmen gifts like real pigskin footballs or alcoholic beverages should be avoided when shopping for your friends of Muslim faith
Don't give a clock to people from China; it's related to the word "death."
People across the globe consider handkerchiefs bad gifts because it will make them cry. However, we think hankies come in handy as bridesmaid gifts because your bridesmaids will likely shed a few tears at the wedding.
Always give an uneven number for Japanese wedding gifts. That way, it cannot be divided.
Expect a penny in return if you give a person from China or Latin America a cake-cutting knife as a wedding gift. Knives mean "cutting off" and if they give you a penny, it makes the knife no longer a gift.
If presenting your bridesmaid gifts in Japan or Hong Kong, do so using both hands. Also, never send your Japanese friends an unannounced bridesmaid or wedding gift. Give the gift in person and give it at the end of your visit, so it can be opened later.
Bestowing inappropriate bridesmaid gifts or wedding gift can be a disaster! Be careful with your selection and you'll avoid a major snafu.
