Is it necessary to include it in order to not be thought of as tacky?
Is it rude to not include "Gifts are not necessary" on a b-day invitation?
by White Dove 24 Replies latest jw friends
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White Dove
My friend told me that it would be tacky to not include the words "Gift are not necessary."
Is she right? What ever happened to traditional birthday parties with gifts and cake?
I personally think it's silly to include such a statement.
Asking for gifts, however, is unbelievably rude.
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White Dove
I'm on my knees begging for your opinions on this...please...pretty please...
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beksbks
WD, I personally would not include it. Is this for a child? I think to mention or not mention is tacky if it's a child. For an adult, I think it would be more appropriate.
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White Dove
Adult.
But why bother mentioning it at all?
Is there an unwritten rule that says that once someone is past a certain age, it becomes necessary to negate gifts in writing?
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beksbks
Sugar girl!!! Just do what you WANT to!!! It's supposed to be fun. Don't listen to the sourpuss.
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Purza
I do not think it would be considered tacky. You might want to google Miss Manners and see if someone has posed this question to her in the past.
I know people that request no gifts be brought, but, as an alternative, have information on the invitation about what charity to donate to instead.
Purza
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John Doe
5 words are all that come to mind--Who Greets A Fishy Farmer? Personally, I think it's tacky to tell others you think they are tacky. lol
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beksbks
Good for you Johnny!!! I agree!
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nameless_one
Actually it can be argued that it's tacky TO include it, because the implication is that gifts were forthcoming and expected otherwise and that IS tacky. An invitation is a request for someone's presence and shouldn't include assumptions/instructions about gifts at all. Further, if some guests disregard and bring a gift anyway, then you've a situation where those who did follow the "directive" could feel embarrassed.
The worst violation of etiquette is to use etiquette as a weapon to make others feel uncomfortable or inadequate. Your friend has perhaps violated that cardinal rule :-) If it were me, I wouldn't include the line.