I'm going to a family 'wedding' that has been years in the planning while the groom waited for his divorce to go through from his previous marriage. The couple have told the family he's now divorced and the wedding is going ahead, and they've asked for money as a wedding present. But I've found out that the divorce isn't through yet, so it won't be an official ceremony in law and is probably little more than a party in reality.
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Money Moral Dilemma: Do I give a gift when it's a 'pretend' wedding?

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I'd definately take something to a party, regardless what it was. I don't 'do' cards, but I'd take something.
Equally though, if I was hosting 'something' i wouldn't mind in the slightest if friends came empty handed.
Everyone does their own thing.
I'm not well at the minute and a friend popped to check up on me for 5mins and brought a plant, maybe it's just me and my friends...
To be honest - it might not matter that much to the guests/family whether there is the legal element or not. If this is the celebration of the couple then treat is as such with the proviso that Pollycat offers - they don't get another go when the paperwork arrives in 18 months time.
I think I'd give a card with a note saying your gift will be given when it's official
I don't like being told what's accepted as a gift especially money. If someone asks what the recipient would like that's fine.
I can bear pain myself, he said softly, but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have -
Diana Gabaldon, Outlander
Far easier when it is a thing as you can flex the spend to the "right" present.
I don't do 'money for wedding presents'.
It was just an observation.
I suppose it depends on what sort of gift giver you are. If you're a take something along to any occassion person and that would include if the couple were just hosting a party (as you've pointed out that is what this amounts to) then give something by all means. If you're more of a stickler for only giving wedding presents that are more formal and would only give x and not y at an actual wedding, then maybe don't and save it for an actual ceremony if one is going ahead at a later date.