Q. We are about to attend a 50th wedding anniversary. We are distant relatives. We realise the 50th is gold. We are wondering about a gift. Do we need to take one? Does it have to be gold?
A. Firstly, does the invitation give any clue, sometimes they say no gifts or similar, if not then within your family circle when similar events go on are gifts given? Is the event formal or informal?
These may help answer your question on whether they would be expected. Etiquette experts are torn on this subject some will tell you that an invitation implies a gift should be presented unless explicitly stated whereas others state that an invitation does not mean a gift is required, this effect is dependent upon your family and social circle and their expectations.
As it is the 50th and as you stated it is the Golden Wedding this does not mean the gift has to be Gold it is merely the symbol associated with the anniversary.
Many other gifts are available such as commemorative glasses, personalised gifts, ornaments, mug sets etc. These indicate the anniversary and are not gold. Mementoes of the actual wedding are sometimes good or even a photographic history of their life since the marriage. My personal favourite especially for a major anniversary such as this is a bottle of fine wine or champagne bottled in the year they got married. Check our Golden Wedding gift section to see a range of gift ideas for any budget.
