Engagement gift?

[Chim]

I've been wondering what is the etiquette on engagement gifts? Do people give them? What do they give? I know they're the norm in the States but I've no idea what people do here! Anyone?

 

[annR]

I think a nice bottle of champagne is always in order. Most people don't give engagement presents unless they're family and they really want to.

 

[CMCR]

Don't know what the current etiquette is, but we bought friends of ours a nice bottle of champagne and a gift voucher.

Nowadays, I don't think most people would expect anything - then again I could be wrong!

They are close friends of ours so the gift was more of a token to mark the occasion, rather than anything else.

 

[U2Fan]

My rule of thumb is a card or flowers and if close friends or family a dinner out to celebrate.

 

[Nell]

A nice card is all one would expect, perhaps a bunch of flowers or bottle of wine if you have been invited over (to engaged couples home) for drinks or dinner.

 

[gnashers]

I got engaged recently and we got plenty of cards and a few small presents and a couple of bottles of bubbly. We didn't expect anything at all and I don't think most couples would expect anything. It is very nice to get all the cards though.

 

[Chim]

Thanks everyone! We were leaning towards the card + bottle of champagne and that's what we did in the end. They were delighted.

Good advice all round!