UK wedding evening reception dress and gift one weeks notice please help!!!?

Question

Hey guys,

Could anyone please advice our next-door neighbours invited us for their evening wedding reception which is only a week away (well, we’ve been on holiday for some time so they couldn’t get hold of us much earlier).

1) would it be very rude to decline the invitation, we’ve already been told not many people are actually coming, it’s in some castle an hour’s drive away

2) if it was very rude to decline how much would you give and what (e.g. IKEA or Tesco shopping vouchers £20 or how much is appropriate?) we’re not really close but sort of chat every now and then since we moved in our house two years ago.

3) There is no dress code stipulation on the invitation so should I wear just some summery dress and my husband black tie suit or normal suit – at an absolute loss please help!!

Please answer as soon as you can, not much time to go shopping really only this afternoon or tomorrow,

Many thanks

Answer 1

1.  If you dont want to go dont go, or else you end up going and wishing you hadnt.  Also did they tell you not many people were going - if so, (sounds bad..) but maybe they want you to help make up the numbers or they told you to make u feel bad so that you'll attend??

2. You could give them £20 gift voucher - every penny counts, so they shouldnt be affended by the amount.

3. A summer dress will look good - not too dressy or too casual.  With your husband yea a suit with a nice shirt but maybe not a tie (but he could bring it in his pocket just in case you turn up and everyone else looks really formal).

But think of the plus side of going to a wedding reception free food & drink!!

Answer 2

Go, have fun. It would be rude to decline, and the are our neighbours so it would be awkward.

Get a dress , just a pretty cheap thing.

Also the gift . I would go with something pretty, but rather cheap. Like napkin rings. They are pretty but super inexpensive.

Answer 3

just tell them its too short notice if you dont want to go

a dress would be fine and my BF wore a pair of trousers, shirt and tie to my brothers wedding

Answer 4

I would go for a summer dress perhaps with tiny shoulder stripes with a short sleeved cardigan. Nothing too fussy. Your hubby could go with smart trousers and shirt. Am sure that would be great.

For vouchers why not go for Debhenham or Marks and Spencer. Been to two evening wedding receptions. I asked them what they wanted for gifts. Both asked for Debhenham vouchers. Go for that, cant go wrong there.

Good luck.

Answer 5

It sounds like you do not really want to go the Reception.  As you have been away for a while tell them you are sorry but cannot make the Reception as you already have plans.  

A nice Wedding Card would be a nice gesture but do not feel obliged to purchase a present / voucher if not going to the Reception.

Answer 6

It does sound like you really don't want to go, so I wouldn't if I were you, after all you were only given a weeks notice.  And you can still give them a present if you want to.  A £20 voucher is fine especially if you aren't that close to them.  They should appreciate any gift they get.  Or you could go down to the local market and get them a cheap clock...lol!

Basically, do what your heart tells you!

Answer 7

you should just go, its easier that way and plus you will enjoy it when you get there.

Unless you have a gd reason not to go, i wouls accept and be there for them