Newlyweds sell wedding gifts

Dear Annie: A couple of weddings left me baffled.

The custom of most weddings in the Midwest is for the couple and their wedding party to hire a limo, party bus or some other method of transportation to take the whole group around after the wedding ceremony and before the reception. The guests are free to go to the reception site, and usually some type of refreshment is offered.

At one particular wedding, the couple did not even greet their guests at the back of the church after the ceremony. They secluded themselves and left their parents to greet and thank the guests for coming, and then they made their exit from the church with the usual fanfare and entered the party bus. Meanwhile, the guests were left waiting for the couple to arrive before they were offered the reception meal. Some guests were elderly or had traveled a long distance and wanted to go home after the reception, so they left without waiting for the couple.

Since another recent wedding, the bride has been selling unwanted wedding/shower gifts on the Facebook Marketplace forum. Are we wrong to feel that our gifts were not appreciated? Perhaps this is easier than returning unwanted items to the store, or maybe the couple only really wanted money, but with far-reaching social media, I am sure some guests are seeing their gifts being sold within a month of the wedding and before the thank-you cards are even sent.

I realize that the happy couple would like to celebrate with their friends, but at least make an appearance early at the reception so that the guests can enjoy that time, as well. And for goodness’ sake, have the grace to appreciate the time and effort guests have put into their gifts. Wedding Blues

Dear Wedding Blues: Selling wedding gifts on social media is tacky. Newlyweds, if you don’t want a gift, just return it.

As for the wait for the couple to make their entrance at the reception, I’ve noticed this trend. I believe it’s because photographers can take more photos now than ever, and photo shoots are elaborate. I encourage anyone planning a wedding to take guests’ needs into account. If there is going to be significant lag between the ceremony and the reception, make sure guests have somewhere to socialize and something to eat.