Arabic wedding gift | ExpatWoman.com
 

Arabic wedding gift

2287
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 10:28

So DH is invited to the men's reception and dinner of a business associate. We do not know the bride, the groom is very well of and surely "has it all". Is it common to bring gifts to the men's reception and if so, any advice on what to buy?

142
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 15:40
Because it is not a mixed wedding, then I am assuming it is for a GCC national. Arabs from other countries tend to have mixed weddings. So provided it is indeed that, it is safe to say that your DH should arrive empty-handed. That is not entirely correct AD. Many Non-GCC Arabs have segregated weddings as well. I'm a non-GCC Arab ( Palestinian to be exact) and I can safely say that 75% of the Non-GCC arab weddings that I've attended ( and believe me I've been to MANY!!!) were segregated. Each country has its own tradition but it also depends on how religious the family is. So, a segregated wedding does not automatically mean that it is for a GCC National. edited by ItsAllAboutTheSugar on 28/05/2012 Yes, I understand that, which is why I used the words "tend to" which imply "not always" in English. I apologize AD . I misread your post. Should have read it more carefully before posting back.
5452
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 15:31
Because it is not a mixed wedding, then I am assuming it is for a GCC national. Arabs from other countries tend to have mixed weddings. So provided it is indeed that, it is safe to say that your DH should arrive empty-handed. That is not entirely correct AD. Many Non-GCC Arabs have segregated weddings as well. I'm a non-GCC Arab ( Palestinian to be exact) and I can safely say that 75% of the Non-GCC arab weddings that I've attended ( and believe me I've been to MANY!!!) were segregated. Each country has its own tradition but it also depends on how religious the family is. So, a segregated wedding does not automatically mean that it is for a GCC National. edited by ItsAllAboutTheSugar on 28/05/2012 Yes, I understand that, which is why I used the words "tend to" which imply "not always" in English.
142
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 13:25
Because it is not a mixed wedding, then I am assuming it is for a GCC national. Arabs from other countries tend to have mixed weddings. So provided it is indeed that, it is safe to say that your DH should arrive empty-handed. That is not entirely correct AD. Many Non-GCC Arabs have segregated weddings as well. I'm a non-GCC Arab ( Palestinian to be exact) and I can safely say that 75% of the Non-GCC arab weddings that I've attended ( and believe me I've been to MANY!!!) were segregated. Each country has its own tradition but it also depends on how religious the family is. So, a segregated wedding does not automatically mean that it is for a GCC National. However, I still agree that it is safe to not bring a gift as it is not expected in most cases and it would be fine for the OP to attend without taking a gift. <em>edited by ItsAllAboutTheSugar on 28/05/2012</em>
5452
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 09:00
Because it is not a mixed wedding, then I am assuming it is for a GCC national. Arabs from other countries tend to have mixed weddings. So provided it is indeed that, it is safe to say that your DH should arrive empty-handed.
2287
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 23:31
Thank you all for your advice. There seems to be no general opinion here. Difficult one, I think the "no gift, just shw up" strategy will be the most likely.
142
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 21:55
Hi, As Monkey Face said, for the most part, guests are not expected to bring gifts to the wedding. But in some Arab countries, there is a tradition where close family members give money to the bride and groom at the wedding or buy gold for the bride and give it to her at the wedding. That said, family and friends usually visit the newly weds at their home soon after the weddingand that is when gifts are expected.
2362
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 18:19
do you mean an arab wedding or emirati wedding? I've been to numerous arab weddings and gifts/money were very much the norm...
803
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 17:50
It is not customary to bring gifts to Arabic weddings, it is not part of the culture to give gifts to the bride or groom (unless you're close family/friend). There isn't even a place set up for the gifts to be put like you see in western weddings. Your DH would simply be expected to show up, everyone will be empty handed. I know it might feel strange not to bring anything because you're use to giving gifts, but really, it's not done here. <em>edited by Monkey Face on 27/05/2012</em>
2287
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 17:01
I checked. There seems to be no registration with a store. Any ideas as to what to buy or do? TIA
200
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 10:42
The wedding invitation might say if they are registered somewhere, or he could ask. DH went to one, they were registered at some fancy store. I went there to get a gift certificate, but all they did was take the money and write down our names - no gift card to give or anything! Obviously the couple was given a list of who gave at some point, but wow, I was put off (still gave, of course).
 
 

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY