random question about weddings in Canada

[Autumnchik 6]

Okay, to be specific .... the gift opening. We are having our formal wedding ceremony in 2 1/2 weeks. My husband asked me when we were going to do the gift opening, and I said, "Uh, when we are at home after all this is over". I also spoke to his mom who asked about a gift opening. My hubby says that, at weddings he has gone to, it is announced that the bride and groom will be opening gifts at such-and-such place at such-and-such time.

I have never heard of this. Just wondering, is this a Canadian thing?

[Cassie 8]

All the weddings I have attended at home (Canada), the gifts usually were opened at the reception, usually after any meal that had been served. I have also been at a few where the presents were opened at another time, not everyone knew about it, but there usually were a bunch of us around to watch.

[cdngrl 0]

All the weddings I have attended at home (Canada), the gifts usually were opened at the reception, usually after any meal that had been served. I have also been at a few where the presents were opened at another time, not everyone knew about it, but there usually were a bunch of us around to watch.

I guess we all have different experiences. I have been to probably half a dozen typical weddings in the past 2 years (in Ontario) and none of them involved the opening of gifts AT the reception. One of them did involve the opening of gifts the day after with members of the bridal party who were able to attend ...

[Cassie 8]

All the weddings I have attended at home (Canada), the gifts usually were opened at the reception, usually after any meal that had been served. I have also been at a few where the presents were opened at another time, not everyone knew about it, but there usually were a bunch of us around to watch.

I guess we all have different experiences. I have been to probably half a dozen typical weddings in the past 2 years (in Ontario) and none of them involved the opening of gifts AT the reception. One of them did involve the opening of gifts the day after with members of the bridal party who were able to attend ...

Oh yeah, everyone does it differently. Just seems like all, or almost all the weddings I went to had the obligatory present-opening at the reception. It could be a regional thing? Personally, I don't like it, so Jerry and I waited until the day after our wedding to open ours at home.

[Flames9_RN 358]

many announce it for the next day!!!

[Carlawarla 1]

My experience has always been to attend the gift opening the day after the wedding. Usually punch and snacks are offered. (Sometimes left overs from the reception!). Usually the time is mentioned during the reception. I've never heard of it done during or after the reception though. Gift opening though is usually one of those "traditional" things brides and grooms do in Canada.

Carla

[piosenka 0]

I've been to tons of US weddings and I've never seen gifts open... There's too much drinking, dancing and partyin goin on to worry about that! I can guarantee that my wedding will not have a time to open presents. I will probably do that after the honeymoon. I might open the cash/check envelopes that night tho

The only time where you typically see presents opened (in the US) is in bridal showers which takes place a month or two before the wedding date.

[Marilyn. 340]

most of the weddings I have been to have a gift opening party usually the next day or sometimes a week or two later.... or sometimes they open them up after the reception.....

[Emancipation 2]

My understanding is that most times it's out of town family and immediate family meet for a brunch or some such meal the following day and open presents then. Never heard of it being announced at the reception, just kinda a closed thing. I guess I always figured it was the last chance for close family to see the couple before they took off for the honeymoon. I never felt offended not being invited to one, nor did I choose to do it this way at either of my weddings. Just my 2 cents worth.

[MissStacey 1]

Most of the Weddings I have been to or heard of- the gift opening is the next day.

[Autumnchik 6]

Thanks guys! After both my hubby and his mom mentioned it, I figured it must be a Canadian thing ..... my mom and I were very puzzled and had never seen that at a US wedding. Oh you crazy Canadians!!!

[warlord 72]

Yeah all the weddings I've been to in Canada and the US, they have always opened them the next day after everyones hungover...

[together2love 0]

That is so funny, because this was brought up at my wedding kinda the same way. Myself and mother were asking when the presents were going to be opened at the next day so that we could plan something. . . of course the wedding was in the USA, so my in-laws and husband were looking very strangly at us. . . after finding out that you don't do this here. I guess it is Canadian. It usually is announced at the reception and follows the day after with refreshments.

[together2love 0]

But, I don't find the wedding rehearsal dinner to be quite as extravagant as it is here in the USA. In Canada, we don't make that big of deal for a rehearsal dinner - or in my experiences anyways. But, maybe that is why the gift opening is more of a big deal.

[vnoe 0]

Yeah...pretty much any wedding I have been to has the gift opening the next day!!! (yup, I'm Canadian) Honestly, I think its an excuse to get together the next day to start drinking again .... you know "hair of the dog". Oh and all the older relates like to oohh and aahh over all the gifts.

Its just a fun way to get together the next day (after having no sleep) to celebrate with your family and close friends. Of course a drink or two is required as well as eating too much!!

Have fun!

V