Hello,
We will be attending a wedding in France. I am looking for ideas for wedding gifts ? We are from the US. Are their gift giving customs the same as ours ? It seems most of the nice things I can find for a wedding gift are made in Europe. I was hoping to find something "American" any suggestions ?
Thanks
Mary

It amazes me why people consider themselves honorary ambassadors for the trade of their own country.

When I go to weddings, I will usually buy something of the couple's wedding list, if they don't, some little item from Asprey will suffice. Furthermore, it's the thought that counts.

If you'd like something American, how about some Tiffany linens, or a Tiffany dinner service? Otherwise, most quality items are, as you said, European.

If you want something American, how about a Native American pot, bowl, basket, or the like? Our French friends always like such gifts, but you will know your own friends' taste. You should be able to find out if and where your friends have registered their preferences if you decide to do your gift-buying in France. There are so many lovely things there; that's where I'd do my shopping.

Depending where you live you could find fancy American craft products (glass, wood, ceramics). There is a store specializing in such things in Portland, OR. and another one in Boston, next to Faneuil Hall. Gumps in SF also carried such products, and the Bay area (Emeryville and Benicia) has well-known glass blowers (look for a Cohn vase).

Registering is not always common in Europe so do not assume this. A lot of people I know in Dublin would die of embarassment than register because tsome see it as crass to list out what you want (Just different ideas in different places). Ask the friends or parents what they need or want. I am sure you will get a good idea there. I would not feel like you have to "give" an american present as it amy not be appreciated. My 2 friends got more bizzare rubbish in their weddings than I have even seen....one was even re-gifted from another couples wedding...brutal!

Personally dished or nice linens and or a voucher to a shop they booth like is appropriate in my opinion

Well, even though you want to give them "something American" you've discovered that the things YOU would like to get are "European."

Yes, they do have a "custom" over there for gifts and it is to keep nationalities OUT of the gift-giving.

If interested in my previous post, you can Google Smyers glass and Michael Cohn glass and get an idea of their production.

Here in Italy, giving gifts of silver (frames, trays) are considered very elegant and traditional gifts. If you want, get them a nice 8 X 10 frame that is very beautiful. Silver or not, their impression will be that you spent some time and thought on the gift.
Plus it's easy to pack.
Have fun,
Melissa

ttt

Maybe someone can comment more knowledgeably but I have heard that American linens are quite nice gifts for Europeans--perhaps especially towels. I would not give a native American item--and I collect it. But I think it is a very specific kind of article and might not be compatible with European tastes.

I like to give as a wedding gift of something by a local artist. Of course, I always consider the recipient's taste and decorating style when making my selection.

..be very careful with sheet sizes!..now obviously towels not a problem!

Ben linens vary in size from differnt countries. I have a 5ft 3 bed in Ireland and I can't get sheets to fit properly. I am told it is an Italian size. It's not worth it.

I have not really seen people over here give towels like in the U.S. I would go for a more simple or elegant gift like a frame mentioned earlier or a type of dishes or crystal that they are collecting. You can never go too wrong with a piece of Waterford.

I've had towels monogrammed with the couple's initials for overseas wedding gifts. Mongramming towels does not appear to be as common in Europe (IM Experience, and the recipients have all seemed to like them.

A photo frame is a gift that one quickly forgets, and will cast aside.

Gift vouchers are rather vulgar, in so much as they have little more thought attached than cash.

If either of them smokes, perhaps his and hers cartier/dunhill lighters, but that's a rather personal present. I think a nice idea might be for a Smythson stationary set, very high quality, and beautifullly presented, also available from their web-site in addition to their shop in New Bond St., W1.

To me towels are too personal as a wedding gift - who knows what their color theme is? Why not just go with something traditional in silver or art glass that is appreciated by most everbody. Tiffany has tons of nice things - and that always what we do for baby gifts or wedding gifts for other than very close friends/relatives

M_kingdom, I don't know about the UK but in Ireland it is a nice gift to receive a silver frame for your wedding picture feom Newbridge Design. Stationary seems quite indifferent as a gift.

Something from Tiffany's would be a lovely idea and gift wrapped from there.

When I talk about stationary, I'm thinking of a travelling bureau from Smythson, or some of their accessories in pig/goat skin.

I feel that photo frames are quickly lost into drawers, and other places in my experience.

Whilst money is vulgar, it's the most practical, whilst I've suggested impractical items, let's be honest Tiffany's isn't useful. That said, wedding presents, unless they are gift vouchers or money, aren't practical so forget that idea. (I'm tempted to slip into Alistair Campbell mode, using one of his favourite expressions, but forget that idea will do!)

How can a travelling bureau be stationary?

It is filled with stationary for one's correspondence when travelling.