Ask the Expert: Who’s Responsible For Keeping Track of Gifts at Our Reception?

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Question: Many of our guests purchased wedding gifts through our online registry and had them sent to our house, but I’m sure there will be a handful of people who bring gifts and/or cards with checks to the wedding itself. So who’s responsible for keeping an eye on gifts that we receive on our wedding day and making sure they make it home with us afterwards?

Answer: Let’s be honest: No one wants to wake up the morning after their Big Day to find that the wedding gifts that were brought to the reception have gone missing. It’s a worst-case scenario that happens all too often—with all the hustle and bustle that’s going on the day-of, it’s very easy for cards get misplaced, boxes get put in the wrong car and gifts to be left behind.

The key to avoiding such situations: having a designated person who’s in charge of collecting the gifts at various times throughout the party, says Lauren Lerner of Lauren James Events. “If you are working with a wedding planner, this is often a service that they would provide on your Big Day,” she says. “If not, it is important to assign a family member with this responsibility.”

If your wedding is at the hotel where you’re staying, Lerner suggests having gifts and cards taken directly to the bridal suite or your parents’ room multiple times throughout the evening—and for all cards to be locked in the safe. On the other hand, if your wedding is at a venue where you will not be staying overnight, inquire with the staff about a private room (preferable with a lock) where gifts and cards can be stored until the end of the party.

For more Ask the Expert questions, go here. 

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