Yes, it's still a wedding and the bride and groom are embarking on a life together that traditionally guests (including family) help them furnish with gifts. The wedding itself could be considered a gift but in certain cultures it is traditional that the parents of the bride or of the groom shoulder the costs of a wedding. When parents throw birthday parties for their children or children throw anniversary parties for their parents, shouldn't they still bring a gift? Of course they should!. If you are attending an event that people usually bring gifts to, you are not excluded. Even the bride and groom exchange gifts to each other whether or not one of them decided to pay for the wedding without the help of the other.
This is not usually the norm, so no, it is not necessary, nor is it expected. The only gifts that are customary are: * the gifts exchanged between the bride and groom * the gifts the bride gives her attendants (maid of honor, bridesmaids) * the gifts the groom gives his attendants (best man, groomsmen) It is appropriate to give a gift to the ones who help with the wedding, such as the one who helps serve at the reception, the one who attends to the guest book, etc. Although these gifts are usually less expensive than the ones listed above.
No, the mother of the bride does not give the groom or his parents a gift, but just gives a gift to her daughter and new son-in-law.
No, there is no reason that the groom's parents need give the bride an additional gift over and above the gift given to the bride and groom. Some mother-in-laws may have a special piece of jewelry they may want the bride to have, but that is the mother-in-laws choice.
A Ring???????????
Cash or fine china? I don't know
The father of the bride and groom can give the wedding gift to them the day of the wedding at home or, they can leave the gift on the gift table at the wedding reception. However, if it is of cash value it is better to give the bride and groom the money before the wedding.
A gift is not required, but a nice card should be sent.
The bride should buy a gift for her Maid of Honor and Brides Maids and if there is a Flower Girl (it could be a piece of jewelry) and the groom buys the Best Man and his ushers a gift which could be a flask (for alcohol); watch; pen set, etc., depending on what the bride and groom can afford.
It is only proper to write a check that is a wedding gift to both the bride and the groom. Since the wedding is all about them becoming a couple, you wouldn't want to leave one of them out for this occasion.
The groom can give the bride's parents a gift from himself, or from him as well as the bride. He (or him and his bride) can buy each parent a gift, or a joint gift for both parents. Something sentimental/meaningful is the most common route to go. An engraved picture frame with a photo of bride and groom is a very thoughtful choice that you can't really go wrong with. However it all depends on what you think they would like. In addition to the the sentimental gift, you can also get them something they can use and enjoy, such as a nice bottle of wine, or a gift card to a nice restaurant.
No
A luckenbooth brooch is a traditional gift.
* If you know the parents or a relative of the bride and groom and you received an invitation then you should go to the wedding even though you don't know the bride or groom or, you also have the choice of giving an excuse as to why you can't attend if it makes you uncomfortable. If someone was invited and asked you along as a guest then it's your choice to go or not go and if you do you don't need to give a wedding gift, but your date or friend does.