Engagement Party Gift Question

We are having a small engagement party this saturday - it's very non informal just our closest friends...We made it very clear that we did not want gifts - we even stated it on the invite! However, some people are insisting that they bring something.

How do we not make the guest who do not bring a gift feel uncomfortable when they see some people brought a gift?

And what do I say to the people who didn't listen to us and bring a gift???

See what happens when you try to do the right thing...it drives you crazy

Re: Engagement Party Gift Question

1. I think you should have an area out of site where you keep the gifts. When people bring them a "Why thank you so much, you didn't have to"

I personally wouldn't feel comfortable showing up at an e-party empty handed. I was at a backyard e-party last year, the girl said no gifts. We did something really small but nice- i photoshopped a photo of the two of them and framed it.

Re: Engagement Party Gift Question

To the people who brought: "that was very
thoughtful of you" and put the gift out of eye's view.

Re: Engagement Party Gift Question

I don't think there's much you can do. People are bound to give gifts regardless of what you told them. But I would at least try to greet guests at the entrance or have someone greet them who can take any gifts to a designated spot. That way it won't be obvious to others. I also would not open anything in front of the group so as not to make anyone uncomfortable.

Re: Engagement Party Gift Question

Peope are bound to give gifts regardless. Do try to keep them out of sight & WHATEVER YOU DO DON'T OPEN THEM! I am the first of some freinds to get married & the unwed girls insisted I open my gifts causing everyone who brought one to want theirs opened for all to see too. I can laugh it off now but it was very uncomfortable & felt like a weird bridal shower. Even worse was some people gave money or a gift certificate - how do you show people a check?! And the people who didn't give gifts waited outside...ahh the joys of being the first one everyone experiments on!