DEAR ABBY: Some friends of mine were recently married and had a strange request for a gift. The groom is a widower who had a home completely furnished with all the necessities. This was the bride's first marriage.
Our circle of friends all attend the same church, so an announcement was displayed on the bulletin board stating that since they already had all the things they need to start a home together, they were requesting that any gifts be sent in the form of a cash donation to a travel agency for their honeymoon. A small announcement with the same message was included with each wedding invitation.
Abby, many of us have very simple lifestyles and try not to be condemning, so very little was said. I am also aware that many people care very little about what etiquette dictates. However, it seems to me that if people want to give a gift, it is just that -- a gift, of their choosing. Some say this isn't any different from a bride registering at a department store. To me, it was just a little too tacky. Your opinion, please. -- WANTS TO KNOW IN YORBA LINDA, CALIF.
DEAR WANTS TO KNOW: I agree with you. If someone asks what the couple could use, then the friends and family can offer a suggestion. But to include an announcement requesting a particular gift or a gift of money is, indeed, tacky.