DEAR MISS MANNERS: My wedding gifts to relatives have gone unthanked most of the time. I am wondering what Miss Manners thinks of this proposal: Since wedding invitations now include a stamped, preaddressed envelope for return of the RSVP, perhaps the gift-giver might include a pre-thanked, pre-stamped, preaddressed note in the gift box. All the bride or groom need do is sign it.
GENTLE READER: Your presumably facetious solution is, in fact, being put into practice by modern couples. Whether that is a good thing depends on what you hope to accomplish.
If it is increased efficiency, that mantra of modern life, Miss Manners can do you one better: Skip the wedding, the cake and the gift. If it is to demonstrate to the gift-giver that the bride and bridegroom are grateful, there are gracious solutions.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)