Weighing In on Monetary Displays

Cash and checks should never be displayed. The sealed envelopes, however, could be placed among the other gifts with a line written across the envelope. 

Dear Ann Landers: I know you don't write an etiquette column but since your advice is rooted in common sense I'm hoping you will consider my letter in that category and sneak it through.

My grandparents are giving my fiancé and me a substantial check for a wedding gift. His parents are doing the same. We are planning to display our wedding gifts and don't know what to do about the checks.

Is it proper to display checks or cash? It hardly seems in good taste, but then it's unfair to those who give such a gift if nothing is said or shown. How should this sticky wicket be handled? - UPPA TREE

Dear Uppa: Cash and checks should never be displayed. The sealed envelopes, however, could be placed among the other gifts with a line written across the envelope. Sample: "With love from Grandmother and Grandfather Jones." The amount, of course, would not be mentioned.

— By Ann Landers, 1963

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