When you get invited to a wedding, it is not always easy to decide about the gifts to give especially if you have no idea about the wedding gift giving etiquettes. In addition to that, we all know that things get more complicated for everyone when money plays a big role in the equation. Momentous occasions like weddings should be handled with care.
You as a part of the event ought to know the etiquettes of wedding gift giving so every decision you make is guided and correct. It may be bewildering for most to identify wedding gift etiquettes so we have created a short guide for you to follow.
Wedding Gift Ideas for Bride
Here, we will answer some of the common dilemmas in gift giving: How much to give? What wedding gift ideas work best? When to give gifts? And, when is it fine not to give?
Wedding Gift Ideas for Groom
Wedding Gift Ideas for Parents
Wedding Gift Etiquette: all your Questions Answered
Here are typical questions that boggle the minds of wedding guests when it comes to wedding gift giving.
How much money is customary to give to the couple at weddings?
If you have decided to give cold hard cash instead of physical gifts, the amount of money you give would really depend on the existing relationship between you and the bride and groom. The best rule for this is to spend the most appropriate amount based on your relationship with the bride or groom.
Here is a good summary of the acceptable and customary dollar amounts to gift-giving. If the bride or groom is your distant relative, a family friend, or co-worker, you can give $50 to $75. If the bride or groom is a relative or friend, you may give $75 to $100. If the bride or groom is your close friend or close relative, you can give amounts ranging from $100 to $150. If you really have a close relationship with the marrying couple like an urbanite, then you can give $150 to $200+.
On some occasions, you may be invited together with another guest who may be your partner, relative or friend. You can both either give separate amounts or combine your gifts. Of course, it is always better to give a bigger amount of money since the bride and groom are hosting for the two of you. Please do remember that these are guides to help you decide but you can always be more generous in giving.
What types of gifts will newlywed couples need?
Of course, you can give the most coveted and traditional gifts like dining, bedding, and bathing needs. But you can add a more modern and personalized twist to these traditional gifts to make them unique.
For bedding needs, you can give them a soft pair of pillows with personalized pillow covers or a thick couple blanket with their family name. For dining needs, you can get them useful cooking appliances and just got married cups, mugs, plates, and utensils.
Or better yet, give them a unique personalized item. Today, most items sold online can be personalized.
Should I give gifts on every event or should I just save one big gift on the big day?
Initially, you may be invited to the couple’s engagement party. Then, depending on if you are a man or a woman, you may also be invited to events like a bridal shower for the bride or a stud party for the groom. And of course, you will be invited to the big day itself, the wedding. The first thing you need to do is to decide how much total amount are you willing to spend on the gifts for the couple. Then once you have a budget, you can break them down into smaller budgets for each gift. You may allow 20% of your budget for the engagement gift, 20% for the bridal shower or stag party gift, and 60% of the budget for the grand gift on their wedding day.
Is it alright to give physical gifts instead of money?
Yes, absolutely, you can give physical gifts that will be useful and memorable to them. However, do make sure you stick to the wedding registry, as you can read below why this would be appreciated.
Can I buy my own wedding gift or should I stick to the wedding registry?
You can also buy choose your own gift but we still do strongly recommend for you to stick to the Bridal registry. It is not just our opinion. In research, it has been discovered that 85% of brides would want guests to select from their wedding registry list. In fact, 98% of brides have a registry list on either physical stores and online stores. The registry list ensures that the bride and groom do not receive identical gifts more than once. It would be a pain if they receive four blenders from different people. The items would not be very useful to them, not unless they are planning to start a shake parlor. Of course, there are a lot of other gifts better than blenders.
Another reason for you to stick on the registry is to make sure that you are getting the marrying couple something that they would surely like and something that they need. The bride and groom create the registry list for a reason. They would most probably include useful items for them to start a family. You, as their guest, could help them up with your registry-guided gift.
Before buying your physical gifts, ask the couple if they have a registry list and access it online or go to the store to buy something from it. It would be helpful for you to check the items first so you will have more options to choose from. You will also have a broader range of budgets. Chances are that if you check the registry list on a later date, what would be left for you are the most expensive items.
How soon or late can I give the wedding gift?
Guests may have a whole year for them after the wedding to give their gifts. However, it is always better to give the gifts a few days or weeks after the wedding day. In a survey conducted on newlywed couples, 2 out of 3 of them responded that they still have not received all of their wedding presents. Not that it is very unusual but people, we have our internet, smartphones, and computers.
We have all the needed tools to send our gifts in just a click. With the technology available to our fingertips, there is not a lot of reasons why a wedding gift should be delayed. If you cannot send your gift in the first few weeks, please do send your wedding gift within two months after the ceremony. In other traditions, wedding gifts may be brought on the wedding day itself. But typically, it is sent after the ceremony.
Should I give the envelope of cash or check during the wedding ceremony, or should I just mail it to them?
Giving the couple your gift can be done either way. It can be handed over to them during the ceremony and it can also be mailed. If you want to give your gift personally to the couple, you can shove your envelope to their hands during the ceremony. However, oftentimes, handing an envelope of money to the highlights of the event which is the bride and the groom may be awkward and discomforting.
The couple would be the center of attention and you going to them straight may require a lot of courage. Given that, everybody will also be looking at what you are doing. We know the feeling and you definitely are not alone. In this case, you can possibly give your gift to their closest family or relative. Besides, the couple is already too busy with the people they have to attend too.
You may also be helping them not misplacing your gift. If giving the gift during the reception is a no-no for you, you can also opt to mail them your gift and wishes. This is easier and less awkward. You have a lot of options to send them your gift too. At the end of the day, what matters most is the comfort level of giving your gifts. Whichever works for you, you should do it.
Wedding Gift Ideas to Thank Your Parents
Your parents have played a good part in your lives and your partner’s lives. Getting married means happiness and love for you but for your parents, it means separation from their valued child. For this reason, it is just right that on your wedding day, you also give your parents and your partner’s parents a trinket of appreciation on how effective they have raised their beloved child. You can also make them feel appreciated with the following ways below:
- Before the big day, it would be very much appreciated by your parents if you will surprise them with something they love. It is most probable that they would help you in planning the registry list. While doing the registry list, ask them some questions that may lead you to what they would have listed if they can do the registry list again.
- Your parents may also love personalized messages on items like handkerchiefs, jewelry, charms, keepsake boxes or a locket necklace.
- Another awesome idea is to use some parts of your mom’s wedding gown to the bouquet of flowers. It would show how much you love them and that you would still honor their guidance even after the wedding.
- At the reception, you can display happy moments and photos with your parents too.
- You can also use the wedding cake topper your parents have used before.
- After the wedding, it is not rare for your parents to miss you so good planning of activities together would make them happy. Not only that, but you also get to get more advice from them about married life.
There are a lot of different ways to impress brides and grooms with your wedding gift ideas. You just have to be creative and imaginative with your ideas. Sticking to their wedding registry list is also a great idea since it would help them start their new family. At the end of the day, weddings are a good time to enjoy and be happy with your friends and family.
Hey lovely readers! My name is Chantal and I am obsessed with everything accessory and jewelry. My husband (and best friend) John and I, have been writing content for this blog for over 4 years now started the RTP store with over 4000 curated accessories and jewelry. We are traveling around the world to find the latest products, negotiate the best prices and find the best quality for our readers. We have managed to make our passion for feeling and looking good into our work. We are always open to new product suggestion, improvements or feedback. If you would like to chitchat with me, email me here!
Thanks for this great post on suggestions for unique wedding gift ideas. Sometimes it’s hard to find a good gift for newlyweds. Keep up the good work!
Namae Olid
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