You’ve received the invitation in the mail and you’re an official wedding guest. Now the quest to find the perfect wedding gift begins. With gift registries, online shopping, and specialty shops, there are more ways to find a gift than ever. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s any easier. Weddings are special events that celebrate the union of two people and you want to bring a gift that reflects that. You also want a gift that shows some thoughtfulness on your part; maybe even one that stands out from the crowd. And you certainly want to avoid getting a bad gift. But how much should you spend? What is appropriate? What on earth are you going to wear? Ok, first things first. Here are some basic tips to help you choose the perfect wedding gift.
How much to spend
This is the biggest concern for most people. You don’t want to look like a cheapskate, but you also don’t want to blow a hole in your bank account. There used to be a rule that said you should spend the equivalent of the price of a dinner plate at the wedding. But this is rather outdated and should be ignored. And besides, how are you supposed to know how much they are paying per plate? A general rule is to spend however much you can afford. A more specific guideline is to spend at least 75 dollars. Don’t feel bad if you can’t afford more. As long as your gift shows some thought, any couple who are getting married should appreciate the gesture.
Wedding gift registries
There are varying views about wedding gift registries. Some people feel that it is rather presumptuous for a wedding couple to give a list of things they want. Other people appreciate the convenience of not having to guess. No matter how you personally about gift registries, you should always respect the wishes of the couple. If they choose to go with a registry then put aside your annoyance and simply choose something in your price range. It’s always a good idea to act fast so that you have the most selection available. The closer you are to the couple, the greater your ability to stray away from the registry towards a more personal gift. Just make sure you check with the bride or the groom to let them know you prefer to give them something that isn’t in the registry. Follow up with a great gift, and they won’t mind at all.
Giving money
Money is the easiest gift of all, which also makes it the most impersonal. But realistically, no one is ever going to complain about getting money. And for many people, it is their biggest preference. If you go with cash then make sure to go to the back to get crisp dollar bills. Or better yet, simply write a check. When giving money, it’s always nice to attach a personal note or letter to the wedding couple. This shows that although you didn’t spend much time choosing a gift for them, they are still in your thoughts.
Send it, don’t bring it
Most wedding receptions on TV shows and in movies show ceremonies with tables on which every arriving guest plops down their gift. But keep in mind that real-world weddings may be different. Some couples don’t even get married in their hometowns. The problem with bringing a gift is that it presents the couple with the problem of getting that gift home. To be safe, send the gift a few weeks before the wedding.
Do I really have to give a gift?
Yes. If you have been sent an invitation and you show up at the wedding, you have to give a gift. Think about all of the effort that goes into planning the event. From choosing the perfect venue, deciding on the caterer, and coordinating all the invations, it’s a lot of work. There are also minor details most people don’t even consider such as discovering the right music to play at the reception to finding the most appropriate mother of the bride outfit. Your hosts will be spending several months of their lives planning so the least you can do is bring a great gift. Even if you can’t make the wedding and the couple is already on Honeymoon, you should send a gift either before or shortly after. A gift is a gesture of appreciation and a symbol of well-wishes for a happy future. You don’t express any of that if you don’t give a gift. Finding a gift doesn’t have to be a stressful process. The reason why it may seem harder is because we care about the people who are involved and we want to choose a good gift accordingly. In the end, this isn’t a bad thing – it just means it might take a little longer.
More advice on dating and relationship can be found at our table of contents.
No related posts.