Purchasing a gift for a wedding is a tradition that can prove more difficult than many people realize. Though there is no hard rule stating all guests must bring a present to a reception, custom has made it a forced obligation for many. This is compounded by the fact that couples now spend more than the value of a new car on their nuptials. To make some of that money back, couples will rely on the generous gifts from family and friends.
If you haven’t been to many weddings in your life, you may want to know what the protocol is surrounding presents. Use these tips to learn more about the basic ways guests go about giving gifts.
Follow the Registry
Perhaps the easiest approach to wedding gifts is following the registry. Though it is not as commonplace for couples to create these lists as it once was, plenty of people still prefer this method of making requests. The couple will offer information on where they are registered when they send out invitations, which allows guests the maximum amount of time to find a perfect present. Custom dictates that anyone who receives an invitation should give a gift, but in modern times, those absent from the festivities rarely send presents.
Follow Your Heart
For some people, the act of selecting a present from a list can feel impersonal. If you feel particularly close to the happy couple, then you might not think a simple gift from a registry can provide the emotional impact you’d like. Instead, think about following your heart. This can take many forms, from a personalized present that includes pertinent details about the couple in the design to a gift you make on your own with love and dedication. Sentimental presents are always a nice route to consider when you want your gift to be remembered.
Follow the Gift Trends
Since the world of weddings has become a powerful business industry over recent decades, it makes sense that gift trends are a big part of the picture. If the couple hasn’t provided a registry and you’re short on good ideas, looking at blogs and articles centered on what’s currently in vogue with gifts can be quite useful. While you don’t need to buy any of the gifts suggested, per se, you can use this information to launch further research into what kinds of presents are out there.
Follow the Money
When push comes to shove, money might be the only gift that really matters. Though sentimental or practical presents might serve certain purposes, money can be used for anything. After spending a fortune on their nuptials, couples might be able to breathe easier knowing that their guests are giving them cash. As a rule of thumb, a cash gift should be roughly about $100 per plate. This means that you should give $200 if you were allowed to bring a guest.
Follow Up Later With A Gift
It is a popular misconception that a gift needs to be given to a couple at the wedding reception or on the wedding day. In truth, tradition allows guests a full year to accomplish this task. If you really don’t know what to get the couple or are short on funds, waiting until later can be a great way to find a present that feels fitting.
Being a guest at a big event means researching proper etiquette in advance. Instead of panicking and grabbing any old gift, take a step back and think over your options. Learn more about what kinds of presents are out there and find the perfect fit for a couple you care about.
Even when there is love the road to your wedding is a long and involved one. From the planning process to all of the little celebrations leading up to the main event, you may find yourself focused on a lot of external factors instead of your significant other. At the end of the day, a wedding is about you and your partner. If you feel like you’re thinking about every aspect of the event except for your spouse-to-be, it can be useful to take a step back and think about different ways to show your appreciation.
Though not a hard rule, it is customary for couples to exchange gifts before they tie the knot. If you want to show your gratitude, giving a present might be exactly the solution you’ve been after.
Love Vs. Money Concerns
At a time when you’re draining your bank account to secure vendors and get invitations in the mail, you may not feel like you have a lot of room in your budget for more purchases. Thankfully, a gift for your betrothed doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it should actually be as cost-effective as possible so you don’t feel any guilt over the decision. This is a chance to think outside the box. What would your partner appreciate most? Is there something that your significant other needs?
A creative gift could also be a good option to explore. Plenty of couples exchange handmade or presents of personal significance during their earliest years together. As time goes by, it becomes more likely that they will start to purchase more standard gifts. By making something yourself, you can recall those first days when you were dating and every gesture seemed to brighten the world.
On the Same Page
Another good point to keep in mind is being on the same page. Getting something for your significant other without providing any notice can easily create tension. No one likes the guilt that comes along with getting a gift and not having anything to offer in return. Though it can take the surprise element out of the equation, asking if your partner wants to exchange gifts first is the best way to limit the odds of any awkwardness arising.
Time Together
A gift doesn’t always need to be a physical item. In fact, the best presents are usually experiences. Since most of your free time lately has likely been tied up with planning your nuptials, a perfect gift to consider is a bit of time together. When was the last time you went out on a date? Now might be a perfect opportunity to hit the town, especially if you want to have children soon after tying the knot. Whether you go out to a restaurant, watch movies at home, or take a small road trip, there are many fun options.
Little Gifts of Love
One final way to approach this idea is by thinking about how you can make your partner’s daily life a bit easier. Gifts of love are the ones that show you care and pay attention. If your significant other struggles to get up in the morning before consuming coffee, wake earlier and make a fresh pot. Pick up the slack with household chores or errands and lessen the load a bit. Whatever you think will bring a smile to his or her face is a great option to pursue.
Though you’re likely receiving many presents on the road to your wedding day, exchanging gifts with your partner can be a fun and simple way to remember the whole reason for the event. Consider the many ways you can go about this decision and discover a perfect option to show your partner you care.
Attending a wedding can be a reason for excitement. Whether you have a close relationship with the couple of honor or you’re going as someone else’s guest, there is something electrifying about such celebrations. Naturally, there are also some concerns you might have. Getting the perfect gift can often prove to be a bit more challenging than some realize. While picking out the right present might not be straightforward, you can easily find a good fit with a bit of research. Review this guide and learn everything you need to know.
The Art of Giving Gifts
This might come as something of a shock to modern minds, but guests bringing gifts to weddings is a fairly recent concept. While presents and tokens of affection are somewhat synonymous with special celebrations, the current idea of wedding gifts stems loosely from the Renaissance practice of creating marriage chests. These chests served a utilitarian purpose, being the container a bride would use to store and transport her belongings to her husband’s home after a wedding. Over time, the tradition changed somewhat and it became common to fill the chest with items given to a bride for her wedding.
However, the idea of gifts in the modern sense can be traced to an exact point in time: 1924. During this year, the American department store Macy’s unveiled what it called the “wedding registry.” From this point on, the idea of giving a present to a couple tying the knot went from a thoughtful gesture to a cultural mandate. While there is no hard rule saying guests must bring presents to a wedding, to not do so is definitely considered a faux pas in a number of respects.
The Registry
Since it was first introduced, the wedding registry has become a staple in the process of planning a wedding. If you’re a guest, a registry provides the benefit of having a simple list that can be used to select a gift. This eliminates the stress that goes along with having to come up with an idea from scratch. However, it also creates the problem of limited availability. If the couple is asking for specific or expensive items, you might not have the time or funds to procure them.
Whether you use the registry comes down to your own personal preference. There is absolutely nothing wrong with deciding to pursue an alternate route when grabbing a gift. If you find that providing cash is the most sensible solution, then a rule of thumb is to give about $100 if you are alone and $200 if you are bringing a guest. The “plus one” should never be expected to bring a gift of his or her own, as this individual is a guest of a guest and typically doesn’t know the couple personally.
The Personal Spin
Another option to consider with wedding gifts is the personalized present. If you’ve known the happy couple for a long time, the standard items listed on the registry might not feel adequate to capture the importance of your connection. Do-it-yourself presents can be a wonderful option if you have a creative edge and enough time to complete a project. If you lack the ability to make something on your own, there are a number of businesses that create customized gifts using photos that can be a perfect fit for special occasions.
The Fun Factor
A wedding is supposed to be an enjoyable experience. If you spend too much time worrying about the gift, you’ll likely have less fun at the actual event. The best way to pick a gift is to commit to your decision and leave it at that.
Picking a wedding gift can seem challenging, but the solution is as easy as weighing your options. Consider what the couple will appreciate most, and it will be a lot easier to feel confident in your decision.
The idea of Santa Claus can change greatly throughout the world.
Whether you live in Australia, Hungary, Brazil or Canada, the tradition of gifts during the holiday season is loved by everyone. Children and adults all love giving and receiving brightly wrapped presents. The character that brings those gifts might be Santa Claus here in North America, but he isn’t necessarily known by that name in other countries.
France and Belgium – Pere Noel
Brazil – Papai Noel
Italy – Babbo Natale
United Kingdom – Father Christmas
Sweden – Jultomten (Christmas Brownie)
Russia – Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost)
Hawaii – Kanakaloka
Turkey – Noel Baba
Saint Nicholas, who is considered to be the original Santa Claus, was born in a Turkish town during the third century. He was a devout Christian. His family died in an epidemic when Nicholas was quite young, but they left him a great deal of wealth. He used his inheritance to benefit the needy and the sick. He became known for his generosity, his love of children and his concern for ships and sailors. Nicholas was made a bishop in the church.
Nicholas was persecuted for his faith, as were many Christians in this time period. He was imprisoned for a while because he was a bishop in the church. However, we do know that he attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This was the first Ecumenical Church Council, which was called to preserve the church. He died on December 6, 343 AD (December 19 on the Julian Calendar), and this date is now celebrated in his honor.
The custom of leaving gifts in the stockings or shoes is from a legend about Saint Nicholas saving three young girls who didn’t have a dowry. The family was poor, and the father didn’t have anything to offer prospective husbands for his daughters. It was possible that the girls would be sold into slavery, but three different times, a bag of gold was tossed into the family’s window and said to have landed in a shoe in front of the fire. The daughters were saved. Children began leaving stockings and shoes out and waiting for gifts from Saint Nicholas.
Thousands of churches are named for St. Nicholas. He is the patron saint of sailors. When Nicholas died, it’s said that manna formed in his grave. It was a liquid substance, believed to have healing powers. This magnified his legend. Both Protestants and Catholics celebrate his memory. He is a model of generosity and compassion.
Celebrating Santa Claus
Saint Nicholas, or “Sinnterklaas” as he is known in Dutch, came to North America as Europeans settled in the new land. Traditions became mixed up with so many cultural influences. Gift-giving is associated with Saint Nicholas and the Three Wise Men, or Magi. It was German and Scandinavian influences that favored celebrating December 24 as the holiday.
Traditionally, children hang stockings by a chimney, but in Brazil, where homes may not have chimneys, it’s common for shoes to be left outside to be filled with sweets. In Italy, La Befana, a Pagan character who arrives during the Christmas season, brings sweets and dried fruit to those children she deems good. All others get a lump of coal as a sign of her displeasure with their behavior.
Ded Moroz and his granddaughter Sengurochka (Snow Girl) come to the territories of Eastern Europe on a sleigh drawn by three horses. Ded Moroz rewards the honest and hardworking people with gifts and sweets. He punishes the ones who are lazy and immoral.
Take some time this holiday season to learn more about different customs around the world. It doesn’t matter whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Yule or Kwanza. We all need to understand how our neighbors celebrate to appreciate diversity.
Make sure that you place your wedding gift with the others.
The traditional summer wedding might be over, but ceremonies happen all year long. Many guests don’t know what’s expected from them when giving a wedding gift. Here are some etiquette tips to help you make good decisions about giving a present to the couple when you’re invited to the party.
What Should I Buy?
The wedding registry is the best resource for choosing a gift. The couple may have a wedding website with some special notes about wanting to save up for a larger purchase. You should consult the registry to make sure you match the couple’s style and personality. If you’re making a handmade gift, you can find color ideas and patterns on the registry to know what the bride prefers.
How Much Should I Spend?
There are a number of thoughts about how much to spend on gifts. As a general rule of thumb, you don’t need to spend the same amount on a coworker or distant relative as you would on a close relative or friend. According to Proflowers.com, the average wedding gift costs $106. That figure will vary depending on your budget, the relationship you have with the couple and how much you’re spending to get to the wedding. Traditionally, you don’t need to spend as much on the gift when it’s a destination wedding or if you’re coming from a long distance.
When Should I Send the Wedding Gift?
Although many people still bring gifts to the wedding, this is often very difficult for the bride and groom to manage. These gifts may have to be transported to different places, and if the couple is leaving directly from the reception for the airport, it will be complicated for the family. Plus, there are more opportunities for money and small gifts to be stolen at a reception. It’s best to send it to the home of either the bride or the groom before the ceremony or up to three months following the wedding.
If I’m Bringing a Gift to the Wedding, Do I Have to Buy One for the Shower, Too?
A shower is a party to bless the bride (or couple) with gifts. It is the one party that is all about the gift-giving. Set your gift budget when you get the wedding invitation. If you get an invitation to a shower, use the 20 percent rule. Dedicate 20 percent of your budget to the shower gift. If you get invited to more than one shower, take another 20 percent out of the original budget for the gift. Whatever is left, use it to buy the wedding gift. For example, you set a budget of $200. You’re invited to a bridal shower and an engagement party. Twenty (20) percent of 200 is $40. Spend $40 on a gift for the engagement party, then another $40 for the shower. This leaves $120 for the wedding gift. But feel free to use those limits as you choose.
One final thought: You should not stretch your budget too far to give what might be expected. The wedding is not about gifts and money; it’s about celebrating the union of two people. If your finances won’t let you give a large gift, do what you can. A gift certificate to a local restaurant would be a nice treat for the couple when they get back from the honeymoon. Picture frames are always welcome and can be expensive when you want to buy a lot. Treat the bride to a couple of special ones. Maybe on the couple’s first anniversary, your budget will allow you to do something more. The wedding should be a celebration, not a gift-grabbing event. If the couple knows and loves you, they will understand your limitations.
Purchasing a gift for a wedding is a tradition that can prove more difficult than many people realize. Though there is no hard rule stating all guests must bring a present to a reception, custom has made it a forced obligation for many. This is compounded by the fact that couples now spend more than the value of a new car on their nuptials. To make some of that money back, couples will rely on the generous gifts from family and friends.
If you haven’t been to many weddings in your life, you may want to know what the protocol is surrounding presents. Use these tips to learn more about the basic ways guests go about giving gifts.
Follow the Registry
Perhaps the easiest approach to wedding gifts is following the registry. Though it is not as commonplace for couples to create these lists as it once was, plenty of people still prefer this method of making requests. The couple will offer information on where they are registered when they send out invitations, which allows guests the maximum amount of time to find a perfect present. Custom dictates that anyone who receives an invitation should give a gift, but in modern times, those absent from the festivities rarely send presents.
Follow Your Heart
For some people, the act of selecting a present from a list can feel impersonal. If you feel particularly close to the happy couple, then you might not think a simple gift from a registry can provide the emotional impact you’d like. Instead, think about following your heart. This can take many forms, from a personalized present that includes pertinent details about the couple in the design to a gift you make on your own with love and dedication. Sentimental presents are always a nice route to consider when you want your gift to be remembered.
Follow the Gift Trends
Since the world of weddings has become a powerful business industry over recent decades, it makes sense that gift trends are a big part of the picture. If the couple hasn’t provided a registry and you’re short on good ideas, looking at blogs and articles centered on what’s currently in vogue with gifts can be quite useful. While you don’t need to buy any of the gifts suggested, per se, you can use this information to launch further research into what kinds of presents are out there.
Follow the Money
When push comes to shove, money might be the only gift that really matters. Though sentimental or practical presents might serve certain purposes, money can be used for anything. After spending a fortune on their nuptials, couples might be able to breathe easier knowing that their guests are giving them cash. As a rule of thumb, a cash gift should be roughly about $100 per plate. This means that you should give $200 if you were allowed to bring a guest.
Follow Up Later With A Gift
It is a popular misconception that a gift needs to be given to a couple at the wedding reception or on the wedding day. In truth, tradition allows guests a full year to accomplish this task. If you really don’t know what to get the couple or are short on funds, waiting until later can be a great way to find a present that feels fitting.
Being a guest at a big event means researching proper etiquette in advance. Instead of panicking and grabbing any old gift, take a step back and think over your options. Learn more about what kinds of presents are out there and find the perfect fit for a couple you care about.
Even when there is love the road to your wedding is a long and involved one. From the planning process to all of the little celebrations leading up to the main event, you may find yourself focused on a lot of external factors instead of your significant other. At the end of the day, a wedding is about you and your partner. If you feel like you’re thinking about every aspect of the event except for your spouse-to-be, it can be useful to take a step back and think about different ways to show your appreciation.
Though not a hard rule, it is customary for couples to exchange gifts before they tie the knot. If you want to show your gratitude, giving a present might be exactly the solution you’ve been after.
Love Vs. Money Concerns
At a time when you’re draining your bank account to secure vendors and get invitations in the mail, you may not feel like you have a lot of room in your budget for more purchases. Thankfully, a gift for your betrothed doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it should actually be as cost-effective as possible so you don’t feel any guilt over the decision. This is a chance to think outside the box. What would your partner appreciate most? Is there something that your significant other needs?
A creative gift could also be a good option to explore. Plenty of couples exchange handmade or presents of personal significance during their earliest years together. As time goes by, it becomes more likely that they will start to purchase more standard gifts. By making something yourself, you can recall those first days when you were dating and every gesture seemed to brighten the world.
On the Same Page
Another good point to keep in mind is being on the same page. Getting something for your significant other without providing any notice can easily create tension. No one likes the guilt that comes along with getting a gift and not having anything to offer in return. Though it can take the surprise element out of the equation, asking if your partner wants to exchange gifts first is the best way to limit the odds of any awkwardness arising.
Time Together
A gift doesn’t always need to be a physical item. In fact, the best presents are usually experiences. Since most of your free time lately has likely been tied up with planning your nuptials, a perfect gift to consider is a bit of time together. When was the last time you went out on a date? Now might be a perfect opportunity to hit the town, especially if you want to have children soon after tying the knot. Whether you go out to a restaurant, watch movies at home, or take a small road trip, there are many fun options.
Little Gifts of Love
One final way to approach this idea is by thinking about how you can make your partner’s daily life a bit easier. Gifts of love are the ones that show you care and pay attention. If your significant other struggles to get up in the morning before consuming coffee, wake earlier and make a fresh pot. Pick up the slack with household chores or errands and lessen the load a bit. Whatever you think will bring a smile to his or her face is a great option to pursue.
Though you’re likely receiving many presents on the road to your wedding day, exchanging gifts with your partner can be a fun and simple way to remember the whole reason for the event. Consider the many ways you can go about this decision and discover a perfect option to show your partner you care.
Attending a wedding can be a reason for excitement. Whether you have a close relationship with the couple of honor or you’re going as someone else’s guest, there is something electrifying about such celebrations. Naturally, there are also some concerns you might have. Getting the perfect gift can often prove to be a bit more challenging than some realize. While picking out the right present might not be straightforward, you can easily find a good fit with a bit of research. Review this guide and learn everything you need to know.
The Art of Giving Gifts
This might come as something of a shock to modern minds, but guests bringing gifts to weddings is a fairly recent concept. While presents and tokens of affection are somewhat synonymous with special celebrations, the current idea of wedding gifts stems loosely from the Renaissance practice of creating marriage chests. These chests served a utilitarian purpose, being the container a bride would use to store and transport her belongings to her husband’s home after a wedding. Over time, the tradition changed somewhat and it became common to fill the chest with items given to a bride for her wedding.
However, the idea of gifts in the modern sense can be traced to an exact point in time: 1924. During this year, the American department store Macy’s unveiled what it called the “wedding registry.” From this point on, the idea of giving a present to a couple tying the knot went from a thoughtful gesture to a cultural mandate. While there is no hard rule saying guests must bring presents to a wedding, to not do so is definitely considered a faux pas in a number of respects.
The Registry
Since it was first introduced, the wedding registry has become a staple in the process of planning a wedding. If you’re a guest, a registry provides the benefit of having a simple list that can be used to select a gift. This eliminates the stress that goes along with having to come up with an idea from scratch. However, it also creates the problem of limited availability. If the couple is asking for specific or expensive items, you might not have the time or funds to procure them.
Whether you use the registry comes down to your own personal preference. There is absolutely nothing wrong with deciding to pursue an alternate route when grabbing a gift. If you find that providing cash is the most sensible solution, then a rule of thumb is to give about $100 if you are alone and $200 if you are bringing a guest. The “plus one” should never be expected to bring a gift of his or her own, as this individual is a guest of a guest and typically doesn’t know the couple personally.
The Personal Spin
Another option to consider with wedding gifts is the personalized present. If you’ve known the happy couple for a long time, the standard items listed on the registry might not feel adequate to capture the importance of your connection. Do-it-yourself presents can be a wonderful option if you have a creative edge and enough time to complete a project. If you lack the ability to make something on your own, there are a number of businesses that create customized gifts using photos that can be a perfect fit for special occasions.
The Fun Factor
A wedding is supposed to be an enjoyable experience. If you spend too much time worrying about the gift, you’ll likely have less fun at the actual event. The best way to pick a gift is to commit to your decision and leave it at that.
Picking a wedding gift can seem challenging, but the solution is as easy as weighing your options. Consider what the couple will appreciate most, and it will be a lot easier to feel confident in your decision.
The idea of Santa Claus can change greatly throughout the world.
Whether you live in Australia, Hungary, Brazil or Canada, the tradition of gifts during the holiday season is loved by everyone. Children and adults all love giving and receiving brightly wrapped presents. The character that brings those gifts might be Santa Claus here in North America, but he isn’t necessarily known by that name in other countries.
France and Belgium – Pere Noel
Brazil – Papai Noel
Italy – Babbo Natale
United Kingdom – Father Christmas
Sweden – Jultomten (Christmas Brownie)
Russia – Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost)
Hawaii – Kanakaloka
Turkey – Noel Baba
Saint Nicholas, who is considered to be the original Santa Claus, was born in a Turkish town during the third century. He was a devout Christian. His family died in an epidemic when Nicholas was quite young, but they left him a great deal of wealth. He used his inheritance to benefit the needy and the sick. He became known for his generosity, his love of children and his concern for ships and sailors. Nicholas was made a bishop in the church.
Nicholas was persecuted for his faith, as were many Christians in this time period. He was imprisoned for a while because he was a bishop in the church. However, we do know that he attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This was the first Ecumenical Church Council, which was called to preserve the church. He died on December 6, 343 AD (December 19 on the Julian Calendar), and this date is now celebrated in his honor.
The custom of leaving gifts in the stockings or shoes is from a legend about Saint Nicholas saving three young girls who didn’t have a dowry. The family was poor, and the father didn’t have anything to offer prospective husbands for his daughters. It was possible that the girls would be sold into slavery, but three different times, a bag of gold was tossed into the family’s window and said to have landed in a shoe in front of the fire. The daughters were saved. Children began leaving stockings and shoes out and waiting for gifts from Saint Nicholas.
Thousands of churches are named for St. Nicholas. He is the patron saint of sailors. When Nicholas died, it’s said that manna formed in his grave. It was a liquid substance, believed to have healing powers. This magnified his legend. Both Protestants and Catholics celebrate his memory. He is a model of generosity and compassion.
Celebrating Santa Claus
Saint Nicholas, or “Sinnterklaas” as he is known in Dutch, came to North America as Europeans settled in the new land. Traditions became mixed up with so many cultural influences. Gift-giving is associated with Saint Nicholas and the Three Wise Men, or Magi. It was German and Scandinavian influences that favored celebrating December 24 as the holiday.
Traditionally, children hang stockings by a chimney, but in Brazil, where homes may not have chimneys, it’s common for shoes to be left outside to be filled with sweets. In Italy, La Befana, a Pagan character who arrives during the Christmas season, brings sweets and dried fruit to those children she deems good. All others get a lump of coal as a sign of her displeasure with their behavior.
Ded Moroz and his granddaughter Sengurochka (Snow Girl) come to the territories of Eastern Europe on a sleigh drawn by three horses. Ded Moroz rewards the honest and hardworking people with gifts and sweets. He punishes the ones who are lazy and immoral.
Take some time this holiday season to learn more about different customs around the world. It doesn’t matter whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Yule or Kwanza. We all need to understand how our neighbors celebrate to appreciate diversity.
Make sure that you place your wedding gift with the others.
The traditional summer wedding might be over, but ceremonies happen all year long. Many guests don’t know what’s expected from them when giving a wedding gift. Here are some etiquette tips to help you make good decisions about giving a present to the couple when you’re invited to the party.
What Should I Buy?
The wedding registry is the best resource for choosing a gift. The couple may have a wedding website with some special notes about wanting to save up for a larger purchase. You should consult the registry to make sure you match the couple’s style and personality. If you’re making a handmade gift, you can find color ideas and patterns on the registry to know what the bride prefers.
How Much Should I Spend?
There are a number of thoughts about how much to spend on gifts. As a general rule of thumb, you don’t need to spend the same amount on a coworker or distant relative as you would on a close relative or friend. According to Proflowers.com, the average wedding gift costs $106. That figure will vary depending on your budget, the relationship you have with the couple and how much you’re spending to get to the wedding. Traditionally, you don’t need to spend as much on the gift when it’s a destination wedding or if you’re coming from a long distance.
When Should I Send the Wedding Gift?
Although many people still bring gifts to the wedding, this is often very difficult for the bride and groom to manage. These gifts may have to be transported to different places, and if the couple is leaving directly from the reception for the airport, it will be complicated for the family. Plus, there are more opportunities for money and small gifts to be stolen at a reception. It’s best to send it to the home of either the bride or the groom before the ceremony or up to three months following the wedding.
If I’m Bringing a Gift to the Wedding, Do I Have to Buy One for the Shower, Too?
A shower is a party to bless the bride (or couple) with gifts. It is the one party that is all about the gift-giving. Set your gift budget when you get the wedding invitation. If you get an invitation to a shower, use the 20 percent rule. Dedicate 20 percent of your budget to the shower gift. If you get invited to more than one shower, take another 20 percent out of the original budget for the gift. Whatever is left, use it to buy the wedding gift. For example, you set a budget of $200. You’re invited to a bridal shower and an engagement party. Twenty (20) percent of 200 is $40. Spend $40 on a gift for the engagement party, then another $40 for the shower. This leaves $120 for the wedding gift. But feel free to use those limits as you choose.
One final thought: You should not stretch your budget too far to give what might be expected. The wedding is not about gifts and money; it’s about celebrating the union of two people. If your finances won’t let you give a large gift, do what you can. A gift certificate to a local restaurant would be a nice treat for the couple when they get back from the honeymoon. Picture frames are always welcome and can be expensive when you want to buy a lot. Treat the bride to a couple of special ones. Maybe on the couple’s first anniversary, your budget will allow you to do something more. The wedding should be a celebration, not a gift-grabbing event. If the couple knows and loves you, they will understand your limitations.
