gift-giving

Different Ways To Buy a Gift

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.

Gifting Your Guests: Wedding Favors, Welcome Bags, and More

Wedding favors continue to be a popular way of saying thank you to wedding guests and bestowing them with a keepsake from the ceremony.

Wedding favors continue to be a popular way of saying thank you to wedding guests and bestowing them with a keepsake from the ceremony.

When you’re hosting a wedding, one of your goals is creating an enjoyable and meaningful experience. If you’re like many nearlyweds, you want to convey your appreciation for your guests’ willingness to celebrate with you. Many couples give wedding favors as unique mementos, but welcome bags have also gained popularity. If you’re not sure how to thank your invitees, read on for some guidance and ideas.

An Introduction to Wedding Favors

SBS TV’s Sarah Ward explains that wedding favors may have originated in Europe. Aristocrat families would give their party guests bombonieres, or lavish gift boxes filled with sugary treats. Eventually, the tradition became commonplace and the gift boxes were filled with sugared Jordan almonds.

Are wedding favors absolutely necessary for your event? It depends on who you ask. Wedding Wire Canada’s Alice Prendergast insists that you shouldn’t cut favors from your budget. Meanwhile, The Spruce’s Jessica Bishop argues that you should only include them if you have the time and budget along with ideas for a meaningful parting gift.

In Prendergast’s guide to wedding favors, she advises selecting inexpensive items and keeping total expenses to between 2% and 3% of your event budget. Couples should also let their wedding themes dictate the favors they choose. Children and adults can receive the same types of favors unless you plan on giving out alcoholic food or drinks.

How Favors Have Gotten an Upgrade

Traditional wedding favors include Jordan almonds or physical keepsakes such as bottle openers, wine or shot glasses, or coasters. Yet couples are now rethinking the concept, opting for items that aren’t just trinkets that take up space. Food is always a popular choice, especially since guests can snack on these delicious goodies while traveling back home. Weddingbells’ Baily Spagat showcases bite-sized edibles like chocolate candies, petit fours, and cake pops. For those seeking different choices, The Knot presents examples such as mugs filled with coffee beans, mini maple syrup bottles, and even warm cinnamon donuts passed out at the end of the reception.

In another piece for The Knot, Libby McCarthy stresses the importance of giving practical gifts. Avoid monogramming these items, since this will limit your attendees’ options for using them. Keep in mind that it’s perfectly fine to use monogrammed wrap or packaging. Candles, luggage tags, photo frames, and potted plants are excellent examples of non-edible items you can send home with your guests.

Welcome Bags and Other Alternatives

Some couples offer welcome bags instead of favors or provide both items to their guests. Brides writer Jenna Milliner-Waddell lists several essential staples to include in your welcome bags:

  • Water bottles
  • Sweet snacks
  • Local maps and information
  • Seasonal items such as hot drinks or sunscreen
  • Your event itinerary

For destination weddings, Alice Prendergast suggests including thematic packaging along with locally sourced snacks and keepsakes. While you’re at it, don’t forget to slip in a sheet of emergency phone numbers. With a little imagination, you can adapt and apply these ideas to welcome bags for a locally hosted wedding.

Of course, you’re not limited to favors or welcome bags. The Knot’s Lauren Kay discusses experiential favors as an emerging trend in 2019. These are bonus events scheduled during your wedding weekend as an extra “thank you” to your friends and family. Kay mentions examples such as short boat cruises, hikes, or special classes, but many group activities can be turned into fun get-togethers.

Little Ways To Express Gratitude

Providing party favors for wedding guests has been a long-standing custom. Yet like any other tradition, people modify it to suit their preferences and values. Welcome bags are another wonderful option to make your friends and family feel appreciated. With a practical focus, these gifts are now more convenient and guest-friendly.