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.
More and more guests are buying wedding gifts online through Amazon and other retailers, so it can be helpful to see what items are most popular online.
Wedding trends change quite frequently. One tradition that has remained somewhat consistent, however, is the practice of giving gifts to the happy couple. Though people might be buying their presents in different ways these days, the sentiment remains the same. Unfortunately, it can also be a real pain in the neck to try and find the ideal gift for the soon-to-be-married. To make the experience a bit easier on you, it can be helpful to explore some of the year’s most popular gift options and give yourself some inspiration.
Amazon is one of the biggest e-commerce companies in the modern day and age. Because of this, more and more guests are buying gifts for weddings online through this site. This has brought about a great deal of insight in regards to what gifts are most popular in a given year. Check out these hottest gift trends on Amazon and find the perfect present for the happy couple in your life.
Turn It Up
Who doesn’t love music? While your friends may not be on top of new tunes the way they once were, a vast majority of couples appreciate turning on some music now and again. Whether they decide to play old favorites or something just released, you may be able to find a great gift by considering speakers. Nowadays, there are some amazing options available for home entertainment. Brands like Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser put a ton of research each year into developing the ideal music output methods.
If you want to try something a bit different, then consider some shower speakers! A product like iLuv Aud Shower Bluetooth Speaker is a great fit for most homes. This handy item makes singing in the shower a whole new experience, letting you play tunes from any compatible device. If your friends are always on their phones, these speakers even allow you to take a call while in the shower without damaging your phone in the process!
Tradition Meets Tomorrow
Once upon a time, couples would receive items like plates from guests and hold onto these gifts for decades to come. This trend might not be as popular as it once was, but plenty of couples still add plates and silverware to their registries. Data from Amazon shows that these gift options are still quite popular, which means guests are definitely encouraged to explore this choice when it comes to finding the ideal gift. The brand might matter somewhat, but there are more important considerations.
You definitely want to make sure any eating or serving utensils are made from sterling silver. This ensures both quality and longevity. Stainless steel can also prove to be a beneficial choice, especially for convenience of cleaning. The more flatware is used, the easier it is to clean. Buying a couple decorative plates that will only be pulled out for special occasions means you need to think long and hard about how simple it is to get the items clean. Knowing this information can help you find the right fit for your friends.
Pumping Iron
Finally, you can always find a good fit when you think about what the happy couple might need in their kitchen. According to Amazon, cast iron skillets continue to be popular for newlyweds. These durable and practical items are a winning pick because they prove themselves useful time and time again, will last for years, and are a perfect complement to almost every kitchen.
When you have a wedding on the horizon and are not sure what to buy, it never hurts to do a little bit of research on Amazon. Search out the most popular gift items and see what might fit the tastes of your friends on their big day.
All couples are different, and a wedding that reflects their personalities and preferences is a common goal. In Canada, many wedding customs incorporated in the celebration are influenced by European-Christian, particularly British, traditions.
The White Dress
A conventional white wedding dress, purchased specifically for the occasion, is still the most popular choice of Canadian brides. The custom of wearing white started in the Victorian Era and symbolized purity.
Something Old, Something New
It is considered good luck for brides to wear “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” The tradition originated from an old English rhyme. The fifth and final item referenced in the rhyme, not usually adhered to outside of Britain, is “a sixpence in your shoe.”
“Old” stands for continuity. Some brides choose to wear a family heirloom.
“New” represents optimism for the future. The wedding dress or shoes can be two examples.
“Borrowed” represents borrowing joy from a happily married couple in hopes it rubs off on your own relationship. A piece of jewelry or handkerchief are items that can be borrowed.
“Blue” is meant to represent loyalty and fidelity. Brides sometimes wear blue garters or tie a blue ribbon in their bouquet.
“A sixpence in your shoe” is the desire for prosperity and good fortune.
The Groom Stands on the Right
Many couples still choose to get married in a church, but there are numerous other options including gardens, beaches and the homes of family and friends. No matter where the ceremony occurs, it is customary for grooms to stand on the right side and brides on the left while they exchange vows. This tradition evolved in Europe centuries ago. Grooms needed easy access to their swords in the event someone attempted to abduct their brides. While there is no longer a worry of brides getting kidnapped at the altar in modern day Canada, the custom has endured.
Bridal Party
Having a bridal party is an Anglo-Saxon tradition. Grooms would have knights assist their brides in getting to ceremonies safely. The knights would also escort couples back home to prevent them from being attacked and their dowries stolen.
Bouquet Toss
It is traditional for a bride to carry a bouquet of flowers and toss it towards all the single women after the wedding. Whoever catches it is supposed to be the next to marry. This custom originated from brides wanting to protect their dresses from unmarried women who would rip bits off the gowns for good luck. Brides started throwing pieces of bouquets towards them so they would have something pretty and not try to tear off their dresses.
Honeymoon
Many couples go on a honeymoon after they are married. The term “honeymoon” comes from a traditional drink couples would consume. They would drink mead wine, which was made from fermented “honey” and water, for a month after their wedding. The month represents a full cycle of the “moon.”
New Wedding Trends
While traditions are practices and rituals that have stood the test of time, trends are much more recent and easily come and go. Here are some current wedding trends.
Bite-Sized Desserts
As an alternative to the big wedding cake, it is becoming popular to offer individual bite-sized desserts. They can be served off a tray at each table.
Metallic Accents
Metallic accents are popping up everywhere. Foil on invitations, floral table decorations in gold and silver vases and metallic specks on desserts are all ways to add some sparkle to the occasion.
Chef Interaction
Instead of traditional buffets or sit down dinners served by waiters, more couples are ditching convention when it comes to cuisine and letting their guests interact with chefs.
Weddings often include traditions. However, it is also fun to mix some new trends into the festivities.
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.
More and more guests are buying wedding gifts online through Amazon and other retailers, so it can be helpful to see what items are most popular online.
Wedding trends change quite frequently. One tradition that has remained somewhat consistent, however, is the practice of giving gifts to the happy couple. Though people might be buying their presents in different ways these days, the sentiment remains the same. Unfortunately, it can also be a real pain in the neck to try and find the ideal gift for the soon-to-be-married. To make the experience a bit easier on you, it can be helpful to explore some of the year’s most popular gift options and give yourself some inspiration.
Amazon is one of the biggest e-commerce companies in the modern day and age. Because of this, more and more guests are buying gifts for weddings online through this site. This has brought about a great deal of insight in regards to what gifts are most popular in a given year. Check out these hottest gift trends on Amazon and find the perfect present for the happy couple in your life.
Turn It Up
Who doesn’t love music? While your friends may not be on top of new tunes the way they once were, a vast majority of couples appreciate turning on some music now and again. Whether they decide to play old favorites or something just released, you may be able to find a great gift by considering speakers. Nowadays, there are some amazing options available for home entertainment. Brands like Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser put a ton of research each year into developing the ideal music output methods.
If you want to try something a bit different, then consider some shower speakers! A product like iLuv Aud Shower Bluetooth Speaker is a great fit for most homes. This handy item makes singing in the shower a whole new experience, letting you play tunes from any compatible device. If your friends are always on their phones, these speakers even allow you to take a call while in the shower without damaging your phone in the process!
Tradition Meets Tomorrow
Once upon a time, couples would receive items like plates from guests and hold onto these gifts for decades to come. This trend might not be as popular as it once was, but plenty of couples still add plates and silverware to their registries. Data from Amazon shows that these gift options are still quite popular, which means guests are definitely encouraged to explore this choice when it comes to finding the ideal gift. The brand might matter somewhat, but there are more important considerations.
You definitely want to make sure any eating or serving utensils are made from sterling silver. This ensures both quality and longevity. Stainless steel can also prove to be a beneficial choice, especially for convenience of cleaning. The more flatware is used, the easier it is to clean. Buying a couple decorative plates that will only be pulled out for special occasions means you need to think long and hard about how simple it is to get the items clean. Knowing this information can help you find the right fit for your friends.
Pumping Iron
Finally, you can always find a good fit when you think about what the happy couple might need in their kitchen. According to Amazon, cast iron skillets continue to be popular for newlyweds. These durable and practical items are a winning pick because they prove themselves useful time and time again, will last for years, and are a perfect complement to almost every kitchen.
When you have a wedding on the horizon and are not sure what to buy, it never hurts to do a little bit of research on Amazon. Search out the most popular gift items and see what might fit the tastes of your friends on their big day.
All couples are different, and a wedding that reflects their personalities and preferences is a common goal. In Canada, many wedding customs incorporated in the celebration are influenced by European-Christian, particularly British, traditions.
The White Dress
A conventional white wedding dress, purchased specifically for the occasion, is still the most popular choice of Canadian brides. The custom of wearing white started in the Victorian Era and symbolized purity.
Something Old, Something New
It is considered good luck for brides to wear “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” The tradition originated from an old English rhyme. The fifth and final item referenced in the rhyme, not usually adhered to outside of Britain, is “a sixpence in your shoe.”
“Old” stands for continuity. Some brides choose to wear a family heirloom.
“New” represents optimism for the future. The wedding dress or shoes can be two examples.
“Borrowed” represents borrowing joy from a happily married couple in hopes it rubs off on your own relationship. A piece of jewelry or handkerchief are items that can be borrowed.
“Blue” is meant to represent loyalty and fidelity. Brides sometimes wear blue garters or tie a blue ribbon in their bouquet.
“A sixpence in your shoe” is the desire for prosperity and good fortune.
The Groom Stands on the Right
Many couples still choose to get married in a church, but there are numerous other options including gardens, beaches and the homes of family and friends. No matter where the ceremony occurs, it is customary for grooms to stand on the right side and brides on the left while they exchange vows. This tradition evolved in Europe centuries ago. Grooms needed easy access to their swords in the event someone attempted to abduct their brides. While there is no longer a worry of brides getting kidnapped at the altar in modern day Canada, the custom has endured.
Bridal Party
Having a bridal party is an Anglo-Saxon tradition. Grooms would have knights assist their brides in getting to ceremonies safely. The knights would also escort couples back home to prevent them from being attacked and their dowries stolen.
Bouquet Toss
It is traditional for a bride to carry a bouquet of flowers and toss it towards all the single women after the wedding. Whoever catches it is supposed to be the next to marry. This custom originated from brides wanting to protect their dresses from unmarried women who would rip bits off the gowns for good luck. Brides started throwing pieces of bouquets towards them so they would have something pretty and not try to tear off their dresses.
Honeymoon
Many couples go on a honeymoon after they are married. The term “honeymoon” comes from a traditional drink couples would consume. They would drink mead wine, which was made from fermented “honey” and water, for a month after their wedding. The month represents a full cycle of the “moon.”
New Wedding Trends
While traditions are practices and rituals that have stood the test of time, trends are much more recent and easily come and go. Here are some current wedding trends.
Bite-Sized Desserts
As an alternative to the big wedding cake, it is becoming popular to offer individual bite-sized desserts. They can be served off a tray at each table.
Metallic Accents
Metallic accents are popping up everywhere. Foil on invitations, floral table decorations in gold and silver vases and metallic specks on desserts are all ways to add some sparkle to the occasion.
Chef Interaction
Instead of traditional buffets or sit down dinners served by waiters, more couples are ditching convention when it comes to cuisine and letting their guests interact with chefs.
Weddings often include traditions. However, it is also fun to mix some new trends into the festivities.
