Wondering what today’s etiquette is for giving wedding gifts? It was only a few generations ago that people married young. Like, really young. As in prom is over, babe, let’s get hitched! Back then, couples starting out were leaving their parents’ house for the first time to make a little nest of their own, which would’ve been entirely empty with nary a fork in the drawer nor a pot to boil water, were it not for kind souls sending wedding gifts!
Today, people marry later in life. Some wed several times (Hello Marley Majcher and the triple whammy of wedded bliss!). Others marry with kids and merge families. They enter into marriage already having a houseful of stuff and often don’t want just more random “stuff.” With all of this in mind, here are some helpful graphics from wedding registry experts Zola, mixed in with my own tips on gifting the newlyweds!
Check The Registry!
Next to the magic home cappuccino maker, registries were the greatest invention ever as far as we’re concerned! They took all the guess work out of gift buying! Wondering if your best friend would like that ugly green serving platter? Why, yes she would, evidently, because, #snap, it’s right there on the registry!
Unless this is your childhood bestie and you want to get something super unique and personal, don’t overthink it or try to get clever. The happy couple picked out the stuff they want and put it on a list so that all you have to do is open your wallet and have it delivered to their door! Speaking of which…
Should I Bring The Gift To The Wedding?
Modern wisdom says this is a no-no, but there are cultural exceptions, so if you’re in doubt, ask family or friends of the bride and groom if there will be a table at the reception. If the couple has a wedding website, it will usually tell you their preference. Plus, it will also list their registry.
Keep in mind, when people bring gifts to the reception, somebody has to schlep them back to the bride and groom’s home, which can be rough after a day of festivities, translation: booze, and the likelihood of a card getting knocked off its package or something not making it in one piece increases dramatically. If you’re flying in from out-of-town and feel like bringing a physical gift, a gift card is a better choice.
How Much Do I Need To Spend?
There is no set amount, so spend only what you can afford and feel comfortable with. If you’re not close to the people getting hitched, they’re casual friends from work let’s say, you’ll probably want to spend less than if it’s your own brother or sister who’s tying the knot. There’s a growing trend of people who ask guests to donate to charity in lieu of giving a gift. There are those who create novelty registries that include inexpensive items such as movie tickets, board games, magazine subscriptions, or toys for their dogs! (Yes, that really does exist!)
Many couples enjoy cash contributions they can put toward their honeymoon fund, but cash is a tricky one, so make SURE you know your audience before you take the leap on that one. And, don’t sweat it! A bottle of wine or champagne is always a welcome gift if there is no registry and you don’t want to break the bank, but it’s kind of boring. To riff on that idea though, what about giving a fancy bottle of vodka with some cool glasses and a mixology book. Super thoughtful and won’t break the bank. STILL unsure about what to get the happy new couple, then check out these gift giving ideas courtesy of Trouva. At the end of the day, it’s all about sharing in the celebration of love! Or for yours truly, it kind of is all about the gift. #JustSayin’.
And because we love that you love parties, we’re giving this away for FREE! It’s our Super Secret Party Tips Guide that has tons of useful tips for fetes of every shape and size. Check it out!
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