While receiving an invitation to attend a loved one’s wedding can be an exciting experience, the gift giving process is often marred by stress. Here are some wedding gift etiquettes that can make the gift giving process less of a concern for you. Use these simple rules to demonstrate your support for the couple.
The budget
There is no definite rule when it comes to the monetary value of a wedding gift. What actually matters is your relationship with the bride and groom. Do not believe in the notion that your wedding gift’s value should equal the cost of the meal you eat at the ceremony. Do not look at a gift that way. One rule of thumb is that you can buy a gift for the couple for as low as $25. Depending on your relationship with the couple and your budget, you may buy a more expensive wedding gift.
Buy wedding gifts from the couple’s registry
Couples create wedding gift registries, so you can buy them the items they need. They want you to buy them a gift listed on the wedding registry. The majority of wedding gift registries these days are online, such as EasyRegistry, so you can browse for a gift in the comfort of your own home. Of course, you can also go to the physical store to buy a gift for the couple. In any case, stick to the items listed on the couple’s wedding registry.
Giving cash
Many newly married couples require cash more than anything else. There is no harm in gifting cash to the bridge and groom. However, if your budget is below $30, you should buy a gift instead of giving a cash gift. You can even pay the couple in the form of a check.
Big-ticket items
The needs of couples change after the wedding. According to most couples, they prefer big-ticket items bought by a group of friends or family. If you see a large and expensive item on the wedding registry, you may ask other guests or common friends to team up with you to but the couple that memorable gift. Online wedding gift registries such as EasyRegistry keep it simple to make individual contributions to expensive items. There is no doubt that the need of modern couples has changed; however, some of the most desired gifts are still the kitchen, bedding, and dining items.
How to deliver the gift
The best way to deliver a wedding gift is by sending it to the bride’s home before the big day. This will decrease the transportation cost of the couple after the marriage. Also, doing so will ensure the gift has reached the couple safely. However, if you are not able to deliver the wedding gift ahead of the wedding day, you may carry it to the reception and put it on the gift table. Do not forget to ascribe a wedding card to the gift with your name clearly mentioned on it. Online gift registries may arrange the delivery of the gift on your behalf, or transfer the money directly to the couple for them to purchase at their convenience.
Gift giving after the wedding
Ideally, you should deliver the wedding gift to the couple before the wedding or on the wedding day. However, that may not be possible for some people. You can send a wedding gift to the couple even after the wedding. Most people agree that it is ok to send a wedding gift to the bride and groom even one year after their wedding. By default, EasyRegistry keeps their online gift registries open for 2 weeks after the wedding to allow for these late contributions.