Wedding gifts are so beneficial to the bride and groom as they begin their new life adventure. Some wedding gifts are sentimental, others purely practical. No matter what direction you choose to go with your gift, know that it will be helpful to the bride and groom.
What to get?
- Registry: This is a surefire way to give a gift that the couple will certainly use. After all, they did pick it out! The wedding invitation will most likely state where the couple is registered.
- Handmade: Quilts, picture frames with the couple’s engagement photos – these gifts can’t be scanned onto a registry and will certainly be cherished. Here’s a list of 14 creative, thoughtful and fun gift ideas.
- Cash: Not a shopper? That’s perfectly okay. Any new couple starting out is in need of cash, especially if they are moving into a new home. Write a note in the card saying, “We hope this money can help you purchase a larger item that you are in need of.”
- Check: Both the bride and the groom have to sign the check if it’s made out to “John and Jane Doe” in order to deposit or cash it. This can be a bit of a hassle, so simply write, “John or Jane Doe” instead.
How much to spend?
Some wedding etiquette experts say that your gift should approximately be the value of the cost of your attendance. As a general rule, we disagree with this idea. We suggest that you simply give what you can afford.
When to give?
As the bride or groom, make sure to check with your in-laws about the expectations of their family and guests for where gifts should be taken – there can be wide variations to this tradition from region to region.
You might need to be prepared with a few helpers to move gifts from one location to another. It’s also a good idea to ask someone (a wedding coordinator like Hitch!) to lock up the cards during the reception – no need to leave a large amount of cash or gifts sitting unattended.
On the East Coast, gifts are mailed in advance. In the Midwest, gifts are often taken to the reception. In South Dakota specifically, gifts are often taken to the church and then moved to the reception. Try to do whatever is most convenient for the couple. Be prepared to receive gifts up to 30 days before your wedding and up to 60 days after! Guests may also send gifts to avoid the hassle of babysitting them at the reception. If you plan to go on a honeymoon, line someone up who can check your doorstep for gifts still arriving while you’re gone!
What about returns and duplicates?
Accidental duplicates are bound to happen, so it’s thoughtful to include the gift receipt in your card, even if you purchased from the registry.
Is it okay to ask for cash instead of gifts for my wedding?
Here’s our answer on THAT touchy question.
Should I list my gift registry on my invitation? Or is that poor etiquette?
Well, the Midwest has a personality all its own and Hitch thinks….drumroll, please….YES. It’s okay. Just do it subtly and with tact. Here’s an article ALL about that topic!
Bonus article: Here’s a post on why we love wedding registries.
It’s truly better to give than to receive; giving a wedding gift can be a real joy! Here is another guide for gift giving at weddings! We hope this list has helped you out along the way.