Couples’ Wedding Gift Etiquette

For some guests, the question of what to bring as a gift to a wedding can prove daunting. In traditional etiquette, rules dictate that gifts are not mandatory for guests, but it is a strong suggestion. As one of the prime milestones in a couple’s life, they should receive optimum spoiling in honor of their wedding day.

Some variables need to be considered when choosing an appropriate gift aside from what to get, including what would be a sufficient budget. There is the potential of getting something inappropriate for the wedding setting and the possibility of going over the top in cost, eventually regretting the choice down the road. 

When you avoid all the “faux pas” by sticking instead to tried-and-true etiquette rules, you can find a gift that the newly married couple will remember and appreciate. 

Let’s look at a few of the traditional practices in an effort to prevent you from being recognized for the wrong reasons. Find answers to all your wedding questions at https://www.realsimple.com/weddings/registry-gifts/guide-to-buying-wedding-gifts/.

Couples’ Wedding Gift Etiquette

When receiving an invitation to attend a wedding, the first thing that many guests consider is what they should bring the couple as a gift. The notion can prove somewhat stressful if you don’t know the bride and groom very well or choose not to participate with the registry.

The registry is usually the easiest way to buy for individuals you might not be familiar with or if you are stumped for ideas since it notates specific items requested by the pair in varied price ranges to accommodate most any budget. 

Otherwise, you can maybe pull the family aside to get some suggestions on what the couple might need. First, look over some of these rules of etiquette to determine what would be appropriate for your specific circumstances.

The registry

As a rule, most guests hope to get as much help as possible, which is why a couple will establish the wedding registry. It gives their guests an in as to what they need all by browsing over the internet selections. 

The problem is it can become somewhat overwhelming for guests, which is part of the reasons some people choose to avoid the registry. 

The suggestion is to attempt to get some help in using the registry if you feel intimidated by it. Otherwise, you risk a gift the bride and groom might have or have no room for. You can enjoy much less pressure by using this source.

Cash options

Another option is to contribute to one of the varied cash funds that some guests typically set up at weddings, whether it be a generalized cash fund or perhaps a honeymoon fund. These are memorable gifts anyone getting married will treasure above the registry since they often contribute to their special day.

While cash was at one time a taboo wedding gift, that’s no longer the case. Now, the pair is grateful to have the additional funds after the wedding is over. For those who want to be a bit more intimate with their gifting, this is an option you will likely be remembered for. Click to learn about cash donations.

Look over the website

The registry is a bold and blatant indication of what a soon-to-be-married man and woman want for their marital household. If that’s not something you want to use for inspiration, the wedding website is another resource you can check to find “hints” about the things the couple might need or desire. 

The site is sort of a hub for the big day’s details, including guest dress code, the day’s itinerary, perhaps tidbits about their “love story,” and other information. If a bride and groom share intimate details from dating, you can learn quite a bit to inspire a gift. 

Maybe they shared a date over a Mexican dinner. That gives you a few ideas like perhaps a gift card to a nice restaurant you might know of, an incredible bottle of tequila, or maybe you can find some excellent salsas.

Budget

There are no hard and fast rules dictating how much the average guest should spend on a couple’s wedding gift. Of course, if it’s a family member or a dear friend, you’ll likely spend more than if it’s an acquaintance you’re not very familiar with. 

The suggestion is that each person spends what’s comfortable for their particular financial circumstances and what makes sense for a wedding gift, considering your relationship with the people.

Final Thought

Rules of etiquette will help a guest with their wedding gift dilemmas. The general idea is to try to stick with the registry if possible because this will tell you outright what the couple needs and what they desire. 

If for some reason, you find that you simply can’t use the registry, the next best choice is to contribute to one of the cash funds; something that will be particularly memorable for the bride and groom.