Are you a recipient of a wedding invite? Congratulations on being invited to your friend or relative’s wedding. Apart from planning what to wear and deciding whether to take time off, and if so, how many hours, you will also need to choose a gift.
You shouldn’t stress about the proper manner of gift giving after you receive an invitation to someone else’s wedding. There are only a few rules that you can follow to ensure you don’t worry. Keep in mind that your gift is intended to show your support for the bride or groom as they start a new chapter in their lives.
How much to spend on a wedding gift
There are many schools of thought about how much money to spend on a bridal gift. Some people believe your present should have a greater value than your reception and wedding venue. But this isn’t a strict rule. First, consider your budget. Second, determine how much you can spend.
Most grooms and brides send invitations for the sole purpose of inviting you to their special day. You may spend more if you are closer to the couple. Your best friend, sister or cousin will likely give you a gift that is more valuable than one given by your co-worker. Be realistic about what you can afford, and make sure that gifts are within your budget. Also, don’t put yourself in debt to impress your partner with a costly wedding gift.
Is it a good idea to give a cash gift?
It is okay to give cash to the couple, since many newlyweds are in desperate need of money. Make sure you mail cash gifts in the form a check if you are sending cash. Do not wait to mail a cash gift until the day of your wedding. Instead, make sure you place it in a secure box or basket or in the hands and control of the groom.
Are there any wedding gifts that are required?
While you are not obliged to give a present, it is good practice to do so if your spouse is attending the wedding. You can still send a congratulatory message if you cannot attend. Although you can choose to take part with others and contribute to a colleague’s wedding gift (or vice versa), it is not mandatory.
You deserve the best wedding gifts
Before you look in to wedding gift ideas, make sure to check if the bride or groom are registered with any stores. If they have, it is best to pick something from the registry. If you are unsure, ask a member of the family or a friend. Consider the couple’s religious and cultural preferences when buying gifts.
Handling the “No gifts” request
Most often, there won’t be any mention of wedding gifts in the invitation. Some couples will say “no gifts” to let everyone know they don’t need any. It is possible to give them something, or to ask them to donate to their favorite charity.
What to Do with the Gift
Sending the gift to the bride in advance of the wedding is the best way to get it there. It reduces the number of gifts that must be transported by the couple during the wedding day. You also don’t need to worry about how safe the gift will be in public. You may bring the gift to the reception, and place it on the designated table. Make sure to include your name and address on the card so they know who gave the gift and where to send it.
Canceled weddings
It is not normal to expect that the gift will be returned once it has been sent. The bride and groom should, however, send the gift back if the wedding is canceled. Some couples don’t know proper etiquette so they may not return the gifts. It is not polite to ask for the gift back. Consider it an oversight during a stressful time in a couple’s marriage and let it go.
Divorce or annulment
The couple should keep any gifts that were used if they divorce within a reasonable time. It is up to the couple to decide what to do with their personal belongings. You will rarely see wedding gifts returned after a separation or annulment.