The “I-Do” Season: 2019 Wedding Gift Giving Tips
With the wedding season approaching and a flurry of invitations appearing, having a plan for the festivities ahead will ensure a stress-free celebration. Here’s what to keep in mind for the coming “I Do’s” in your future.
Recognize the Relationship: When you first receive an invitation, consider the sender. A close friend or family member will typically mean more involvement and investment than an acquaintance or colleague. Express your genuine care for the couple by using their registry. By using the bridal registry, you contribute in a way that the happy couple truly wants and will appreciates.
Budget: Determine your financial band width and avoid draining your account. Wedding gifts vary greatly depending on the relationship with the couple. On average, research reveals how much is spent on gifts, based on closeness of the relationships. According to a 2018 NerdWalletstudy, attending a wedding may cost as much as $628. This same study reveals the average amount spent for a wedding gift was $128 for a good friend or $106 for an online registry item. Millennials spend approximately $151 per gift; with millennial men spending more at $180 per gift. Gift buying doesn’t mean emptying your savings account. Do what you can to get close to these numbers. Plan ahead so you can save enough, express your affection for the couple with a beautiful gift, and enjoy their wedding celebration without breaking the bank.
Be Creative: Also keep in mind that a gift of some kind is expected, whether it’s the neighbor, colleague, or your very best friend. This is simply due to the nature of tradition. Marriage is a new adventure for the couple and a gift is a sign of well-wishing as a couple takes their next steps. Always work within your means, and strive to put your best guest foot forward with a thoughtful and useful gift for the newlyweds.
Group Gifting: Family members, bridesmaids and groomsmen often spend a considerable amount on the wedding festivities. Frequently the couple have registered for a honeymoon trip, or other large expenditure. Today, it’s appropriate to consider combining contributions for a group gift. This can lighten the financial burden while still giving the couple something they truly want and adore. Add a sentimental touch with a handwritten note, or by personalizing the item with their last name or initials.
Traditional Gifting: A different NerdWalletstudy found that guests preferred giving traditional gifts, even more than contributing to a honeymoon fund, home down payment fund or cash. A registry also allows you to select gifts in a wide range of price points. If you would like to give a more personal gift, pair it with something from their registry for a combination gift they will undoubtedly adore.
Destination Wedding Gifts: Destination weddings pose their own set of unique questions: Should I bring my gift to the wedding? How long am I expected to stay? What if the cost is more than I can afford? When deciding whether to attend, know that etiquette experts agree that an acceptable time for gift giving is up to six months after the wedding. This allows you to save up to attend the wedding and also share a meaningful gift with the happy couple. Rather than settling for a less special present, consider sending your gift early before the wedding ceremony.
Couples also understand that guest planning, saving and preparation go into destination weddings. With that greater travel expense included, they are more understanding with gifts and don’t necessarily expect anything extravagant. Be sure to ship the couple’s gift to their home, not the destination nuptials. They really don’t want to lug all those gifts on a plane and neither do you.