As a wedding guest, you’ll be faced with the task of choosing a great gift for the couple. Bridal gift ideas will vary greatly, based on your relationship with the couple, their personal interests, and your budget. Below, we’re sharing a few ideas and guidelines to solve the gift giving crisis.
Using the Registry
While choosing items from a list and shipping them off to the bride and groom may seem cliche, the wedding registry can provide some excellent bridal gift ideas. The key to using the registry is to use your creativity.
Wedding etiquette says that a registry merely serves as a guideline, to give guests an idea of the items and styles that the couple prefers. One way to creatively make use of the registry is to choose one item from the list and add to it. For example, purchase a mixing bowl that the couple has chosen, then add wooden spoons, measuring cups, an oven mitt, and baking mixes for a personalized gift.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with simply choosing a gift from the registry and having it mailed to the couple. After all, they chose items that they love, and will be grateful for the items they receive from their wedding wish list.
Experience Gifts
A slightly more offbeat wedding gift is to help the couple to enjoy an experience. One way to give an experience gift is to find out where the bride and groom will be spending their honeymoon. Many resorts and vacation destinations have planned excursions and activities for guests, from couples massages to jet ski adventures. Friends and family can often get in touch with the resort to foot the bill for one of these activities.
Another option is to give the couple an experience they can share after returning from their wedding and honeymoon. Gift certificates for local restaurants, a couples cooking class, or movie tickets can offer a date night for the new husband and wife in their city.
Choosing a Gift for Your Budget
There’s an old etiquette myth saying that guests should offer a gift that costs as much as the amount that the wedding host spends on each guest. This is completely false and should not determine the gift you choose for the couple. When choosing a gift, base it on your own financial situation, your relationship to the couple, and what you feel comfortable with spending.
One option for saving money is to purchase a group gift. Team up with a few friends or family members to purchase a gift together. This is a great way for the couple to receive some of the larger items on their wish list, along with helping the gift givers to save money.
There are many bridal gift ideas that don’t need to break the bank. While registries often contain several “big ticket” items, there will be less expensive items to round out the list as well. Getting creative with your gift can also help you to save money. Keep in mind, most couples will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the gift, rather than the price tag.
When choosing a wedding gift, don’t stress too much over finding the perfect item or spending the right amount of money. Think about the personalities and interests of the bride and groom, and have fun choosing something you think they would enjoy.
