Weddings aren’t just a big day for couples – they’re big days for guests too! After all, you get to see the two lovebirds you’ve been rooting for since the beginning finally tie the knot.
As a guest, there’s a few things you should prepare leading up to the ceremony. Clothes (remember: white is off-limits), maybe a date, and most importantly, a gift for the happy bride and groom! Before you go off and tackle all the online boutiques and appliance stores, keep in mind that there are some unspoken rules to follow when it comes to gifting the lucky couple. We know it can be tricky since no one really gives you a heads-up about these things, which is why we’re here to help!
Courtesy of The Bouqs, here’s our simple breakdown of wedding gift-giving etiquette (plus some wedding gift ideas in case you need added inspiration)!
Wedding Gift Etiquette
We get it – not everyone knows how much they should be spending on their gifts, if they should even bring the gift on the wedding day, or what to even get the just-married couple. There’s a lot of questions, and we want to make sure they don’t go unanswered!
- This might go without saying, but if you’re closer to the bride and groom, you are expected to spend a bit more on your gift. According to The Knot, the price breakdown says that distant relatives and co-workers should spend anywhere between $75 and $100; a closer friend or relative should spent about $100 to $125; and lastly, immediate families and besties should expect to pay about $150 or more if they choose.
- Most couples will have a wedding registry. If they do, do your best to choose from the options your favorite couple has laid out for you!
- Try not to bring your gift to the wedding. With all the hustle and bustle that is sure to happen that day, it might make things a bit more hectic. But of course, there’s a two-month grace period, meaning that the couple should receive your wonderful gift within two months after the “I Do’s.”
- If the couple decides to go all out with the celebration by hosting an engagement party and a bridal shower, don’t fret! You don’t have to splurge on a gift for every single occasion leading up to the wedding. In fact, the rule of thumb is to spend less on non-wedding gifts. If you want to divide things pretty evenly, spend about 20% of your funds on the engagement party, 20% on the bridal shower, and then 60% on the wedding gift.
Wedding Gift Ideas
Maybe you looked at the wedding registry and thought you might want to gift something besides the generic bedding materials (but those are always helpful nonetheless). We want to make sure you gift the lucky couple something that you can be proud of, which is why we’ve come up with a few ideas of our own to inspire your upcoming shopping spree.
- Furniture: Every marriage is a new chapter for the happy couple, and we all know that a home makeover is probably somewhere on their to-do list. Furniture pieces are perfect because they go a long way – the newlyweds don’t have to worry about replacing a chair or coffee table for years and years to come! Vintage furniture, in particular, can give any home that trendy rustic atmosphere. Modern furniture, on the other hand, is probably your best bet if you know the couple is going for a sleeker look when it comes to home décor. No matter what, your gift is sure to be a valuable addition in the newlywed’s humble abode.
- Kitchen Appliances: Kitchen gadgets are usually the most popular choice when it comes to wedding gifts, and we can’t deny how useful they are. But we don’t want the newlywed to get piles and piles of pots and pans in their present pile. Programmable crockpots aren’t just super nifty, they’re also convenient for people who are easily forgetful. These slow cookers have a built-in timer to make sure dinners aren’t completely burnt to a toast, and best of all, they automatically keep your meal warm after it’s done boiling or braising – a necessity in every kitchen!
- Projector: If the just-married couple loves spending time indoors, we think a portable projector would be perfect for those homebodies who enjoy a movie or two! Projectors definitely give any feature a more old-school vibe. Just find a blank wall somewhere in the house and cozy up with some blankets and popcorn – perfect date night!
- Smart Home Appliances: Nowadays, almost every home is transitioning into a smart home. This means that most of the appliances within a household is capable of communicating with each other and being controlled remotely, offering the homeowner comfort, efficiency, and overall convenience. We’re all about everything smart devices have to offer, which is why we think they would make the perfect gift for anyone who wants to make their lives a little easier. The Echo Smart Speaker is the best way to introduce someone who’s more of a newbie when it comes to smart technology. The user can simply call out a few commands to play music, make phone calls, or set alarms and the Echo will work its magic!
There you have it, our guide to wedding gift etiquette and few bonus gift ideas for the lovey-dovey couple! No matter what your wedding needs are, The Bouqs wants to make sure you’re getting all the help you need.
Whether you’re planning a wedding of your own or want to gift any lucky brides a subscription to the freshest blooms around, we’ve got you covered.
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