Weddings are a beautiful celebration of love and commitment, and thoughtful gift-giving is an essential part of this event.
While selecting the perfect gift can be a challenge, it's important to remember that the gift should reflect the couple's taste and needs, and be within your budget. In this blog post, we'll delve deeper into the etiquette of wedding gift ideas, including what to give, when to give, and how much to spend.
What to Give
When choosing a wedding gift for couples, it's essential to consider the couple's interests, personalities, and needs. Here are some unique wedding gift ideas to get you started:
Cash or Gift Cards
Cash or gift cards may seem impersonal to some, but they can be an excellent choice for couples who are saving up for a big purchase or have a specific financial goal in mind, such as a down payment on a house or a honeymoon. Giving cash or a gift card can also give the couple the flexibility to purchase the items they really want, rather than receiving multiple items they may not need.
www.notonthehighstreet.com have unique wedding gifts ideas for the wedding couple, they also have price point ideas and you could club together with other family members to help maximise your budget.
https://giftcards.notonthehighstreet.com/digital
Kitchen Appliances
Most couples appreciate a new kitchen appliance for a wedding day present, such as a coffee maker, toaster, or blender. These items are practical and useful and will be a daily reminder of your thoughtful gift. You can also consider a more significant kitchen appliance, such as a stand mixer or a high-end espresso machine, if you know the couple enjoys cooking and baking. Again you could join together with other friends to stretch your budget.
https://www.johnlewis.com/search?search-term=coffeemachines
Home Decor
Home decor items, such as picture frames, vases, or artwork, can make a thoughtful wedding gift. Just make sure the item fits the couple's taste and style. If you're not sure what type of decor the couple likes, consider a gift card to a home decor or online store. If you know where the wedding venue is, you could invest in an illustration of the location of the wedding to make your gift extra special.
https://birdyhome.co.uk/products/personalised-wedding-venue-watercolour-framed-print
Here are some more examples of home decor ideas for every budget.
https://ohsocherished.co.uk/special-date-crystal-coupe-set
https://www.therusticdish.com/collections/wedding-gifts/products/personalised-wedding-cheeseboard
https://www.thatsnicethat.com/collections/wedding-gifts-2/products/personalised-hubby-and-wifey-honeymoon-luggage-tag-set
Experiences
If the couple is adventurous and enjoys trying new things, consider gifting them an experience, such as a cooking class, wine tasting, or a weekend getaway. These types of gifts can create lasting memories and are a great way for the couple to relax and unwind after the wedding. We love this romantic idea of 'Star gazing for Couples' where friends could join together to give a more memorable wedding present.
https://darkskywalestrainingservices.co.uk/product/couples-stargazing/
https://rademonestatedistillery.com/tours/shortcross-gin-and-whiskey-distillery-tour/
This is a truly unique wedding gift where you can tour a distillery as a couple with gin and whiskey tasting.
Wedding Registry Items
Many couples create a wedding registry, which is a list of items they would like to receive as gifts. If the couple has a registry, it's a good idea to purchase a gift from the list, as it's likely something they really want or need. Be sure to check the registry early to ensure there are still items available in your price range.
When to Give
Traditionally, wedding gifts are given before or on the day of the wedding. If you're planning to bring the gift to the wedding, be sure to check the couple's registry or ask their close family or friends if they have any specific instructions. Some couples prefer to receive gifts in advance, while others may have a designated gift table or box at the wedding reception.
If you're sending the gift by mail, be sure to send it a few weeks before the wedding to ensure it arrives on time. It's also a good idea to include a note or card congratulating the couple on their special day.
How Much to Spend
One of the most common questions people have about wedding gift-giving is how much to spend. While there's no set amount, the amount you choose to spend should depend on your relationship with the couple and your budget. Here are a few things to consider when determining how much to spend:
Your Relationship with the Couple
If you're deciding on a wedding gift idea for best friend or family member of the couple, you may want to spend more on a gift than if you're a distant acquaintance. However, it's important to remember that the value of the gift is not a reflection of your love or friendship with the couple. It's the thought that counts!
The Couple’s Lifestyle: Consider the couple’s lifestyle and financial situation when selecting a gift. If they are saving up for a big purchase, such as a house or a car, they may appreciate cash or gift cards more than a physical gift.
Your Budget: Ultimately, the amount you choose to spend on a gift should be within your budget. It’s better to give a heartfelt gift that you can afford than to go into debt to impress the couple.
As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to spend at least enough to cover the cost of your meal at the wedding reception. However, if you’re close with the couple or attending an extravagant wedding, it’s acceptable to spend more.
Here's a link for more gift ideas...
https://birdyhome.co.uk/collections/weddings