You have been invited to a wedding. What do you do about a gift? Protocol dictates that the gift is somewhat a requirement, however small, once you have been officially asked to attend, whether you do show up or choose to decline.
However don’t worry, today more than ever it has become easier to both give and deliver a wedding gift. Browse our handy guide below for tips and strategies to streamline this task.
REGISTRY GIFT
With the arrival of modern technology you can now choose between an online registry as well as the special touch of visiting the stores personally. The registry takes the worry out of the “what to give” question. You know that not only is what you are buying a welcome addition, but has in fact been hand picked by the couple, so you can’t go wrong. On receiving an invitation ask the couple themselves or family/ friends of their registry details so you can make arrangements as soon as possible to have the best possible choice. Even if the registry is updated, it is often those first choices which are the ones most needed. In addition if you are on a budget you don’t want to be left with the more pricey items that you cannot possibly afford (these are usually added for very close family and friends). The registry will gift wrap the item/s for you.
UNIQUE GIFT
If you feel uncomfortable about using the registry, you do not have to. Any gift you choose to give with sincerity and good intentions, will be welcome by the couple. You may feel the need to be a little more unique, or you may know the couple enough to believe you recognise just the right gift, that they would appreciate, but might have overlooked themselves when choosing their registry. Online shopping can be helpful here also, providing a full package for your requirements. Just remember a few pointers:
Do not favour the gift to one member of the couple, the gift should be for them as a unit
Be discreet if considering gifts of money, do not embarrass them by placing it in their hands, opting rather to secure it in a suitably presented envelope, with only mentions of best wishes or your kind hopes for their future together
Steer clear of “anticipation” gifts opting rather for what they will need now. For example, save the baby clothes for the baby shower, or gardening equipment for when they no longer live in an apartment
Etiquette states that you have a year after the wedding to send a gift but it would be better to give the gift now so that they can plan and coordinate rather than later. You might also find that by that time the couple might have already obtained the item.
DELIVERY
Both etiquette and sensibility dictates that it would be inappropriate to arrive at the wedding with your gift to the couple. You would have been informed of an address on the RSVP of the wedding invitation. For registry or online purchases, all will be arranged and shipped accordingly. The couple will be very busy on their wedding day and there will be no facilities for gifts at the wedding, your gift may get damaged or worst case scenario, lost altogether. Some couples opt to have a gift table at the reception but you will usually have been informed of such, in advance, if this is the case.
