Weddings And Gift Giving On A Budget

Weddings and Gift Giving on a Budget

When you've been invited to a wedding one of the first

things that you think of is the gift that you are going to buy

for the special couple in celebration of their union.

Technically, a gift is not necessary if you are invited to a

bridal shower or a wedding and you are unable to go.

However, most people who are invited to showers and

weddings do send gifts even if they cannot attend the

event. There is no socially acceptable way to tell guests

what type of gifts to give you. Gift etiquette also dictates

that it is not advisable under any circumstance to ask for

money instead of gifts, not even donations to charities are

seen as appropriate. However, always remember that

trends and practices change.

More and more people realize that getting the couple off to

a good start, is what really matters. Monetary gifts are on

a definite increase. Gift etiquette also states that gifts

should typically not be mentioned at all on invitations. Word

of mouth is the reliable tool to put into motion on this

delicate matter.

Close friends, relatives and the members of your wedding

party can be trusted allies in this undertaking of spreading

the word, especially when receiving a specific enquiry

regarding gifts. Wedding registries in-store, online and

through other service providers, are helpful to couples and

guests alike. Monetary gifts will mostly be given at the

reception, in person, to the couple.

Envelopes will be handed to the happy couple as they

make their way through the room greeting people. Guests

have up to one year typically to send gifts according to

wedding etiquette, and are normally sent to the couples'

new home address. These are just some examples of

accepted practices for weddings gift etiquette.

Situations where gift giving might be optional: Wedding

gifts are tokens of congratulations and affection. It remains

however not necessary if you will not be at the wedding,

reception, or if it is a second wedding.

Other situations might include: a group invitation to the

ceremony extended to members of a church congregation;

when a wedding invitation must be refused due to a prior

commitment and when the guest is attending a second

wedding of the bride and groom just a couple of years

after attending the first. As a rule of thumb though, always

plan on sending a gift when you accept a wedding

invitation.

Money should never be given to earn "bragging rights" or

display wealth or be-little the recipients and their families

or interests in any way. Be sensitive, thoughtful and kind in

your financial and monetary gestures, using common

sense, opening your heart to the needs of those you want

to make feel special,