Thursday, February 2, 2012

Wedding Gift Giving Etiquette

It is customary to give gifts to celebrate an event in one's life. Anniversary is a prime example of this. With the marriage, since the couple announced their engagement to the end of the wedding reception, gift giving opportunities are plentiful. Here are some events that were conducted before and after the wedding where gift giving is appropriate.

Engagement Party

Involvement is not mandatory, and not every couple has one. But for those who do, guests are not obligated to bring gifts, but many will choose to do so. If the event is more formal, more prizes may be awarded. If you do not want to reward this time, you may want to hold a family dinner and my friends and announce your engagement during the celebrations. All gifts given before or after the party or announcement should be followed up with a thank you note.

The Wedding - Before, During and After


Wedding gifts can be sent immediately after the guests received their invitations. Many couples choose to have a registry at one or more stores, and guests can choose from a list of the registry. You do not have to include a list of gift registry with your invitation - guests should ask for their wedding or help plan your wedding in which you registered. A registry is designed to help, but guests are not obliged to buy from it. Many guests will choose something personal to you; others may offer a monetary reward. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula to calculate what the wedding guests have to give a, and monetary gifts you will receive will be varied. Gifts are a sign of love, and should not be expected to pay for the wedding itself. Keep in mind that many of the invited guests, who could not attend the wedding, can send a gift too. If you think your guests may not attend due to travel distance, ill health or monetary constraints, is in better taste to send wedding announcements after the wedding because the invitation is accompanied by an obligation to send a gift. All the wedding gifts should be formally recognized at the latest four weeks after the wedding.

The Bridal Shower or Wedding

Legend has it that a long time ago who was deeply in love, but do not have the money to get married. Friends and family gathered to shower the couple with gifts so that they could start their lives together. A bridal shower is usually hosted by a companion but can be thrown by the wedding party or mother of the bride. Bridal shower gift can be purchased from the registry, but not mandatory. Bridal showers can be formal or casual, and can include women only or as a more modern twist to include both sexes. Once again, all gifts should be recognized and thank you notes should be sent.

Rehearsal Dinner

Exercise usually occurs a week before the wedding, and it was the last time the couple had officially got together with members of the wedding. It is customary to give gifts to the bride for a wedding present to convey their thanks. Usually, the bride gives gifts to the groom and the maid of women to male officers. The officers can also give gifts to the couple at this time.

Wedding Day

Traditionally the couple to give a small gift of thanks and appreciation to their guests in the form of wedding favors. Although wedding favors are not mandatory, they are a great way to thank your guests for attending your wedding. Do you give one to a guest or one for a couple or family is up to you. There is no ethical standard for distributing wedding favors. Wedding favors that you choose should reflect the style and personality of the couple.

As you can see the marriage brings many opportunities to give. While you may not have any events before the wedding day, you will be showered with gifts by friends and family during pre-wedding time. Plan your time to write thank you notes to gift givers you will know how much their generosity means to you.

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