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Some lucky couple you know is getting married. Get the skinny on gift giving etiquette with wedding expert Linda Kevich, and then read on for some great gift giving suggestions and convenient online purchasing options for a gift that will absolutely delight them. Wedding Gift Q & A Q: Does etiquette require me to give a gift at a wedding? A: No, according to etiquette, gifts are never required when attending a wedding, and it would be improper for a couple to expect gifts. With that said, it is nonetheless very common for wedding guests to come bearing gifts, in fact, this is quite customary. While you are not technically violating any rule of etiquette if you choose not to give a gift at a wedding, it is certainly more considerate to give something to the couple to mark the occasion, and it's the best way to ensure that you don't cause the couple to feel slighted.
Q: Does etiquette require me to give a gift to someone I know who is getting married if I will not be attending the wedding? A: No. Gifts are never required with regards to a wedding and they should never be expected. If you were not invited to the wedding, you really don't need to worry about getting a gift, unless you simply would like to do so. If you were invited to the wedding but will not be attending, sending a gift nonetheless is a thoughtful gesture, but is not in any way required of you.
Q: I have been invited to both the bridal shower for the bride, and the wedding. Am I supposed to give a gift at both? A; These are two separate events, and they are handled as two separate gift giving occasions, so it is customary to give a gift at both. As mentioned above, you are never required to give a gift at a wedding, but it is a very thoughtful and popular practice. The entire purpose of a bridal shower, on the other hand, is to help the bride stock her new home, so it is proper to give a gift when attending this form of celebration
Q: I have been invited to a bridal shower, but will not be attending. Do I have to send a gift? A: It's certainly a lovely gesture, but by no means required. Do what makes sense to you based upon the specific circumstances (how close you are to the bride, etc). If you are not attending the shower you will be committing no faux pas if you opt not to send a gift.
Q: What's the going rate for a wedding gift these days? A: This tends to vary a great deal from one geographic region to the next, but on average in the US and Canada, the value of a wedding gift if you will be attending the wedding tends to range from $50 - $100 per person. In other countries such as Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and other international locations, convert $50 - $100 US dollars to your own currency to determine what to shoot for. If you are sending a gift for a wedding you won't be attending, it is common for the gift to be of slightly lesser value, say, $25 - $50. How are these numbers determined. I'm afraid that, as romantic as weddings may be, arriving at the appropriate value for a wedding gift tends to be based on cold, hard economics. If you are attending the wedding, you want to ensure that the value of your gift will cover the cost the hosts will incur by having you in attendance. Think in terms of the type and style of wedding, and where it will be held. What amount do you think will be required to cover the cost of your meal? Obviously, a cake and punch reception in the couple's back yard will cost less than a formal sit down meal in the city's swankiest skyline restaurant. Once you've estimated what it will cost to cover your meal, you'll want to add another "bonus" amount so they actually get a gift in the end, and don't simply recoup the cost of hosting you. Etiquette queens of days gone by would claim that guests should never have to consider the cost's of their host in determining what to give as a gift. True enough, you don't have to run these calculations, but a truly gracious guest is naturally inclined to do so, out of their genuine desire to treat the bride and groom, and to be generous on, what is to the couple a very special occasion. Gift Giving Suggestions Drawing a blank in terms of what to get the bride and groom to be? We've assembled ideas that will delight even the most difficult to buy for couple.
The Fast Track
to Finding
Perfect Gifts The internet has simplified and added convenience to our lives in so many ways, and no where could this be more true than when it comes to the challenge of hunting down special gifts for special occasions. There are some terrific online retailers who offer a remarkable selection of gifts which are perfect for weddings. With a click of a mouse, you'll find a world of unique, beautiful and impressive gift giving ideas will unfold before you - the sort of items which tell the recipient that you put extra thought into selecting something extra-special for them.
The only challenge
you will perhaps face now is having so many wonderful options
to choose from. We're very selective in the recommendations we make,
and have hand picked each of these for this guide: |
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You can have a
star named for the couple as a wedding gift for them. Yes, an
actual star in the
sky.
"Sure", you are thinking, "If your last name happens
to be Rockefeller". You would indeed think that something as
'out of this world' as this would cost a small fortune to accomplish,
so it might surprise you to learn that it can be done for a mere $48.
For years, The International Star Registry So what do they receive to prove that there is really a star in the sky which will bear their name from this day until the end of time? A 12" x 16" parchment certificate, available framed or unframed, which includes the name of the couple you have named a star after, the dedication date, and the telescopic coordinates of the star. They'll also receive an informative booklet with charts of the constellations plus a larger, more detailed chart featuring the star you've named for them, encircled in red. Because these star names are copyrighted with their telescopic coordinates in the book, "Your Place in the Cosmos," future generations will be able to identify the star in the directory, and using a telescope, locate the actual star in the sky! Can you think of a more romantic gift to mark the ultimate in romantic milestone occasions? Its important to add that as perfect as this for a wedding gift for the bride and groom, it really is the gift of a lifetime for anyone you think the world of. You might consider naming a star for special people in your life on other important gift giving occasions as well. If you really want to create a splash at the wedding, and this part is purely optional, you might want to consider asking the master of ceremonies to announce following the toasts at the reception that you have had a star named for the happy couple - then listen to the gasps of delight and approval, the "wow!"s, "ooohs", and "ahhhhs" from everyone in attendance. It truly makes for a remarkable moment.
Personal Creations
Things Remembered
Mikasa
Illuminations A unique mix of inspiring and truly uncommon gift ideas in price ranges which suit every recipient, although some of the prices can be "up there".
Hallmark on-line offers shopping convenience and selection. Often a good source for elegant gifts which are reasonably priced.
Internet Florist Bookmark this page and come back for future gift needs - we update and add to these ideas often! What can we do to make this guide more helpful to you? Please do let us know!
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A
slightly high end store, but if you are on a budget you'll often
score some fabulous finds during their clearance sales. We found a
set of $50 crystal candlesticks for $9.95 - perfect for a classic
wedding gift, and they'd never imagine how little you paid. The wine
basket at right would make a sensational gift for a shower - At half
price it was just $9.95 when we went looking!