Crafting A Wedding Gift: Is It Worthwhile?

Wedding gifts are not mandatory, but they are still appreciated and expected, especially if you're close to the couple. While it's considered rude to bring a physical gift to the wedding, there are many other options to consider. You could send a card with a personal note and some cash or a cheque, or send money virtually through digital payment methods. If you want to give a physical gift, it's best to ship it to the couple's home. You could also get creative and make something personalised for the couple, such as a homemade craft or a DIY project.

Homemade gifts: DIY options like personalised mugs, coasters or a vase

Homemade gifts are a thoughtful and creative way to show your love and support for the happy couple. Here are some DIY options to consider:

Personalised Mugs

Custom-made mugs are a popular choice as a wedding gift. You can personalise the mugs with the couple's names, their wedding date, or a meaningful message. These mugs can be used as decorative pieces or for enjoying a cosy cup of coffee or tea. Consider purchasing a set of two mugs, one for each partner, to make the gift even more special. You can also include matching coasters to complete the set.

Personalised Coasters

Coasters are a practical and fun gift option. You can personalise them with the couple's initials, names, or even a meaningful design. Consider engraving their wedding date or a romantic message on the coasters to make them extra special. Personalised coasters are a great way to add a unique touch to the couple's home and can be enjoyed by both partners.

Personalised Vase

A personalised vase is a beautiful and elegant gift option for a wedding. You can engrave the couple's names, their wedding date, or a meaningful message on the vase. Consider filling the vase with flowers before gifting it to add a romantic touch. A personalised vase is a timeless gift that the couple can use to decorate their home and display beautiful floral arrangements.

When creating a homemade gift, it's important to put thought and care into the personalisation to make it unique and memorable for the couple. Consider their style, tastes, and the overall theme of their wedding when designing the gift.

Gift cards: Give the couple the flexibility to choose what they want

If you're wondering what to give as a wedding gift, you might want to consider a gift card. This option gives the couple the flexibility to choose what they want or need, and it's a great way to let them pick something that suits their tastes and preferences.

Gift cards are a thoughtful choice because they allow the couple to purchase smaller goods that might not be on their registry. For example, they can use a gift card to buy items like a shower curtain, organising bins, or recycling containers. These are items that the couple might not think to add to a formal registry, but they are essential for setting up their new life together.

The best type of gift card to give is one from a credit card company, such as Visa or American Express. These gift cards can be used anywhere that credit cards are accepted as payment, giving the newlyweds the ultimate flexibility. With these types of gift cards, the couple can choose to spend the money on whatever they need or want, whether it's home goods, a nice dinner, or a relaxing spa day.

If you want to give a gift card to a specific store, make sure the couple has access to that store so they don't have to pay extra shipping fees. You could also consider a gift card to their favourite local restaurant or a nearby spa for a post-wedding treat. Or, if the couple enjoys outdoor activities, you could give them a gift card to a store that specialises in outdoor gear, like REI.

When it comes to the amount you should put on the gift card, it really depends on your relationship with the couple and your budget. There is no set amount, but you can consider the guidelines provided by wedding gift etiquette experts. For example, coworkers or distant relatives might spend $50 to $75, while close friends or family members might spend $100 to $150 or more. Ultimately, the amount you choose to give should be comfortable for you, and it's the thought that counts.

Monetary gifts: Cash or cheque gifts are acceptable, and can be given before or after the wedding

While physical gifts are still common at weddings, cash or cheque gifts are also perfectly acceptable. In fact, according to Emily Post, cash gifts are entirely acceptable, and in some cases preferred. This is especially true for couples who are getting married later in life and already have well-stocked homes. Cash gifts can help them save for a house, adopt a puppy, or fly off to their dream honeymoon.

If you are giving cash or a cheque, it is best to send it ahead of time rather than bringing it to the wedding. This is because it can be easy for things to get misplaced in the chaos of the day. It is also one less thing for the couple to worry about transporting back to their home. If you are giving a cheque, make sure you avoid writing the couple's new shared surname in the "to" field, as the bank may not accept cheques that don't have the registered account name. Instead, write the cheque out to one person and add a happy note in the memo field.

If you would prefer to give a monetary gift but are unable to attend the wedding, you can send it ahead of time or within three months of the wedding. If you are very close to the couple, you may want to give a more generous amount. However, if you don't know the couple well, it is not obligatory to send a gift, and a card will suffice.

Group gifts: Join forces with others to buy a more expensive gift

Group gifts are a great way to buy a more expensive gift for the newlyweds. It's a win-win situation for the couple and the guests. The couple gets to choose a gift in a higher price range, and the guests can contribute an amount they are comfortable with.

• High-quality cookware: A Le Creuset Dutch oven or a Breville espresso machine are great options that the couple will appreciate and use often.
• Vitamix blender: Vitamix blenders are known for their silky smooth sauces and perfect smoothies.
• Outdoor furniture: If the couple loves entertaining, a nice outdoor dining set or patio furniture can be a great choice.
• Kitchen appliances: A KitchenAid stand mixer or a Cuisinart stand mixer are classic wedding gifts that the couple can use for baking and cooking.
• Luxury linens: Bedding sets, plush bath towels, or a cozy throw blanket can be a thoughtful and unique gift.
• Experiences: Instead of a physical gift, the group can chip in for a unique experience for the couple, like a couples massage, a gourmet cooking class, or a romantic weekend getaway.

Honeymoon fund: Contribute to the couple's post-wedding trip or experiences

A honeymoon fund is a great way to gift a couple a memorable experience over physical items. It is a popular option for couples who already have what they need to start their married life and don't want to receive gifts that they already have or won't use.

Honeymoon funds are also beneficial for guests, as they can contribute as much as they want and can be part of creating a memorable experience for the newlyweds. This option also removes the hassle of shopping for and transporting gifts.

There are various honeymoon fund registry sites available, such as Honeyfund and Prezola, which allow couples to create a free online registry. These sites offer flexibility, allowing guests to contribute to the honeymoon fund or purchase specific gifts, such as date nights, spa treatments, or excursions. Couples can also add their own photos and messages for a more personalised experience.

When creating a honeymoon fund registry, it is important to be transparent and provide clear instructions for guests. This can be done through the wedding website, invitations, or other personalised communications. It is also essential to read the terms and conditions and clarify any associated fees.

> "Dear Friends and Family,

> As we embark on our new journey together, your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. However, if you wish to contribute to our special day, we have created a honeymoon fund instead of registering for traditional gifts. Your donation will help create unforgettable memories. To contribute, please visit [insert link to your online honeymoon fund]. Thank you for your love and support. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

> With love and gratitude,

> [Your Names]"

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