Buying Wedding Gifts: Before Or After The Big Day?

Wedding gift-giving can be a tricky business. While it's not mandatory to give a gift, it is customary and expected, especially if you're close to the couple. So, when is the best time to buy a wedding gift?

There are a few different opinions on this. Some sources suggest that it is best to send a gift as soon as you receive the invitation, while others recommend sending it two weeks before the wedding. This ensures that the couple doesn't have to hold onto it for months and can use it once they're back from their honeymoon. Sending a gift within three months of the wedding is also considered acceptable.

If you're giving cash, it's best to do so a few weeks to a month before the wedding. You can bring an envelope with you to the wedding and hand it directly to the couple, but there is a slight risk of it getting lost or stolen during the event.

It's generally recommended to avoid bringing physical gifts to the wedding, especially if it's a destination wedding. The couple will have enough to deal with on their big day, and coordinating gift transportation can be stressful.

So, while there's no definitive answer, it's generally best to send a gift before the wedding, ideally within three months of the date or two weeks before the event.

It is recommended to send a wedding gift within three months of the wedding date

Wedding gift-giving can be a confusing affair, especially when it comes to timing. While traditional etiquette states that guests have up to a year after the wedding to send a gift, it is now recommended that you send a gift within three months of the wedding date.

Sending a gift within three months of the wedding is a good guideline for a few reasons. Firstly, it is a kind gesture to send your gift promptly, and even before the wedding day itself. This ensures that your gift arrives on time and is a thoughtful way to celebrate the couple's big day. Secondly, if you send your gift before the wedding, the couple will likely be able to write you a thank-you note before the craziness of the big day and their honeymoon. Thirdly, if you wait too long to send your gift, it may slip your mind altogether. While it is better to be late than never, sending a gift within three months of the wedding reduces the risk of forgetting.

If you want to be extra organised, you can purchase a gift from the couple's registry about four to six weeks before the wedding. This way, you can take care of a few wedding-related tasks at once, such as sending back the RSVP card and browsing for an outfit. By doing so, you can also ensure that your gift arrives before the wedding and that you have plenty of gift options to choose from.

So, while there is no hard and fast rule about when to send a wedding gift, aiming for within three months of the wedding date is a thoughtful and practical approach. This way, you can celebrate the happy couple without adding to their stress or causing delays in their thank-you process.

You can give a wedding gift before the wedding

According to wedding etiquette experts, it is ideal to send a wedding gift two weeks before the wedding. This way, the couple isn't holding onto it for months before the big day, and they can incorporate your gift into their home by the time they return from their honeymoon.

If you are giving cash or a cheque, it is acceptable to bring an envelope with you to the wedding and give it directly to the couple or place it in a card box. However, there is a slight risk that your gift may get lost or stolen during the event. To avoid this, you can send a gift card, contribute to the couple's honeymoon fund or cash registry, or use a payment app a few weeks to a month before the wedding.

While it is not mandatory to give a wedding gift, it is still appreciated and expected, especially if you are close to the couple. The amount you spend on a wedding gift depends on your relationship with the couple and your budget.

It is best to avoid bringing your gift to the wedding

While it may be tempting to bring your gift to the wedding, especially if it is a card with money or a cheque, it is best to avoid doing so. There is a slight risk that your gift will get lost or stolen during the event. It is also one more thing for the couple to keep track of and coordinate transportation for, which can be stressful and annoying. Instead, send your gift directly to the couple's home or contribute to their honeymoon fund or cash registry. That way, the newlyweds have less to worry about on their big day and can fully focus on celebrating their marriage.

If you are giving a financial gift, it is perfectly acceptable to bring a card with cash or a cheque to the wedding. However, if you want to give a physical gift, it is best to have it shipped directly to the couple's home. That way, you don't have to worry about lugging your gift to the wedding, and the couple doesn't have to worry about storing and transporting it. It is also a good idea to send your gift in advance, especially if it is a destination wedding. That way, the couple won't have to worry about schlepping a blender back from Bermuda!

Another reason to avoid bringing your gift to the wedding is that the couple may already have a lot of things packed for their trip. This is especially true for destination weddings, where the couple is likely to have limited space and may not want to deal with extra baggage. By sending your gift directly to their home, you can make their lives a little easier.

Finally, sending your gift ahead of time will ensure that it arrives before the wedding day. This is important because the couple may be going on their honeymoon right after the wedding, and you don't want your gift to arrive while they are away. By sending it early, you can also give them time to write you a thank-you note before the craziness of the big day. So, while it may be tempting to bring your gift to the wedding, it is best to avoid doing so. Send it directly to their home or contribute to their cash registry, and you'll be helping to make their special day a little less stressful.

You can give money as a wedding gift

While wedding gifts are not mandatory, they are still appreciated and expected, especially if you're close to the couple. If you're wondering how to give money as a wedding gift, you have a few options. Firstly, it's important to consider your budget and relationship with the couple when deciding on the amount. You can refer to the standard etiquette rules or the average wedding gift amount of $100 as a starting point and adjust according to your closeness with the couple and your financial situation.

• Pair it with a card: Instead of just handing over an envelope with cash, add a personal note to make your gift more meaningful. A heartfelt card expressing your support and well wishes for the couple will show that you care about their love story.
• Go virtual: Sending your cash gift through digital payment methods like Zelle, Venmo, or Paypal is a convenient option. You can schedule the payment to arrive on the wedding day or set a reminder to send it ahead of time.
• Send a gift card: Gift cards are a great way to let the couple choose exactly what they want, whether it's for a specific store or a general-purpose card like Visa or American Express. This option is especially useful for purchasing smaller goods or services that might not be on a formal registry.
• Distribute funds over time: Get creative by attaching cash to gifts that the couple can open at different milestones. For example, you could give them vintage bottles of wine marked for their 5th, 10th, and 15th anniversaries.
• Contribute to a cash fund: Many couples will create a cash fund on their registry if they prefer monetary gifts. This option gives the couple flexibility in using the money for various expenses, such as a down payment on a home or their honeymoon.
• Donate to a charity: If the couple requests "no gifts" but welcomes donations, consider making a charitable contribution in their name to a cause they support.

Remember, it's best to send your gift before the wedding or bring it to the reception rather than waiting until after the event.

You should spend what you can afford on a wedding gift

While there are many factors that determine how much you should spend on a wedding gift, the most important consideration is your budget. Wedding gift etiquette recommends spending what you can afford on a gift for the happy couple.

The average wedding gift amount is $100 to $150, but this is just a starting point and you can adjust this number up or down depending on your budget and your relationship with the couple. If you are close to the couple, you might want to spend more, whereas, for acquaintances or coworkers, you are not expected to spend as much. Similarly, if you are attending with a plus-one, you can give a joint gift, which can help cut costs.

If your budget is tight, you may want to opt for a more sentimental gift or buy something from the registry, which can often be done at a lower cost. You could also club with other guests to buy a group gift.

It's also important to remember that you don't have to buy a gift at all. While it is proper etiquette to give something, you are not required to do so, especially if you are unable to attend the wedding. Ultimately, the choice of what to buy and how much to spend is up to you and what you can afford.

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