Gifts For The Wedding Party: Who Gives And Receives?

Bridesmaids and groomsmen are expected to give wedding gifts to the couple, regardless of their other expenses. This can be an individual or group gift, and it is customary to send it shortly before, on, or soon after the wedding. The gift can be something from the couple's wedding registry or something more sentimental, like a bottle of wine and two glasses. The rehearsal dinner is a good opportunity to give gifts to the wedding party, but they can also be exchanged on the morning of the wedding.

Wedding gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen are customary

The amount spent on a wedding gift should reflect the budget of the wedding. For example, if it is a small backyard wedding, a small token of appreciation may suffice. However, for a destination wedding, the additional expense incurred by the wedding party should be considered, and they should be thanked with a generous gift. On average, bridesmaids and groomsmen spend around $125 on wedding gifts, but they should only spend what they can afford.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen often incur significant expenses for bachelor/bachelorette parties, suits, gowns, showers, and travel. As such, it is a thoughtful gesture for the couple to give their wedding party a gift as a symbol of their appreciation. These gifts can be given on the morning of the wedding or at the rehearsal dinner. The gifts may be something for the wedding party to use during the wedding, such as jewellery or getting-ready robes, or they can be non-wedding-related items as a special thank you.

The average spend is $125, but it depends on budget

While it is customary to give a wedding gift to the couple, the amount you spend as a bridesmaid or groomsman depends on your budget. On average, bridesmaids and groomsmen spend $125 on a wedding gift, but this number is flexible and you should only spend what you can afford. Wedding party members can also go in on a group gift, which is often a more expensive item from the couple's wedding registry.

If you're trying to decide how much to spend, it's helpful to consider the scale of the wedding. For example, if it's a small backyard wedding, a small token of appreciation may be enough. However, if it's a lavish destination wedding, you might want to give a more generous gift to thank the wedding party for their additional expenses.

As a bridesmaid or groomsman, you may also be expected to give gifts at pre-wedding events, such as the bridal shower or engagement party. These gifts are typically less expensive than a wedding gift and can be given individually or as a group. For example, a nice bottle of champagne is a thoughtful way to say congratulations at an engagement party.

When creating your budget, it's important to factor in other wedding-related expenses such as attire, travel, accommodations, and any costs associated with pre-wedding events. It's also a good idea to plan ahead and add the gift expense to your wedding budget well in advance. This will help ensure that you have a clear understanding of your financial commitments.

Gifts are also expected at pre-wedding events

The bridal shower is another event where gifts are expected. Traditionally, bridesmaids should give a gift to the bride at this event, as one of the purposes of the bridal shower is for the couple to receive gifts from their registry. If you're the host, you're not required to splurge on an extravagant gift. Instead, buy a wedding gift that fits within your budget, or contribute to a group gift with the other bridesmaids.

If you're a bridesmaid, you're also expected to contribute to the costs of the bachelorette party. This could include travel, accommodation, meals, party decor, and entertainment. If you're unable to cover all these costs, that's completely fine. It's important to communicate with the other bridesmaids about what works best for everyone financially. While you're not expected to bring a gift to the bachelorette party, you could surprise the bride with a funny t-shirt or another keepsake.

Finally, while it's not mandatory, you might want to consider giving the couple a gift at the rehearsal dinner. If you haven't already purchased a wedding gift, there are some last-minute options, such as donating to the couple's cash fund or buying them a cooking class.

Gifts can be individual or group purchases

When it comes to wedding gifts, bridesmaids and groomsmen have a lot of options. They can either purchase individual gifts or contribute to a group gift. The advantage of a group gift is that it allows the wedding party to pool their money together to buy a more expensive item that the couple would truly appreciate.

Group gifts are often chosen from the couple's wedding registry. This is a list of items that the couple would like to receive as gifts, and it can include anything from home décor to kitchen appliances. By choosing a gift from the registry, the wedding party can be sure that the couple will like and use the present. If the wedding party decides to go with a group gift, it is important to decide on a total budget and divide the cost accordingly.

On the other hand, individual gifts allow bridesmaids and groomsmen to choose something more personalised for the couple. Individual gifts can be especially meaningful if they are tailored to the couple's hobbies or interests. For example, if the couple enjoys cooking, a bridesmaid or groomsman could gift them a set of gourmet spices or a cooking class. If the couple is into outdoor activities, a gift card for an adventure company could be a great option.

The cost of individual gifts can vary depending on the bridesmaid or groomsman's budget. On average, close friends or relatives of the couple spend around $125 on a wedding gift. However, it is important to stick to one's budget and not feel pressured to spend more than one can afford.

Whether they choose to go with individual or group gifts, bridesmaids and groomsmen should also consider the practicality of the present. For example, if the couple is having a destination wedding, it is best to give a gift that is easy to transport, such as a gift card or a bottle of wine, rather than a bulky item.

In addition to the wedding gift itself, bridesmaids and groomsmen may also want to consider giving the couple gifts at other pre-wedding events, such as the engagement party or bridal shower. These gifts are typically less expensive than the wedding gift but are still a nice way to show appreciation and celebrate the couple.

Gifts can be wedding-themed or non-wedding-related

It is customary for bridesmaids and groomsmen to give gifts to the newlyweds, either before, during, or after the wedding. These gifts can be wedding-themed or non-wedding-related.

If you are looking for wedding-themed gifts, you can shop from the couple's wedding registry. This is the easiest way to find something they will enjoy and need for their home. If you are unable to find anything on the registry, you can consider their shared hobbies, home renovation projects, or a sentimental gift such as a bottle of wine and two glasses.

If you are looking for non-wedding-related gifts, you can consider items that the couple wouldn't typically buy for themselves but will use again and again. For bridesmaids, some ideas include champagne flutes, small makeup bags, getting-ready robes, or jewellery. For groomsmen, consider flasks, pint glasses, ties, dress socks, or wallet holders. You can also treat them to an experience, such as a spa treatment or an excursion.

For both bridesmaids and groomsmen, a hangover kit can be a fun and useful gift. Fill a reusable bag with items like ibuprofen, vitamin C, gum, a sports drink, and a granola bar.

Regardless of the gift you choose, it is important to stick to your budget. The average amount spent on wedding gifts by bridesmaids and groomsmen is $125, but you should spend what you can afford.

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