Choosing A Gift When Not Invited To The Wedding

There is no strict wedding gift etiquette if you haven't been invited to the wedding. However, if you want to give a gift, it's a good idea to consider your relationship with the couple and your budget. If you are close to the couple, a thoughtful gift or a cash gift is appropriate. If you are not very close to the couple, a card with your congratulations is sufficient.

It is not obligatory to send a gift if you are not attending the wedding

If you are not attending a wedding, it is generally considered thoughtful to send a card with your congratulations and well-wishes. This is especially true if you are a casual acquaintance or do not know the couple well. In this case, a card is enough, and you are not expected to send a gift.

However, if you are close to the couple and are genuinely upset about not being able to attend, you may want to consider sending a gift to show how much you care. This is more common if you are a dear friend or family member of the couple. In this case, a small gift or a contribution to their honeymoon fund is appropriate, but it is not obligatory.

Ultimately, the decision to send a gift or not is up to you and should be based on your relationship with the couple and your financial means. If you are not invited to the wedding, a verbal congratulations or a card is generally considered sufficient.

The type of gift depends on your relationship with the couple

The type of gift you give depends on your relationship with the couple. If you are very close to the couple, it is likely that you will want to send a gift to show you are thinking of them on their special day. In this case, a thoughtful gift that reflects their interests is a good idea. For example, a framed print of the couple or a private cooking class that they can enjoy together. If you are unable to attend due to a last-minute emergency, sending cash is also a good option as it is quick and easy for the couple to receive.

If you are not as close to the couple, it is less important to send a gift. In this case, a nice card is a thoughtful gesture and is all that is expected. If you do want to send a gift, a small, affordable present is a good idea. A voucher, a bottle of bubbly, or a small gift is a nice way to express your congratulations without going overboard. You could also send a group gift, which is a good option if you are not very close to the couple.

If you are unable to attend due to financial reasons, it is perfectly acceptable to send your regrets without a gift. A card with your well-wishes is a thoughtful gesture and will be appreciated by the couple.

Ultimately, the type of gift you give depends on your relationship with the couple and your own personal budget. If you are very close to the couple, a more thoughtful and personalized gift is appropriate. If you are not as close, a small gift or card is a nice gesture.

If you are sending a gift, check the couple's registry

If you are sending a gift to a couple who are getting married, it is a good idea to check their registry. This is a wish list of gifts that the couple would like to receive, and it is a convenient way to find a suitable gift for the couple, especially if you are not close to them.

Checking the couple's registry is also a good way to ensure that your gift is something they will appreciate and use. It can be challenging to choose a gift for someone you don't know well, and the registry can provide guidance and make the process easier. It can also be a way to ensure that your gift is unique. If you choose something from the registry, you can be sure that no one else will give the same gift.

Even if you are not attending the wedding, it is still recommended to check the couple's registry. This wish list is a great way to find a suitable gift, and it can be especially helpful if you are not close to the couple. You can choose something that you know they will want and need, and it can be a way to show your support for their union, even if you can't be there in person.

If the couple does not have a registry, there are other options for gifts. A practical keepsake, such as glassware, a beautiful bowl, cutlery, or a blanket, can be a safe and thoughtful choice. You could also consider a contemporary option, such as a coffee table book or art print. An experience gift, such as a restaurant voucher or a cooking class, can be a fun way for the couple to create new memories together.

You don't have to spend as much as if you were attending

If you're not attending a wedding, you don't have to spend as much on a gift as you would if you were attending. In fact, you're not obligated to send a gift at all, especially if you're not close to the couple. In this case, a nice card is enough.

However, if you are close to the couple and are genuinely upset about not being able to attend, you might want to send a gift to show how much you care. In this case, it's still acceptable to spend a little less than you would if you were attending. A card accompanied by a small gift will more than suffice.

If you're not attending due to financial constraints, don't feel pressured to send a gift. It's perfectly fine to send a card with your best wishes.

If you do decide to send a gift, it's a good idea to check the couple's registry for ideas. This is especially helpful if you're not close to the couple and are unsure what to get them. You can choose something relatively affordable from the registry and include a sweet note expressing your sadness at not being able to attend and your excitement for them.

If you are close to the couple, you might want to consider a more personalised gift that reflects their interests. For example, a gift card to their favourite restaurant or a charm bracelet symbolizing your friendship.

Remember, the most important factor when deciding whether or not to send a gift is your relationship with the couple. If they are dear friends, you'll likely want to send a gift, even if it's a small one. If they are just casual acquaintances, a card will likely be enough.

Send the gift before the wedding or up to a year after

Sending a gift before the wedding or up to a year after is a great way to show the couple how much you care and that you wish you could have celebrated with them on their big day. It's not expected, but it's a thoughtful and generous gesture that will be remembered. Here are some tips and ideas for sending a gift before or after the wedding:

Timing:

While it's not necessary to send a gift if you're not invited to the wedding, if you do choose to send one, it's recommended to send it before the wedding so the couple knows you're thinking about them. Sending it before the wedding also allows the couple to appreciate it amid the excitement leading up to their special day. However, if unforeseen circumstances lead to a delay, it's perfectly acceptable to send a gift up to a year after the wedding.

Gift Ideas:

• A practical keepsake is always a safe bet. Consider items like glassware, barware, a beautiful bowl, cutlery, a cake slice, a blanket, a picnic basket, or an oven dish.
• Coffee table books or art prints are a more contemporary choice.
• An experience gift, such as a restaurant voucher, cinema membership, cooking class, day excursion, or afternoon tea.
• A group gift, a voucher, a bottle of bubbly, or a small gift.
• If the couple has a gift registry, you can simply purchase something from that.

Amount to Spend:

How much you spend on a wedding gift is generally determined by your relationship with the couple and your financial means. If you're not attending the wedding, you don't need to conform to spending a set amount and can simply spend whatever you can afford and feel is appropriate. If you're sending a gift for a non-immediate family member or casual friend, a gift of less than $50 is generally considered appropriate. For a close friend or family member, you might consider spending more, around $150-$170.

Frequently asked questions