Thoughtful Wedding Gifts: The Key To Success

Wedding gifts are often a source of stress for guests, who may already be shelling out for flights, hotels, and bridesmaid dresses. The average person spends $50 to $100 on a wedding gift, but how much you spend depends on your budget and your relationship with the couple. It's generally recommended to buy something from the couple's registry, but if you're going off-registry, it's important to consider the couple's tastes and interests. Personalized gifts are a thoughtful way to get personal, and experiential gifts like honeymoon contributions or activity vouchers are also a good option for couples who love to travel. If in doubt, cash is always a safe bet.

Kitchenware

Cookware

A good set of cookware is essential for any kitchen. Look for durable, well-constructed pots and pans that heat evenly and are easy to clean. Stainless steel cookware sets, such as the All-Clad stainless steel cookware set, are a great option as they are built to last. If the couple already has basic cookware, you could consider gifting a specialty pan, such as a cast-iron skillet or a Dutch oven, which are perfect for cooking memorable meals.

Kitchen Utensils

A complete set of kitchen utensils is a must-have for any couple that cooks together. Look for a set that includes essential tools such as a potato masher, can opener, whisk, and ice cream scoop. Silicone utensils with wooden handles are a great choice as they are heat-resistant and durable.

Bakeware

If the couple enjoys baking, consider gifting them a bakeware set. A good set should include baking sheets, cake pans, muffin cups, and baking dishes. Some sets also come with a cooling rack, which is very useful for baked goods.

Mixing Bowls

Mixing bowls are essential for any kitchen, especially for couples who love to bake or cook together. Glass or stainless steel mixing bowls with lids in various sizes are a great option as they can be used for meal prep, mixing, and even storage.

Small Appliances

Small appliances such as stand mixers, food processors, blenders, and coffee makers can be excellent wedding gifts. A stand mixer, such as the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Qt. Stand Mixer, is a popular choice as it is versatile and can be used for baking, making pasta, and more. Food processors, blenders, and coffee makers are also great options, depending on the couple's interests and needs.

Personalized Items

Personalized or monogrammed items such as cutting boards, aprons, or kitchen towels can add a special touch to your gift. These items are both functional and memorable, making them perfect for a wedding gift.

Personalised items

Home Decor

Home decor items that are personalised can be a wonderful addition to the couple's home, especially if they incorporate personalised touches into their space. You could consider a custom sign with their names or initials, perhaps in the form of a rustic wooden sign or a more modern acrylic sign. Another idea is to gift them a personalised lamp or shelf decor with their names, wedding date, or a short message. If the couple enjoys entertaining, a personalised beverage tub is a great option, which can be filled with bubbly or wine.

Kitchenware

If the couple enjoys spending time in the kitchen, there are numerous personalised items you could gift them. For example, you could get them a set of embroidered napkins with their last name on them or a personalised set of mugs. If they enjoy a good bottle of wine, you could gift them a wine bottle etched with their names, the wedding date, and an illustration. To go along with that, you could also gift them a set of etched wine glasses with their names and a starry constellation from their wedding night.

Sentimental Items

Sentimental items are a beautiful way to commemorate the couple's special day. A framed print or artwork representing their relationship and the intersection of their paths is a thoughtful gift. You could also gift them a keepsake bowl engraved with a meaningful phrase, their names, and their wedding date. For a more interactive gift, an anniversary journal with sections for their first anniversary up to their 60th is a wonderful option, with prompts and space to fill in memories and details about their celebrations.

Experiences

If the couple is adventurous and loves experiencing new things, you could gift them an experience or activity to enjoy together. This could be in the form of a gift voucher for a romantic getaway or a fun activity like a cooking class or wine tasting. You could also contribute to their honeymoon fund or sponsor a specific activity or dinner during their honeymoon.

Remember to keep the couple's tastes, habits, and interests in mind when choosing a personalised gift. It's also a good idea to check their registry for any personalised items they may have already requested.

Honeymoon contributions

How to Create a Honeymoon Fund Registry

There are several honeymoon fund registry sites available, such as Honeyfund, Zola, Blueprint, Honeymoon Wishes, and Traveler's Joy. These sites usually offer free options and are easy to set up. When creating a honeymoon fund registry, it is important to be clear about your wishes and provide instructions for your guests. You can include this information on your wedding website, save-the-date cards, RSVP cards, and wedding invitations.

Benefits of Honeymoon Funds

Honeymoon funds offer several benefits for both the couple and their guests. They allow guests to contribute to creating a memorable experience for the newlyweds instead of purchasing a material object. It also makes financial sense as guests can give as much as they want without having to worry about going over their budget. Additionally, it reduces the chance of receiving duplicate or unnecessary gifts.

Honeymoon Fund Wording Examples

"In Lieu of Gifts" Example #1:

> Dear Friends and Family,

> As we prepare to embark on our new journey together, your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. However, if you would like to contribute to our special day, we have created a honeymoon fund instead of registering for traditional gifts. Your donation will help make our honeymoon unforgettable and create memories that will last a lifetime. To contribute, simply 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]

Informal Wording Example:

> We are thrilled about our wedding, and we hope you can attend! Because we are combining households, we have more than enough stuff. So, instead of a traditional wedding registry, we have decided to establish a honeymoon fund. Contributing to our fund will help pay for our honeymoon — you can also give us specific gifts, such as date nights, spa treatments, and adventurous excursions. We can't wait to head off on our honeymoon, and we'll be sharing lots of photos of our time.

> To contribute, simply visit [insert link to your online honeymoon fund].

> With sincere appreciation, [Your Names]

Home goods

Kitchenware

Kitchenware is a classic choice for wedding gifts, and for good reason. It's practical, useful, and can help the couple feel more at home in their new space. Here are some specific ideas:

• A stand mixer, such as the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer, is a registry staple and can be used for a variety of tasks, from whipping egg whites to kneading dough.
• A Dutch oven, like the Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven, is a versatile piece of cookware that can be used for baking, braising, and more. It comes in a variety of colours to match any kitchen aesthetic.
• A set of essential kitchen knives, such as the Five Two Essential Kitchen Knives, are a must-have for any kitchen. They feature Japanese steel blades and soft-touch handles, making them both handsome and sharp.
• A cookware set, such as the Caraway Non-Toxic Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set or the Our Place Dinner for Four Bundle, can be a great choice, especially if the couple is just starting out and needs a full set of pots and pans.
• A toaster, like the Balmuda Toaster, may not seem like a traditional wedding gift, but it's sure to be a memorable one. This top-of-the-line toaster is small but powerful and has modes for sandwiches, sourdough, pizzas, and delicate pastries.

Bed and Bath

Gifts for the bed and bath can help the couple create a relaxing and luxurious space in their new home. Here are some ideas:

• A set of luxurious sheets, such as the Cozy Earth Bamboo 4-Piece Sheet Set or the Parachute Percale Sheet Set, can be a great way to help the couple stay cool and comfortable during the summer or if they're sweaty sleepers.
• A weighted blanket, like the Bearaby Tree Napper, can be a unique but practical gift. It's made from eco-friendly Tencel fabric, which is known for its softness and cooling properties.
• A set of plush bath towels, like the Brooklinen Super-Plush Bath Towels, can be an excellent upgrade for the couple, making their daily shower routine feel more like a spa experience.
• A set of personalised bathrobes, such as the Linum Personalized Turkish Cotton Waffle Terry Bath Robes, can make every day feel like a spa day. You can get them embroidered with the couple's initials for an extra special touch.

Home Decor

Home decor gifts can be a great way to help the couple add a personal touch to their new space. Here are some ideas:

• A personalised cutting board, such as the Walnut Artisan Gallery Personalized Cutting Board, can be a unique and decorative piece that the couple will treasure. It can be customised with their names and the year they were married.
• A bar cart, like the Mercer41 Ciar Round Bar Cart, is a must-have for couples who love to host. It serves as stylish home decor and a functional piece for displaying and storing wine, liquors, and cocktail bitters.
• A cake stand, such as the La DoubleJ Farfalle-print Porcelain Cake Stand, can be a beautiful and functional addition to the couple's kitchen. It's perfect for displaying cakes, cupcakes, or even charcuterie.
• A set of wine glasses, such as the Estelle Colored Glass Wine Glasses, can be a great choice for couples who like to keep up with the latest trends. These tinted wine glasses come in a variety of shades, including blush, lavender, and mint, to suit the couple's style.
• A picture frame, such as the J. Devlin Glass Art Personalized Wedding Picture Frame, can be monogrammed with the couple's names and wedding date, making it a thoughtful gift for preserving memories of their special day.

Money

There is no set amount for a monetary wedding gift, and it is most important to give what you can afford. However, there are some guidelines and factors to consider when deciding how much to give. Firstly, the average wedding gift amount spent by guests in 2023 was $150, down from $160 in 2022. This can be a helpful starting point, but you should also consider your relationship with the couple. The closer you are to the couple, the more you might want to give. For example, wedding guests are typically open to spending more on monetary gifts for loved ones, with an average spend of $200 for a close friend. If you are attending with a plus-one, it is generally expected that you will give a more substantial gift, with an average of $150 for couples.

Your financial situation will also play a role in how much you give. A good rule of thumb is to stay within the average range of $75 to $200, but you can adjust this based on your budget. If you are very close to the couple and have a flexible budget, you might consider giving between $150 to $250. It is also worth noting that guests are not expected to give less than $50, and wedding experts advise starting at $100.

When to Give Money as a Wedding Gift

If you are giving cash or a cheque, it is generally better to send it ahead of time rather than bringing it to the wedding. This helps to ensure it doesn't get lost in the chaos of the day and gives the couple one less thing to keep track of. If you are attending the wedding, it is still a good idea to bring a card, so the couple knows who the gift is from.

Creative Ways to Give Money as a Wedding Gift

While simply giving cash or a cheque is perfectly acceptable, there are also some creative ways to make a monetary gift more unique and thoughtful:

• Pair the money with a heartfelt card: Write a personal note to show you care about the couple and their future together.
• Send money virtually: Use digital payment methods like Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal to send money directly to the couple's account.
• Send money as a gift card: This gives the couple the flexibility to choose exactly what they want, including smaller goods or experiences.
• Distribute funds over time: Give the couple envelopes of cash to open at different milestones, such as anniversaries, or place different bills at the start of each chapter of a recommended book.
• Start a "rainy day" fund: Put the money in a labelled bottle, intended for the couple to use only in case of an emergency.
• Contribute to a specific fund: Many couples have funds for their honeymoon, new pets, a house, or starting a family, and you can give money specifically for these dreams.
• Transfer stocks and bonds: For those with access to these resources, giving stocks, bonds, or mutual funds can be a way to create generational wealth for the couple.
• Donate to charity: Instead of a physical gift, make a charitable donation in the couple's name to a cause they care about.

When Money Might Not Be the Best Gift

While money is often a preferred gift, there may be some instances where it is not the best option. If the couple has a wedding registry with items they specifically need or want, it might be more helpful to choose something from the registry. This is especially true if you are on a tight budget, as you can find gifts within your price range. Additionally, if the couple is having a destination wedding, it might be more courteous to skip the gift altogether, as guests will already be spending a significant amount of money on travel and accommodations.

Frequently asked questions