Wedding Gift Etiquette

Wedding gift giving is not always easy. Especially these days, when many couples have already been on their own for a few years, or are combining households when they get married. The traditional wedding gifts may not apply.

edivvy.com is a new gift giving website that helps guests combine their purchasing power when they’re shopping for a wedding gift

They sent me some wedding gift giving tips and etiquette to help you find that perfect wedding gift idea.
In today’s economy, more and more couples are asking for people to contribute to the wedding itself – or at the very least are finding ways to slim down on the extravagant costs and create something meaningful and having friends/family participate more directly in the wedding.
More and more people are realizing the waste that can be involved in couples getting dozens (if not hundreds!) of smaller random gifts that may be soon forgotten. So instead consider going in with others on gifts (be it a few friends or family members getting together) so you can get something bigger and more meaningful they can really use. It can be not only better on the pocketbook, but also better for the environment.
Wedding Gift Etiquette:

1. As a bride & groom, its ok to ask for people to contribute towards the wedding. Instead of having them buy you a gift for after the wedding, you can have individuals contribute towards items for the wedding itself that everyone can enjoy. Asking just for a cash may be a hard, so instead think of asking for someone to buy the flowers for the ceremony/tabletops, or a case of champagne that can be popped during toasts. Don’t forget during the wedding to thank the person who provided it at some point during the night – they may love the added recognition they get!
2. Gift giving should be FUN, not stressful. Going in with others to give something the bride & groom really want can make it a fun experience since you can get something bigger. It’s ok to ask other family members or other friends if its something they want to do – say instead of each buying a $50 gift, get 5 people together and buy a $200 gift, so you’re all saving a bit but ultimately giving something great.

Wedding Gift Ideas… great wedding gifts to give as a group:

• Gift certificate to a major airline (American, United, etc) or a hotel chain (Hilton, Marriott, or a site like Expedia) so they can use it towards their honeymoon or at a later date
• Ceremony or tabletop flowers for the wedding
• A case (or two) of champagne to be used in toasts
• Something for their new home (if applicable): a plasma TV, a new stove or dishwasher
• Instead of products, get creative with services they may be able to enjoy — housecleaning services, cooking lessons, etc.