GIFTS
Coming up with a wish list for your wedding can be overwhelming, but creating a gift registry is the perfect opportunity for you and your soon-to-be to focus on life after the big day. Remember that you’ll be both giving and receiving gifts for your wedding.
BRIDAL REGISTRY
The idea of running through a store with a barcode scanner and choosing whatever items your heart desires might sound like fun, but let’s get practical. You’ll want to register first for gifts that you need and will use. A sterling silver serving platter or a complete set of crystal stemware might be beautiful, but if you’re the type of couple who enjoys camping, hiking and traveling the world, chances are those are not practical choices for you.
Most couples register for gifts at their favorite stores. This simply means that you let the store know what items you’d like to receive and they convey that information to guests who are shopping for your gift. You can register for both shower gifts and wedding gifts.
Register Early – Friends and family will ask where you’re registered soon after you become engaged.
Choose a store or stores that suit you as a couple – If you prefer casual, don’t let your mother-in-law talk you into registering at a store that specializes in formal styles and items
Register online – There are various websites that allow you to register online with different stores, giving you, as well as your guests, a much larger selection. It’s also convenient for your guests, especially those from out of town. Registering online also allows you to check your registry and update it often, which is good to do to ensure that your guests always have a variety of gifts to choose from
Create your registry together – The gifts are for both of you, so talk about what you have, what you need and what you want. Have fun with the process and don’t forget to compromise!
Select gifts for different price ranges – Be sure to hit all of the major price points from $25 to $200. You don’t want to make anyone feel as though they can’t afford your registry.
Skip tradition – Don’t be pressured into registering for kitchenware or typical household items. If you want a new DVD player, register it! You may also wish to consider unique crafts, artwork or collectibles if that’s your style. Just be clear when indicating choices, locations and ideas.
Be polite – If it’s money that you want, you can register for gift cards at stores you like.
Consider Charity – If there is nothing you need, or you’re already feeling cluttered with “stuff”, consider registering through a charity so that your guests’ generosity can go to someone in need. Some non-profit organizations offer online charity wedding registries. Couples can choose from thousands of national charities and will be notified when guests donate.
Include your registry card in bridal shower invitations – If you are using a wedding website, you may be able to email your registry to friends and family. All gifts received should promptly be followed with a handwritten thank you card.
Guests should receive thank you cards within two months – Be sure you specifically name the gift when you write the note. For monetary gifts, feel free to share how you plan to use the money.
BRIDAL REGISTRY
The idea of running through a store with a barcode scanner and choosing whatever items your heart desires might sound like fun, but let’s get practical. You’ll want to register first for gifts that you need and will use. A sterling silver serving platter or a complete set of crystal stemware might be beautiful, but if you’re the type of couple who enjoys camping, hiking and traveling the world, chances are those are not practical choices for you.
Most couples register for gifts at their favorite stores. This simply means that you let the store know what items you’d like to receive and they convey that information to guests who are shopping for your gift. You can register for both shower gifts and wedding gifts.
Register Early – Friends and family will ask where you’re registered soon after you become engaged.
Choose a store or stores that suit you as a couple – If you prefer casual, don’t let your mother-in-law talk you into registering at a store that specializes in formal styles and items
Register online – There are various websites that allow you to register online with different stores, giving you, as well as your guests, a much larger selection. It’s also convenient for your guests, especially those from out of town. Registering online also allows you to check your registry and update it often, which is good to do to ensure that your guests always have a variety of gifts to choose from
Create your registry together – The gifts are for both of you, so talk about what you have, what you need and what you want. Have fun with the process and don’t forget to compromise!
Select gifts for different price ranges – Be sure to hit all of the major price points from $25 to $200. You don’t want to make anyone feel as though they can’t afford your registry.
Skip tradition – Don’t be pressured into registering for kitchenware or typical household items. If you want a new DVD player, register it! You may also wish to consider unique crafts, artwork or collectibles if that’s your style. Just be clear when indicating choices, locations and ideas.
Be polite – If it’s money that you want, you can register for gift cards at stores you like.
Consider Charity – If there is nothing you need, or you’re already feeling cluttered with “stuff”, consider registering through a charity so that your guests’ generosity can go to someone in need. Some non-profit organizations offer online charity wedding registries. Couples can choose from thousands of national charities and will be notified when guests donate.
Include your registry card in bridal shower invitations – If you are using a wedding website, you may be able to email your registry to friends and family. All gifts received should promptly be followed with a handwritten thank you card.
Guests should receive thank you cards within two months – Be sure you specifically name the gift when you write the note. For monetary gifts, feel free to share how you plan to use the money.
WEDDING FAVORS
Wedding favors are thoughtful mementos for wedding guests and have become a fun tradition in American weddings. The bridal couple provides favors --- small tokens of appreciation --- to guests for sharing in the wedding day.
You could consider sweets, such as candies and cookies or opt for more personal gifts like picture frames, personalized candles or packets of flower seeds. Some couples give favors that reflect their wedding themes, such as sunscreen with personalized labels or paper fans for a beach wedding. Guests will appreciate something that is usable.
The possibilities are endless, so decide on a wedding favor that is meaningful to you and your fiancé. You could search the Internet for ideas and deals or visit the many shops and boutiques in your area.
GIFTS FOR THE WEDDING PARTY
Traditionally, the bride and groom select special gifts for members of the wedding party in order to express their appreciation for their loyalty and help. You’ll need to consider both your budget and the expense of your wedding when deciding what wedding party gifts to buy. Some brides choose to give their maid of honor a more generous gift because she normally is the person who plans the bridal shower and bachelorette party.
Choose gifts that may have significance to you, but also may be significant to members of the wedding party. Be sure that the gifts reflect your appreciation for the time, effort, and support that your bridesmaids and groomsmen have put into your wedding preparations. Be sure to include a handwritten note of appreciation with the gift.
TRADITIONAL BRIDESMAID GIFT IDEAS INCLUDE
* Manicure Set * Monogrammed bathrobe
* Cosmetic case * Jewelry
* Personalized tote or travel bag * Candles
TRADITIONAL GROOMSMEN GIFT IDEAS INCLUDE
* Engraved money clip * Pocketknife
* Personalized cigar cutter * Polo jerseys or shirts
* Personalized flask * Golf gift certificates
Don’t forget about your ring bearer, flower girl and any other special people who have been supportive throughout the wedding planning process. These gifts often are presented at the rehearsal dinner, but some brides choose to do so at their bridal luncheon instead.
UNIQUE GIFTS
If you’re looking beyond traditional wedding favors and gifts, here are a few ideas to get you started
UNIQUE WEDDING FAVORS
* Homemade wine with personalized labels
* Seeds or trees for your guests to take home and plant
* Personalized tea, coffee, or hot chocolate bags
* Personalized candy
* Charity donation card
UNIQUE BRIDESMAIDS GIFTS
* Monogrammed party slippers to wear during the reception
* A bridesmaid’s essential survival kit for the big day (include items such as hair brush, bobby pins, hair spray, emory board, clear nail polish, needle and thread, stain remover, antacid and bandages).
* Monogrammed wet bikini bag
* Signature jewelry
UNIQUE GROOMSMEN GIFTS
* Engraved beer mug or stein
* Stainless steel grill set
* Personalized golf club covers & golf towel
Whatever you decide make it fun and personal.
Wedding favors are thoughtful mementos for wedding guests and have become a fun tradition in American weddings. The bridal couple provides favors --- small tokens of appreciation --- to guests for sharing in the wedding day.
You could consider sweets, such as candies and cookies or opt for more personal gifts like picture frames, personalized candles or packets of flower seeds. Some couples give favors that reflect their wedding themes, such as sunscreen with personalized labels or paper fans for a beach wedding. Guests will appreciate something that is usable.
The possibilities are endless, so decide on a wedding favor that is meaningful to you and your fiancé. You could search the Internet for ideas and deals or visit the many shops and boutiques in your area.
GIFTS FOR THE WEDDING PARTY
Traditionally, the bride and groom select special gifts for members of the wedding party in order to express their appreciation for their loyalty and help. You’ll need to consider both your budget and the expense of your wedding when deciding what wedding party gifts to buy. Some brides choose to give their maid of honor a more generous gift because she normally is the person who plans the bridal shower and bachelorette party.
Choose gifts that may have significance to you, but also may be significant to members of the wedding party. Be sure that the gifts reflect your appreciation for the time, effort, and support that your bridesmaids and groomsmen have put into your wedding preparations. Be sure to include a handwritten note of appreciation with the gift.
TRADITIONAL BRIDESMAID GIFT IDEAS INCLUDE
* Manicure Set * Monogrammed bathrobe
* Cosmetic case * Jewelry
* Personalized tote or travel bag * Candles
TRADITIONAL GROOMSMEN GIFT IDEAS INCLUDE
* Engraved money clip * Pocketknife
* Personalized cigar cutter * Polo jerseys or shirts
* Personalized flask * Golf gift certificates
Don’t forget about your ring bearer, flower girl and any other special people who have been supportive throughout the wedding planning process. These gifts often are presented at the rehearsal dinner, but some brides choose to do so at their bridal luncheon instead.
UNIQUE GIFTS
If you’re looking beyond traditional wedding favors and gifts, here are a few ideas to get you started
UNIQUE WEDDING FAVORS
* Homemade wine with personalized labels
* Seeds or trees for your guests to take home and plant
* Personalized tea, coffee, or hot chocolate bags
* Personalized candy
* Charity donation card
UNIQUE BRIDESMAIDS GIFTS
* Monogrammed party slippers to wear during the reception
* A bridesmaid’s essential survival kit for the big day (include items such as hair brush, bobby pins, hair spray, emory board, clear nail polish, needle and thread, stain remover, antacid and bandages).
* Monogrammed wet bikini bag
* Signature jewelry
UNIQUE GROOMSMEN GIFTS
* Engraved beer mug or stein
* Stainless steel grill set
* Personalized golf club covers & golf towel
Whatever you decide make it fun and personal.