Wedding Gifts for Every Bride and Groom

December 20, 2005 | All Wedding Articles, Wedding Gifts

After receiving the announcement, most guests turn immediately to the question of wedding gifts. What does the engaged couple need to start their life together? Where are they registered? What if this is a second (or third, fourth, etc.) marriage?

Registry Services

Invited friends and loved ones may first wish to consider the couple’s wedding registry for gift ideas. Guests can find out where the couple is registered by contacting the parents or close family members of the bride or groom. Most wedding registries are accessible online for easy ordering and shipping. Also, registries can provide you with an up-to-date account of what has been already purchased by other guests and well-wishers. Even if guests intend to choose a present on their own, it may be helpful to review registry sites for recommendations of popular wedding gifts.

Formal Gifts

The formality of a wedding ceremony lends itself to timeless materials such as china, crystal and silver. Department stores sell a variety of classic gifts in this category.

Unconventional Gifts

Modern couples may reject the stuffiness of traditional china for more practical home, recreational and lifestyle gifts. Sporting goods and outdoorsy stores such as REI can equip the active couple for their new adventures together. For the technical couple, computer software, electronic organizers, or a digital camera can be fun. The musical bride and groom might appreciate season tickets to the local symphony, a CD boxed-set edition of one of their favorite artists, matching MP3 players, or even ballroom dance lessons.

Gift Cards

Guests should consider gift cards as a popular option for weddings. Cards may be purchased from the couple’s place of registry, or from fun, big-box stores such as Home Depot or Costco. Trendy home stores like Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma, Pier One, Cost Plus or Pottery Barn are other possible sources. Gift cards provide the bride and groom with the flexibility to choose gifts based on their own style. Also, gift cards may be used after the wedding to purchase any needed items that were not received from other guests.

Second Marriages

Guests of second (third, etc.) marriages may wonder what gift to provide to a couple that is combining households. Instead of needing home items, they may be seeking to dispose of extra blenders, mixers and dishes. For subsequent marriages, guests may consider highly usable photo frames and albums. Another unique idea is a gift certificate for a home organizing service to help them with their household transition.

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