Wedding gifting has evolved, and that’s a good thing. Today, generosity is less about checking boxes and more about intention, timing, and understanding what truly supports the couple you’re celebrating. Whether you’re attending one event or several, giving a gift should feel meaningful, not stressful. Here’s how gift-giving works now—and how to do it well.
for the couple
How Much to Spend
There’s no fixed number—and there shouldn’t be. What’s considered appropriate today is based on:
• Your relationship to the couple
• Your own financial comfort
• The type of celebration you’re attending
For most guests attending as a couple, $200–$400 total is considered thoughtful and appropriate. Close family and friends often give more. The goal isn’t to “cover your plate,” but to give in a way that feels genuine.
What to Give
More than ever, couples are clear about what they want, and the best etiquette is to follow their lead.
Drink by Tapped Into The Catskills.
Photo by Anthony Shkraba Photography.
• Cash gifts are now the standard wedding gift.
They help couples pay for the celebration itself, start married life, or invest in what they truly need. Cash is practical, flexible, and widely appreciated.
• Registries are best used for showers.
Physical gifts—especially home goods—are most welcome before the wedding, not on the wedding day itself. If a registry exists, it’s there for a reason. And if the couple requests cash, honoring that request is thoughtful, not impersonal.
Group Gifting
Pooling resources with friends or family remains a wonderful option, especially for higher-value or handcrafted items. This allows guests to give something lasting without overextending individually.
for the shower
The shower is where physical gifts shine. This is the perfect moment to give:
• Registry items
• Handmade or locally crafted home goods
• Jewelry, textiles, leather goods, or ceramics
Shopping locally for shower gifts supports artisans and gives the couple something personal and meaningful—often more special than mass-produced items.
Photo by Lucas T Photography.
Photo by Cottonbro Photography.
Photo by Bruna Fossile.
for the wedding party
Wedding party members give their time, energy, and often their own money. Thank-you gifts today are less about matching items and more about useful, wearable, or experiential gifts.
Thoughtful Options Include:
• Jewelry or accessories from local makers
• Gift cards for spa treatments or favorite local restaurants
• Leather goods, scarves, or handcrafted accessories
• Experience gifts (outdoor adventures, tastings, classes)
wedding favors
Favors are a lovely way to thank guests and share something meaningful from your celebration. When couples include them, some memorable favors are:
• Edible or usable
• Locally made
• Thoughtfully simple
Ideas that work beautifully:
• Local confections
• Seeds or small plants
• A meaningful note in place of a physical item
Today’s couples are choosing quality over quantity, and guests appreciate it.
ADALAE ARTISTRY FLORAL PRESERVATION
Hudson Valley, 845-750-9442, @adalaeartistry, adalaeartistry.com
Hudson Valley artist Joan Richardson’s specialty is the delicate art of preserving flowers in their true form and casting them in resin to create timeless heirlooms to enjoy and admire for ages. If you’d like to keep your precious wedding flowers forever, Joan is the woman for the honor of that task.
CURRY SUBARU
Kingston, 845-960-0925, currysubarukingston.com
Looking for a reliable Subaru dealership in the Hudson Valley or Catskills? Curry Subaru in Kingston, NY offers award-winning service, a transparent car-buying experience, and one of the most trusted vehicle brands in the Northeast. From snowy-road ready AWD vehicles to high-mileage performance, Curry Subaru is where Upstate NY shops for confidence on the road.
STONE RIDGE INSURANCE
Stone Ridge, 845-687-2828, stoneridgeinsurance.net
Since opening in 2009, Stone Ridge Insurance has taken pride in providing clients with outstanding service and a personalized experience every time. Owner Donald has grown into insurance education and helps people understand why they pay what they pay, to know how to be treated, and to help them protect themselves if they ever need it. Donald is an invaluable resource to his community and is always happy to share his knowledge of the insurance industry.
THE MAD HATTER CHIMNEY SWEEP
Accord, 845-687-4745, madhatterchimney.com
Now that you’re hitched, you may decide to purchase a new home. Make that new home warm and cozy with The Mad Hatter’s expert chimney and fireplace services. From chimney installation and ventilation to chimney cleaning and fireplace/chimney repair, they do it all. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, you can be sure that your home is in good hands.
ULSTER INSURANCE SERVICES
Hudson Valley, 845-338-6000, UlsterSavings.com/Insurance
You deserve personal service and expert advice for all your insurance needs. You may even save a bundle when you bundle auto and home insurance. Ask US for a free insurance review. We are a local and independent insurance agency conveniently located at Ulster Savings Bank.
ULSTER SAVINGS BANK
Hudson Valley, 845-338-6322, UlsterSavings.com
You deserve the very best when it comes to your financial future! This award-winning community bank is locally owned and has been serving the Hudson Valley for 174 years. Count on US for personalized, cutting-edge banking solutions, local expertise, and hometown service. It’s all right here…with US! Member FDIC.
BACK HOME CANNABIS DISPENSARY
Stone Ridge, backhomedispensary.com
Wedding welcome bags and favors are a chance to set the tone for your celebration. Back Home Cannabis Dispensary, a licensed New York dispensary in Stone Ridge, offers high-quality flower, pre-rolls, vapes, and edibles ideal for relaxed wedding weekends and thoughtful guest gifts. From welcome bags to easy pre-orders for pick-up, their team helps couples choose options that fit their needs—so everyone can truly enjoy the moment.
FOUNDLUCK
Saugerties, 518-859-1723, foundluckshop.com
Let us put together your gift for the couple, welcome bags, or gift boxes for the bridal party. You can also contact us for our à la carte floral options using local blooms during the growing season. Forgot to pack your tie? Need a card last minute? Don’t worry; we have those too. Come by today!
HERZOG’S HOME CENTER
Kingston, 845-338-6300, herzogs.com
Herzog’s gift department is truly one of a kind. Whether you’re shopping for a wedding, engagement, bridal shower, or bridesmaid party, you will be pleasantly surprised by their selection. Offerings include an exceptional selection of home décor pieces, tabletop and cookware, jewelry, and local handcrafted gifts. The best part is that they will take care of the gift wrapping, free of charge.
MINIATURE WORKS
Stone Ridge, 845-417-1693, bnminiatureworks.com
We believe that every miniature tells a story. Meticulously handcrafted vignettes with intricate personal details are a perfect nostalgic keepsake for any new couple and/or wedding party. Designed to be reflections of each recipient, each piece is a work of art to cherish forever.
STINGING NETTLE BOTANICS
Catskill, 518-719-0018, stingingnettleny.com
Wedding favors can be a simple, thoughtful way to reflect who you are as a couple. Stinging Nettle Botanics is a family business handcrafting herbal gifts using pure, organic ingredients, thoughtfully tailored to your event and your tastes. Based in the heart of the Hudson Valley, our small-batch favors bring moments of calm, connection, and nature’s lasting charm to life’s most memorable celebrations.
WILLIAMS LUMBER & HOME CENTERS
Hudson Valley, 845-876-9663, williamslumber.com
Give the perfect wedding gift and NAIL IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME with a Williams Lumber & Home Centers gift card. With seven locations, since 1946 Williams Lumber & Home Centers has been regularly recognized for the best service, quality, and price. Give the gift of home improvement from Williams Lumber & Home Centers.
