WEDDING GUIDE 2016 | Gift giving

date posted: April 17, 2016

Gift-giving at weddings is a way to show just how much you love and care for the newly married couple, and it also helps them to begin their lives together more comfortably.

When we give gifts, we think deeply about what would make the married couple happy and what could add to their marriage experience. From kitchenware, to vases, to handmade presents, gift-giving is a way for guests to show they care.

WEDDING REGISTRIES

Wedding registries did not exist until 1924, when Macy’s entered the wedding game. The Macy’s wedding registry was the first of its kind, and other major department stores soon followed suit.

Now, guests know exactly what kinds of items couples need and in which styles. Luckily, many smaller and local businesses have also created registry options, so you can pick out something unique and personal that the couple with definitely love.

Though wedding registries are very popular, guests sometimes choose instead to give a more personalized surprise. Don’t let the wedding registry scare you away from this option. Also don’t shy away from giving straight-up cash. In today’s world, cash is always greatly appreciated.

Normally, wrapped gifts are given at the shower or before the wedding, and cash is given on the wedding day. Many couples actually depend on that to help them with the cost of the wedding.

SETTING UP YOUR OWN REGISTRY

When setting up your registry, consider both department stores and local businesses. You can even aggregate registries from different stores into one super-registry using myregistry.com or theknot.com.

Your registry should be as unique as you are. Include items you need for your household and new life together, but also include ones that simply make you happy: that new vase you have been eying or those handmade candles and soaps that smell fantastic. If giving back to your community is what makes you most happy, a donation in your honor to a nonprofit organization is a nice thing to ask for too.

Weddings, and the gifts involved, are all about the energy, emotion, and commitment of love, and as long as the gift conveys that message, that is all you need.

Create sure-to-last memories by adding extra-special touches to the details of your day. Try crafting floral petals to throw on the newly married couple out of music paper or pages from romance novels. Or, add custom signage to direct your guests through your venue. From a champagne tower or bonfire to fun games or photobooths, there are many ways to personalize your big day.