WEDDING GIFTS

ETIQUETTE AND IDEAS

by Bibi Farber

date posted: March 16, 2017

Weddings entail plenty of gift-giving all around—from the guests to the couple, and from the couple to their wedding party, their parents, their guests and often their kids and even each other. Where to begin?

how much to spend?

The average price of feeding a wedding guest is $85 per plate. If you’re attending a sit-down dinner with cocktails at a hotel or country club, you can be sure it runs between $125 and $350 per person. Some use this as a yardstick to calculate the value of their gift, but you can spend what you think is appropriate to your relationship to the couple. Somewhere between $100 and $300 per person attending is usually about right.

If you’re attending the engagement party, the bridal shower, and the wedding, you might want to break down the total cost of how much you want to spend: 20% each for the first two gifts and 60% for the wedding gift.

what to get?

The registry is the obvious place to start. Most brides have one and it is a surefire way to get them something they want and avoid giving the same gift that someone else does. Money is a perfect option as well—cash or checks will be most happily accepted!

Honeymoon registries are increasingly popular. Here, too, you can improvise something unexpected and pre-pay for an amazing experience in the area they might not have planned. Find out the most interesting attractions and line up a few sure-to-be appreciated gift certificates. Think of fun and romantic adventures like a cruise, a chartered excursion to a special destination, or a hot air balloon ride!

Go in on a gift with other guests, increasing the money available so the couple may get the whole set of china, linens, silverware or any larger items on the registry.

when to give the gifts:

If there is a bridal shower, this is the perfect time to bring a gift, coupled with a cash gift at the wedding itself. Guests can purchase a gift from the registry any time before the wedding day, and then bring a card to the reception. If you haven’t done this beforehand, you’ll want to be sure to send a gift within three months of the wedding date with a card to let the couple know that it’s on the way.

Off registry: Is there a certain performer they love who may be appearing in the area? Get them tickets and a gift certificate to the nearest fabulous restaurant.

bride and groom gift exchange:

It’s an optional tradition, and certainly a sweet sentiment. The couple may choose to exchange gifts the night before or during the wedding, and may make use of their assistants if this is done before the ceremony.

The groom often buys the bride a piece of jewelry or something that she can wear at the wedding. Something with a bit of sparkle—a pair of earrings or a necklace.

for the groom:

A pocket watch or a nice new pair of cufflinks; liquor and engraved glasses; or, for a sensual and timeless gift he is sure to appreciate, framed shots from a boudoir photo shoot.

for the bridesmaids & maid of honor:

Jewelry is always a favorite. Go with something that is personal, unique and versatile from a local jewelry designer. It doesn’t have to be the same for each bridesmaid
Gift certificate to a spa or restaurant
Dancing lessons
A French press and coffee
Local handmade chocolates

for the groomsmen and best man:

A minibar in a unique or personalized box
Engraved cufflinks
A gift certificate to a movie theater, music venue, or sporting event
A craft beer cooler
A personalized beer stein

flower girl or ring bearer:

A personalized candy jar
Games or toys to entertain them while the grown-ups are celebrating

wedding party favors:

Locally produced natural soaps, lotions, bath salts and handcrafted lip balms
Soy wax candles burn longer than regular paraffin candles and are cheaper than beeswax
Consider customizing seed packets or cards printed on seed paper, with flowers and vegetables that will bloom and provide a living reminder of the wedding.
There is no shortage of locally produced edible gifts that can be elegantly presented and enjoyed later. Cookies, mini pies, tarts, fruit, and herbal tea are easy to source. Also consider personalized little jars of raw honey, preserves, jams and maple syrup.

for the parents:

A bottle of local wine with a custom engraved wine box or set of wine glasses
Picture frames with a personalized message
A personalized family tree pillow
A real tree they can plant at home
A weekend getaway
Commission a local artist, glass blower, or potter to design the perfect custom gift

Clove & Creek

Kingston, cloveandcreek.com

Clove & Creek is a local, Rondout Valley mercantile that celebrates local makers and fosters community. We seek out handmade products inspired by natural beauty, and offer gifts and objects for the home and great outdoors. We also serve Parlor Coffee. Visit us at our store in Kingston for the best in one-of-a-kind gifts and home décor.

Exit Nineteen

Kingston, 845-514-2485, exitnineteen.com

The latest home design wizardry from John Krenek and partner Jamie Niblock, Exit Nineteen is the perfect place to find that special, one-of-a-kind gift for the happy couple. With store sections like “Asian modern,” “country cabin,” “mid-century modern,” and “dinner party,” your gifting options are endless! Whether you are seeking to renew your nest or find the perfect gift, Exit Nineteen’s goal is to make sure no customer leaves unsatisfied.

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. They offer everything from fine candles to cookware, jewelry, and even gourmet foods. The best part is that they will take care of the gift-wrapping, free of charge.

Marigold Home

Kingston, Rhinebeck, Woodstock, K: 845-338-0800, R: 845-516-4443, W: 845-679-2040, marigold-home.com

Looking to furnish or decorate your new space together? Need the perfect wedding gift for that special couple? Along with interior design services, Marigold Home offers interior design products, furniture, home furnishings, decorative lighting, outdoor furniture, carpets, area rugs, accessories, and specialty gift items. In addition, they reupholster and provide slipcovers, throw pillows, headboards, and custom window treatments.

Nectar

High Falls, 845-687-2870, shopnectar.com

Home, gifts, art & tea, Nectar is a place to be experienced, a place that ignites your senses! Take a beautiful drive to historic High Falls, and sip a cup of hand-blended tea while you explore unusual items from every continent as well as pieces from local Hudson Valley artists, jewelers, and artisans. Or just browse our virtual store from the comfort of your couch! If you’re searching for that perfect, one-of-a-kind-gift, Nectar is the place for you.

sweetpea

Stone Ridge, sweetpeastoneridge.com

Sweetpea in Stone Ridge offers a variety of gifts for every occasion including wedding gifts! If you want to choose a more personal and locally handcrafted gift to remind the newlyweds of their special day in the country, Sweetpea has everything from cutting boards and linen dish towels for a new home to organic candles and bath salts to pamper the couple after a long night of celebrating. We also create custom gift baskets, welcome bags, custom signs and more!