wedding 2019 | celebratory gift giving

date posted: March 13, 2019

celebratory gift giving

Gifts are an important part of any wedding celebration—whether they’re for the bride and groom, for the wedding party, or for parents who may have helped to pay for this big event. We’re here to guide you in deciding what to give and when. Think locally when choosing a unique and meaningful gift—something made with love and care is sure to make the recipients know that they are appreciated.

for the bride & groom:

How much to spend? Spend what you think makes sense when considering your relationship to the couple. Abundant generosity is a beautiful thing, but however big or small, the most important thing is that the gift comes from the heart. Somewhere between $100 and $300 per person attending is usually in the right realm.

If you’re attending the engagement party, the bridal shower, and the wedding, you might consider breaking down the total cost of how much you want to spend: 20% each for the first two gifts and 60% for the wedding gift (for which cash is recommended).

What to get? The registry is a good place to start, but don’t be afraid to be creative if you feel drawn to something else that would bring the couple joy. Tickets to a show or a gift card to an upscale restaurant can make for fun, experience-focused gifts. To ensure your gift is something that the couple needs or wants, and to avoid giving the same gift as someone else, the wedding registry is the way to go. Nobody needs three waffle irons. But if you want to guarantee that your gift will be much appreciated and needed, cash is the generally preferred option as the wedding day gift.

For big-ticket items, feel free to go in on a gift with other guests. This allows you to give lovely family-heirlooms-in-the-making, such as a whole set of fine china, linens, silverware, handcrafted ceramics, and quality woodworked goods.

for the bridal shower:

The bridal shower is the perfect time to give a smaller gift, which can then be followed by cash on the wedding day. Consider giving a beautifully handcrafted gift made by a local artisan. Jewelry, handmade textiles for the home, leather goods—fun and unique is key. This helps support an abundant local economy, and personalized, handcrafted gifts feel even more special.

for the wedding party:

Friends and family who are in the wedding party often dedicate their own time and money to support the happy couple in their celebration. Show your appreciation with some of these simple and unique gift ideas:

For the bride and groom attendants:

• Jewelry is always a favorite. From earrings to cufflinks, go with something that is personal, handmade, unique, and wearable from a local jeweler or artists’ collective.

• A gift certificate to a spa or favorite local eatery

• Handmade accessories, such as scarves, satchels, and neckties

• Local handmade confections

• A leather toiletry kit, filled with things like locally made lotions, beard wax, shaving cream, or soaps.

• Naturally derived colognes and perfumes

• An engraved wallet, coin purse, or money clip

• A customized flask

• A gift certificate to a fun experience (think zip lines and tubing!)

Flower girl or ring bearer:

• Locally made candies

• Handmade games, stuffed animals, or toys

For parents of the bride and groom:

Parents often contribute significant resources to help make a wondrous wedding come together, and they will be sure to appreciate a thoughtful gift. Museum tours, wine or beer tasting passes, or tickets to an opera, ballet, or favorite band will be well-received.

wedding favors:

To help you get started, here are some fun local shops, artisans, cooperatives, and collectives to help you find the perfect gifts.

Newlyweds can return the “favor” by leaving guests with a small parting gift to keep the happy memories flowing. In choosing a wedding favor, think of the venue and the overall theme and vibe of the celebration. Sweet and simple is key here—a small potted plant, seeds in a mason jar, an ornament that represents something you and your spouse love, or some local confections artfully wrapped. The gift can look quite elegant when wrapped up creatively with your initials and wedding date stamped on it as a keepsake.

beacon bee

Beacon, 845-337-8319, beaconbeebiz.com

Owned and operated by an artist and a beekeeper in Beacon, NY, Beacon Bee has been a purveyor of fine beeswax-based products since 2009. Whether it’s our hand-rolled candles, or our all-natural body balm, we love working with couples to create the perfect gifts for their guests and family. Let our designer craft personalized graphics that will make your gifts truly one of a kind. Beacon Bee: The simple, local, natural choice for your wedding!

deer creek herbs

Accord, deercreekcollective.com

Farm to cup, Deer Creek herbs are grown on our farm in the foothills of the Catskills, tended with care and carefully dried, creating potent, high-quality herbal teas that come to life when brewed. Our beautifully packaged loose leaf tea blends make unique, local wedding favors that reflect the beauty and vibrancy of the Hudson Valley. Special pricing on large orders. Let love brew.

heart & arrow

Hudson Valley, 845-626-1119, heartandarrowhandcrafted.com

Locally & lovingly formulated out of the finest natural ingredients, Heart & Arrow Handcrafted soaps are the perfect gift to express gratitude to your guests. Created at our studio in the heart of New York’s Shawangunk Mountains, our eco-friendly soap process and charitable giving means you and your guests will enjoy handcrafted luxury while feeling good about contributing to a better world. We are happy to create a custom batch for your bridal shower or wedding!

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.

Lilac Hill Designs

845-853-6068, lilachilldesigns.com

Sustainable birdseed heart favors make the perfect gift for your wedding or shower guests. Choose 3” solid birdseed hearts with satin ribbon or natural twine hangers, with organza or 100% cotton muslin bags. Whether your style is formal/traditional or casual elegance, these favors will be loved. Muslin bags can be stamped with “happily ever after,” “Mr. & Mrs.,” “Mr. & Mr.,” “Ms. & Ms.” Custom tag options also available. Parties of 25 to 200.

wineracks.com inc.

Tillson, 845-658-7181, wineracks.com

Local manufacturer and retailer of wine storage products and wine-related accessories including stemware, personalized wine accessories, wedding favors, wine racks, and wine storage. Let us personalize your day!