Guests are expected to bring gifts to the weddings they attend. Many couples maintain wedding registries which enable guests to select an appropriate gift from a list prepared by the couple.

If the registry items are out of your budget, consider giving cash as a present instead. Group gifts are also acceptable as long as each guest contributes something individually.

Personalize It

Wedding gift cards offer guests the freedom to choose presents that mirror their personalities. The options include well-known retail chains as well as movie theaters, restaurants and other eateries and even activities like sailing at sunset in the ocean, or an adventurous bucket-list trip.

Some couples may have created a “fund” on their registry that allows guests to donate towards a cause close to them – this can be an excellent way for guests to help the couple reach their wedding goals while starting life together on solid financial footing.

The custom was that guests at weddings include cuts of meat or even other bedding and kitchen ware to help the couple set up their new home. Most people do have their own homes and prefer to give cash, or other experiences the newlyweds can enjoy together.

If a wedding gift is going to be in the form of cash, make sure to add the recipients name and address on the check, going for nondescript options is key. Some stores and restaurants may not accept it otherwise. Others opt to send digital cards with well wishes for the happy couple.

If the large-ticket items on a registry are out of your price range, it’s permissible to combine multiple gifts into a group gift. This approach may prove particularly helpful for families still living at home and couples splitting the cost of attending destination weddings together.

Consider the Budget

At this stage, it’s also essential that couples consider their budget. After all, soon-to-be married couples often host engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties; all these expenses add up quickly if not planned carefully. To prevent overspending it’s best to stick within your means and stick within a sensible spending limit; any purchases beyond what your budget allows should be avoided altogether.

No matter whether it is on their registry, off-registry, experiential, or something completely unexpected – what is most important is that your gift expresses your love, joy and best wishes for their marital journey. If you can’t attend their wedding directly yourself then presenting their cash gift with some form of beautiful packaging (for instance tucking it inside an attractive card with their contribution tucked inside is acceptable) would also do nicely!

For gifts that go beyond your budget, team up with other guests attending the wedding – be they bridesmaids and groomsmen or other friends – who are attending together. Purchase one big ticket item together, split its cost between you, or contribute towards their honeymoon fund on platforms like Hitchd.

Respect their wishes if they express no gift preferences or prefer donations to their favorite charity instead of gifts; although this decision may feel impersonal, they will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Using these tips as guides for gift hunting you should find an item which meets both budget and tastes of both couples involved.

Check the Expiration Date

Be mindful of the expiration dates when purchasing gift cards for others. It may get lost or stolen before being used and as such, checking the date is paramount. If you are on the fence, reach out to the individual directly or search the company website; the majority of states have regulations that protect gift cards from expiring unless the company can prove the card hasn’t been used within a set amount of time.

Checking expiration dates and fees attached to gift cards are important, but also make sure they don’t incur additional costs quickly. In general, fees should be prohibited for gift cards (and some certificates), though be sure to research laws in your state for confirmation.

If the registry items exceed your budget or if you’re attending with more than one guest, consider giving a group gift as a thoughtful way of showing support and stretching your budget. It will show them you care while simultaneously helping the couple celebrate.

Tinggly makes it simple and affordable to give experience gifts perfect for weddings – like sunset sails that they can enjoy during their honeymoon and create lasting romantic memories that outshone any object ever could.

Shop Online

Weddings can be stressful experiences for everyone involved; gift-card options offer relief. If you don’t know what to give the couple or don’t want to go over your budget, try searching online for gift cards – many major retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon, eBay, Spotify and Airbnb accept gift cards as payment.

Gift experiences instead of items. I gave one couple an unforgettable sunset sail experience on their honeymoon that they still speak fondly of today – it was much less expensive and much more meaningful! Experiences make lasting gifts; giving one is sure to create memories!

Home improvement leader Home Depot offers gift cards to access popular home goods like kitchenware and furniture as well as window shades and vinyl flooring. In addition, they have other items perfect for giving as gifts such as incense boxes and vases.

Anthropologie offers high-end options that will impress any newlywed couple, such as its beautiful selection of accents and decor that is sure to make an impressionful statement about them as newcomers to married life. Many items can also be combined together into complete wedding gifts such as their Natalie Lete Charmante dinner plates starting from $28!