Author Bio: George, who is an advertising consultant for JAF Gifts. JAF Gifts sells wedding centerpieces and party favors. George also runs a local event planning service.
Wedding gifts may not be as customary as they used to be but, unless the couple enforces a “no gifts” policy, it’s always in good taste to bring something for the bride and groom. When we receive a wedding invitation, we automatically think about what to get. But, it would also be helpful to know what not to — especially when the couple didn’t sign up for a wedding gift registry.
To help you in give the happy couple the best wishes, here’s a quick guide on what you shouldn’t bring as a wedding present:
- Re-gifting is never a good thing. It’s never a good idea to re-gift anything for any occasion, let alone for the event that marks the beginning of a couple’s life together. Not only does giving such a gift make the act impersonal, but it’s also distasteful. Besides, odds are, you’re bound to be found out somehow. And the fact that you gave someone a gift that someone else gave you sends a message to the new recipient that you didn’t care enough to take the time to get them a personal gift.
- Intimate items are often (if not always) inappropriate. You might find it amusing to give a couple something as intimate or risqué as a pair of fuzzy handcuffs or matching sexy underwear. However, it would be wiser to give that kind of gift during the bridal shower or stag party instead of during the main event. Some parents join newlyweds as they open the first few gifts. Unknowingly unwrapping an intimate gift in front of the folks might make for a really awkward scene.
- Tackiness is not an option. Weddings — no matter how simple or outlandish — always bring with them a kind of dignity and grace. And, therefore, wedding gifts should always be classy and thoughtful. “Cheap” and “within budget” doesn’t have to mean you should just grab an item that fits the price range — especially if it doesn’t suit the bride and groom. Sometimes it’s the smallest and simplest of things that carry the most meaning.
- “Unique” doesn’t always mean useful. Whimsical gifts can be lovely, but know the value of the item before you decide to purchase it as a wedding gift. Is your gift something the new couple could use and enjoy? You wouldn’t want it to end up at the back of a closet, would you?
- IOUs spell ‘bad idea’. Not bringing a gift might be bad, but giving the bride and groom an IOU is just as awful. Unless the wedding invitation is given in such short notice, there’s no reason to be unable to get something.
Make sure to follow this advice and you’ll avoid any unnecessary embarrassment on the big day.
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