7 Tips For Choosing The Perfect Wedding Gift

 

Are you the best man, maid of honor, or just a friend who is looking for a unique wedding gift for a special soon-to-wed couple? Getting the right wedding gift is an important decision that requires careful thought. After all, the purpose of a wedding gift is to show how much you care about the new couple and to support their future together as husband and wife.

While some couples may appreciate something practical like pots and pans if they are starting their home from scratch, most will be happy with any token of your friendship — as long as it’s thoughtful, personal, and not prone to collecting dust on a shelf.

Choosing the right wedding gift can be challenging. After all, there are so many options! From books to framed photographs; from kitchen gadgets to wall art; from drinkware to decorative wine stoppers; from stationery sets to monogrammed towels. The list goes on and on. How do you know which gift will be most meaningful without coming off as lame or clueless? Check out our 7 tips below.

Don’t go generic

 

When choosing a gift, try to go for something that is both meaningful and personal. You want the gift to be something that the couple will enjoy and appreciate for years to come, so try not to go for something generic like a gift card. Instead, try to think about the couple’s interests, hobbies, or special moments you’ve shared together so that you give them something truly unique and that expresses your friendship.

 

Pick something unique to you

 

If you’re really stumped, think about what you know about each other and then ask yourself, “What is unique to me?” The unique perspective you bring to a friendship will be appreciated. For example, if you have a great sense of humor, a funny card or book that’s personally relevant to you and the couple may be a great choice. If you are great at cooking, baking some homemade cookies may be a good idea. If you are known for your crafty skills, making a special keepsake or decorating item for their new home or apartment would be a thoughtful gift. If you are known for your photography skills, consider creating a special wedding day photo album or scrapbook as a gift. If you are good at writing, penning a touching poem or essay may be a special gift. If you have a special talent like playing a musical instrument, doing magic tricks, or a silly skill like making balloon animals, consider sharing a taste of your talent at the wedding.

 

Factor in your budget

 

Before you go shopping for gifts, set a budget and make sure you stick to it. You might know what some other guests are getting the couple, but don’t be tempted to get something similar, especially if the price is above your budget.

It might be a good idea to decide what to give before you go shopping so that you avoid impulse buying. Remember: You don’t have to spend a lot of money to give a thoughtful gift. If  you do have a lot of money to spend, go ahead and get the bride and groom something luxurious. However, if you don’t have that much to spend, there are lots of creative ways to still give the soon-to-wed couple a thoughtful, useful gift. You can bake or cook something; do some crafts; or make something special for the couple. You can also shop at thrift stores or look for sales or coupons online, or ask the bride or groom if they have any specific needs or items they are looking for.

 

Keep in mind the couple’s favorite things

 

If  you’re having trouble thinking of gift ideas, try to think about the couple’s favorite things. What do they like to do, eat, watch, or read? If you can incorporate a loved item into your gift, even better! For example, let’s say the couple loves to travel. You can get a travel-themed gift such as a couple’s passport holder, luggage tag set, guidebook, or globetrotter’s coffee mug. If the couple loves sports and/or playing or watching games, you can get a sports-themed gift or games. If the couple is food-loving and loves to cook, you can get a kitchen-themed gift such as a set of kitchen towels, cookie cutters, or spatulas. If the couple’s favorite things are books, you can get a book-themed gift. There are also gifts you can give that are connected with their wedding, such as a gift that resembles a tradition from the couple’s culture or a gift that is connected to their wedding day.

 

Give them an experience they will never forget

Whether it's a honeymoon or a trip before the wedding, you can give the couple something that they can look back on and remember how much fun they had together.

Consider taking the groom and his buddies on a bachelor party or the bride and her ladies on a bachelorette party. You can also help the couple plan their honeymoon by giving them a gift card to a romantic destination.

You can gift them with something like a couple’s massage or a charitable donation in their name. You can do this on pretty much any platform. It can be something really small or really extravagant. Whatever you choose, remember that a great experience is better than a mediocre or expensive wedding gift. The important thing is to make sure you’re picking something they both really love.

 

Check for clarity and accuracy

 

If you’re not sure where to start looking for a wedding gift, ask the bride or groom or the couple’s parents. You may want to consider purchasing the gift a few weeks in advance to allow enough time  to correct any mistakes.

In some cases, you may want to consider asking the couple for their preferred gift ideas and stores instead of purchasing a gift that is personalized or specific which the couple might end up not liking. You can also ask the couple when you are expected to purchase the gift and when it needs to be delivered.

If  you don’t know the couple that well, check to make sure you have their correct information. You may also want to consider purchasing the gift in person instead of online if you are worried about spelling or accuracy. That way, you can personally send their gift with their correct names and address. This is especially important if you are going to buy a gift that is personalized or monogrammed.

 

Don’t forget about the wedding party

 

You have bought the perfect gift for the couple, but want to go the extra mile for them.  A great way to do that would be to get their best guys and girls gifts as well. Thankfully, there is an easy way to find gift ideas for the wedding party. Ask the bride and groom. They will be more than happy to give you tips on the best gifts to buy.

If  you want to get a great gift for the the best man, you can consider giving a gift along the lines of what the groom is going to give to him. If you want to give the maid of honor a unique gift, you can choose a gift that is similar to what the bride picked out for her. If you are in the wedding party and you don’t know what to get the other bridesmaids and groomsmen, don’t be afraid to ask the groom or the bride what they think the other members of the party would like. It can also be helpful to think about what the bride and groom are likely spending on the bridesmaids or the groomsmen to help you decide how much you should spend on each gift.

 

Conclusion

 

Choosing the perfect wedding gift doesn’t have to be challenging. Yes, there are so many options! From personalized bedding sets to matching couples jewelry; from the most luxurious wedding gifts to the simplest handmade presents. How can you make sure that you pick out the perfect wedding gift? Follow these 7 tips, and you’ll be certain to choose a gift that both bride and groom will love!