You might think you don’t need to think about gifts when planning your wedding (after all, you’re not buying the gifts, right?). But you do! Here’s what to think about.
Gifts includes:
- Engagement gifts (entirely optional)
- Gifts given at showers
- Wedding gifts
- Attendant gifts (thank-you gifts given to attendants)
- Thank-you gifts given to family, friends, or others who have helped out with the wedding
- Engagement cards, wedding cards, and cards given at a shower
- Thank-you cards
- The thank-you notes sent to everyone who gives a wedding or shower gift
Things for the Bride and Groom to Consider
Figure out your personal styles, home decorating style, color preferences, etc., as well as what household items you need so that you can . . .
a) answer inquiries,
b) make wish lists and gift suggestion lists (or so that yours mothers can), and
c) register for gifts.
You’ll also need to open gifts, take care of gifts, thank givers for gifts, and exchange gifts (if necessary).
Don’t forget thank-you gifts or cards for parents, attendants, and other special (and helpful) people!
Things for Family and Friends (moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, attendants, aunts, etc.) to Consider
For close family and friends, Gifts means (depending on who you are):
- Helping the couple make decisions about what they need and what they like
- Answering inquiries and giving gift suggestions
- Giving gifts (especially things guests that don’t know the couple well won’t think of)
- Hosting showers
- Attending showers
- Helping store and take care of gifts
- Helping the couple register for gifts (if they want help)
- Taking gifts home after the reception
- And otherwise just helping out where asked!
