Ultimate Wedding Gift Guide

Group wedding gifts are appropriate especially if it is something neither the couple nor any of their guests could afford on their own. The same would apply if getting a group gift would equal a gift of better quality. It is always better to offer quality than quantity.

Location and budget permitting, wedding gifts should be purchased and sent within the first few weeks after the wedding. Ideally, the couple should not receive your gift more than a month after their celebration.

It depends on where the ceremony takes place. For example, if the ceremony and reception are in two separate locations, it would be best to save the gifts for the reception after the ceremony. In other cases, such as backyard garden weddings, there are typically designated tables to drop off any gifts before the festivities.

The short answer is yes, if you are close to the bride, the groom, or both. Otherwise, a nice card or a bouquet of flowers mailed to their address is also an option.

As soon as you can. Ideally, you should do so within a week of the wedding.

On average, close friends and close relatives spend $150+ on weddings gifts. Friends and other relatives fall in the $100–$125 range. Co-workers, distant family friends, and distant relatives typically spend anywhere between $50–$100. These, of course, are just suggestions. Be as generous as your budget lets you. Generosity is not about numbers—it is about giving what you can.

There are no rules that “+1s” have to bring wedding gifts, especially if they do not know the bride and groom. This is especially true if your date is just a friend who is there to keep you company. However, if your date really wants to contribute, you could decide on a gift from both of you, if your date is someone you are serious about. Your date could also write a simple card to express well wishes to the newlyweds.

Again, assess the situation. Is your plus one just a friend? Does he or she know the couple? The best thing to do is to focus on what you should offer without imposing anything on your date.

If it really comes down to finances, attending your friends’ wedding is more important than giving a gift. If you are well off and can afford to travel as well as give a nice gift, do so—don’t be cheap. However, if traveling is something you must budget for, spend within your means. Memories are the most valuable gifts, after all.

In theory, yes. Again, look at your budget and spend within your means.

Nowadays, many Americans just want money for their wedding. Millennials in particular ask for money instead of gifts so they can enjoy a better honeymoon or pay off loans and expenses related to their new homes. Often, soon-to-weds announce a registry-style money transfer account in which guests can deposit money electronically weeks before the event. Otherwise, cash placed in a lovely card and envelope is the traditional way of gifting money.

A marriage, no matter the number, is a celebration of love and union. It should be treated the same way as a first marriage. Just because it is a second or third marriage doesn’t mean it is less important. We never know what someone had to experience before getting to this happier point in his or her life. One thing to consider with second and subsequent marriages, however, is that typically they are between older couples. This means they might be less in need of the basic items that a young couple would need. Remember, however, that every case is different—some people lose everything after a divorce and have to start over later in life. The best thing to do is to follow the registry list and treat this union as the ultimate celebration of two people in love.

According to Thomas P. Farley, etiquette expert, “a wedding is not a fundraiser, and no guest should ever feel obligated to give at a certain level, including the cost of a plate at the reception.”

It depends. An heirloom or collectible, yes. A used toaster, not so much.

It happens! At least you tried your best. After all, this is about the bride and groom and what they need. If, for some reason, you see a refund in your account, perhaps calling the store to ask what happened is a good idea before contacting the newlyweds.