When it comes to weddings and wedding gifts, it can be hard to figure out exactly what to get or how much money to spend. While there are no hard-and-fast rules or quantities, there are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind. Here’s what to consider:
Quality Over Quantity
Oftentimes, there’s immense pressure to get something nice or expensive as a wedding gift. However, it’s always important to remember quality over quantity, especially for such an important occasion.
It may sound cliche, but the most important thing that you can give a couple on their wedding day is yourself and your presence on their special day. After all, they’re having a wedding to celebrate their love and their relationship with family and friends - not to get a bunch of stuff.
With that in mind, you can’t go wrong with a gift that is true to the couple or authentic to your relationship with them. If they have a registry, make your choice early and find something that will really ring true. If not, get something that you have a history with, that harkens back to an inside joke, or that you simply know they’ll enjoy. Remember, the meaning is much more important than the price tag.
Your Own Age and Place In Life
People don’t expect for you to spend out of your means for a wedding, so don’t put excess pressure on yourself to do so.
Someone who’s in their 20’s and just getting started, for example, will probably be able to afford less than someone in their 30’s or 40’s who is established in their career. So keep that in mind, and only spend what you can afford.
On the flip side, if you do have it in your means to splurge a bit, they may notice if you opt for a cheaper gift option - especially if the couple is close to you. Which leads us to our next point.
How Close You Are
You’re not going to get the same gift for your second cousin and your best friend. As a general rule of thumb, you’re expected to spend more time and money finding a gift for those that are closest to you. So consider what you’re willing to spend on someone that you really love and what you’re willing to spend on an acquaintance, and budget accordingly.
The Couple Themselves
This may sound overly simple or reductive, but consider the couple themselves and their interests, expectations, and priorities. A couple that loves luxury and the finer things in life, for example, may really appreciate an elaborate gift, while a down-to-earth, more altruistic couple may shy away at the idea of their guests spending a large sum of money on them. So consider your audience and their wishes.
For wedding gift ideas, check out My Gift Stop.
