WEDDING GIFT ETIQUETTE
We've all had that moment of panic in the months leading up to a wedding when we realize we still have to buy a wedding gift. But what do you get? How much do you spend? Do you ship it or do you bring it to the wedding? What if it's your close friend and you'd rather not get him or her a set of carving knives?
So many unanswered questions for the anxiety-ridden wedding guest. That's why today we are dishing out four tips to help answer your wedding present questions with a little help from Zola.
Zola is a company reinventing the wedding registry experience. Instead of having multiple registries on different sites, with Zola it's all in one. At Infinity we're all about creating a stress-free planning experience from start to finish. So, that's why we think Zola is a great place to create a wedding registry.
1. STICK TO THE REGISTRY
The Mr. and Mrs. took time to hand pick items for their registry, so don't go off book. If you're worried about it being impersonal, get them a little something special in addition to the gift. Like a handwritten letter or a collection of old photos. Or if you're buying a pie plate, maybe you get a collection of pie recipes from close friends and send DIY recipe cards along with it. There are many ways to add an extra touch to a registry gift.
If you're thinking of personalizing your gift, we just suggest that you use your best judgement. Not everyone wants their towels monogrammed or their silver tray engraved.
2. SPEND WITHIN YOUR MEANS
It's okay to have a budget, and the bride and groom aren't expecting anyone to break the bank for them. It's the thoughtfulness of giving a gift that counts, not how much money you spend.
If all of the wishlist items are looking pricey, then pitch in with a group. Go in on a KitchenAid mixer or a set of formal china. Zola makes it easy with their Group Gifting feature.
3. LET YOUR RELATIONSHIP BE YOUR GUIDE
What matters most in a wedding gift is the gesture itself. Is the bride your ride or die or a distant college friend? If she's a college friend you're not as close with anymore, maybe you get the coffee cups on her list. But in the note you recall the late night coffee runs you used to make together when studying for finals. So the coffee cups were inexpensive, but the gesture was thoughtful and meaningful.
If you're still unsure, an easy rule of thumb is asking yourself what you would want if the roles were reversed. We certainly wouldn't expect our old college friend to spring for the formal china.
4. HAVE IT SHIPPED
Don't bring your gift to the wedding. Keeping track of gifts on the day of just adds more stress. It's best to have the gifts shipped to the address they provided on their registry.
Flip through Zola's Giving Guide below for more tips and advice!
