Is it acceptable to give a present instead of money at a wedding?

Question

I recently lost my job so I want to get something nice but not expensive.

Answer 1

Absolutely! Especially if the couple is registered. If they have specifically asked for cash, it's a real no-no, regardless of what reasoning they give you - to donate to charity, to pay for the wedding or a downpayment on a house.

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Answer 2

1. You know something, if you are down on your cash, make something simple, but personal from you.

2. I would never want to gain at a friend's expense, no matter what the occasion, if it would set them back. The friendship is too important to inflict discomfort & guilt onto them.

3. Talk to your friend, and be candid about your financial situation presently, and could you give them something you made yourself? If she has a preferred color scheme, there's half the battle.

4. Don't feel bad. Hard times hit everyone from time to time. Too many big expenses all at once. A true friend will understand, because your heart is there.

Good Luck and Warm Regards.

Answer 3

Yes. And it doesn't need to be an expensive gift. And you don't have to give it to them on their wedding date. You can give it before or several months after the wedding (if you want to wait until you have another job).

If you have creative skills you could call on them to make a very unique gift. For example, you could cross-stitch something with their names, wedding date, and wedding theme (if they have one). Or if they are getting married in a church and/or it's a religious ceremony, there are some cross-stitch books with patterns for certain Bible verses with the couple's names at the bottom and wedding date. (Then you frame it or get it framed.)

If you're friends with them, maybe you have a lot of pictures with you and them, family, and other friends. You could make a scrapbook.

Do you knit or crochet? You could make them a throw.

Do you do a lot of cooking and baking? Assemble a recipe book with all of your favorite or tried and true recipes.

And with all of these you could add a gift card (like $25) to stick with the theme. Recipe book --> $25 gift card to a kitchen store. Blanket/throw --> $25 gift card to linens 's things. Not sure what you could combine with the cross-stitching but you probably get the idea.

Answer 4

Of course it is very acceptable to give a present instead of money at a wedding. You could check several registries (like Bed, Bath and Beyond; Target, Wal-Mart) to see if the bride and groom are registered there. Check to see if what they selected fits your budget.

Or, you could go to these stores and find something nice, within your budget what will be just fine!

Kitchen stuff is great- towels, wash cloths, utensils,etc.
Bath stuff is fine- bath towels, hand towels, etc.

When I got married, one gift we really appreciated was a crock pot! The cost was minimal and we used a lot -- especially in the winter.

Answer 5

I agree with the others, a present (not cash) is certainly appropriate.

A wonderful present my wife and I received is our wedding invitation mounted and framed. We display it in our home with wedding pictures.

If you or a friend are artistic maybe you can make a collage out of the invitation, pictures of the happy couple, the church where they are getting married, the location of the reception and so on and so forth.

Answer 6

Yes - it is okay. In fact - you could just give a card now, and when you get a job later - you can give them a present then.

Or - if you really want to give them a gift - give them a gift card for video rentals, microwave popcorn and a popcorn bowl. Inexpensive and fun for the couple.

Answer 7

Well, why not ? I would suggest u find what the person is in need of before buying the present. If its something within ur budget, it would be a wonderful to gift. Better present something useful!

Answer 8

Yes, a lot of people give gifts, usually from the couple's registry. I think it is just easier (for the couple) to give them money/gift cards so they don't have a lot of things to carry from the reception when it is over. If you order the gift online you could have it delivered to their house to make it easier for them, I think that is perfectly acceptable. It's the thought that counts, they should be grateful to be receiving any gift in any form :-) When I registered for my wedding I tried to register for very inexpensive things (under $20) because I felt bad asking anyone to spend money on me :-) There are a lot of nice, inexpensive gifts that you could give them. Whatever it is will save them from having to buy it for themselves, and I'm sure that will be appreciated.

Answer 9

You gift for the bride and groom is your decision.If they just expect money,they are getting married for the wrong reasons.It is thoughtful of you to share in their happiness and offer them a gift.Since,you on a budget,you could always buy an inexpensive basket and fill it up with cheap,but needed things.I have done this with baby showers as well.

Answer 10

Of course! If they have a registry, buy something inexpensive from the registry. If they don't have one, buy them some bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths. Everyone needs towels. :) You can find some really nice ones at JC Penney or Target, and they're usually on sale. Make sure you get a gift receipt though...in case the color is wrong or they really don't need them.