Wedding present ideas?

Question

Got a wedding to go to this weekend. My boyfriend's cousin and his fiance, neither of whom I know or have met.
They have a registry, but it is only to one store and I personally am not a fan of the whole 'impersonal' gift giving thing.
I would like to give them something special and unique, something they can actually use over the years and not just a blender or bedding. It is really a shotgun wedding as she is pregnant, so I thought maybe I could combine the wedding present with a baby present as well or maybe even toss in something towards the Honeymoon...but it turns out they are not having a Honeymoon.

Any suggestions?

When I say impersonal gift giving, I mean pay for the gifts online and never know if they received them as we weren't able to give them to them ourselves...maye they were out of stock, maybe they were late, maybe they never got there at ALL.
The whole registry process to me is very sterile. This is why I can say I do not want to give these people I have never met something 'impersonal.'

Answer 1

You could go to somewhere like things remembered and have something like a pcture frame or something engraved with the details of their wedding. Stear clear of baby stuff, thats what baby showers are for. Besides, some people can get insulted when you get them baby stuff, they could think that you asssume that they arnt getting married for the Love, they are only doing it cause of the baby, (even if thats the reason). When I got married pictures were a big thing for me. I loved getting all the pictures everyone took. A friend took a bunch, and had them developed for me, and put into a nice album. Since they are not having a honeymoon, maybe you can get them a certificate to somewhere nice around were they live. Even if its something simple like a resturant, with your recommendation it could become a favorite. Or a special place. Another idea is couples day spa things. Like a couples massage (try to find a place that has a pregnant woman massage avail) its a nice way to de-stress after the wedding before Baby. And the right spa, that does couples massage can be very romantic. (guys arnt always down for it at first, but a lot become more open after the first time) Doesnt have to be a big thing, but something they can do to spend time together. Im not sure how pregnant she is, and how that will affect this. Worst comes to worse, dont feel bad getting off the registry. Its usually things they really do need or want and cant afford. Especially since this is a sudden wedding, and they're going to have to make sacrifices to accomodate a baby. But you could always get them something off the registry that can be personalized. Or add special touches. Im sure they will just appreciate that you came and you cared.

Answer 2

Honestly, I don't see why you don't like the registry process. The bride and groom have requested what they want, it's shipped directly to them, and some stores will delay shipping around the wedding/honeymoon date so that packages won't sit on a doorstep. It's easy on everyone, but particularly the bride and groom. One of the biggest problems faced at a wedding reception is having someone deal with the gifts that people bring to the reception, they have been known to be stolen from receptions before, so many brides are advised to "assign" someone gift table duty, and that's a guest that really doesn't get to enjoy the reception, since they're guarding gifts, or they pay for a staff person to do it, which is another expense. Then, they have to worry about getting the gifts home after the reception, when they really just want to get out of there. This is why registries have really become more and more popular over the years. As far as not knowing if the gift arrived, most stores that have online purchasing and shipping will notify you (the buyer) when the gift was shipped, sometimes will even provide you a tracking number so that you can find out quite easily when a gift was delivered. You should also receive a thank you note from the bride and groom thanking you for your gift, which will also confirm they received it. Please re-consider the registry, you'll be getting them JUST what they wanted, I know I was thrilled when I got stuff off my registry, and kind of bummed when I got something else, because it was something that I was probably either going to wind up re-gifting, taking back to the store, or have sit in my basement for years until I sold it in a garage sale.

Also, DON'T bring a baby present to the wedding....even if it is a shotgun wedding and the bride is pregnant, they may not want that fact advertised, even if it's commonly known. Wait until she's closer to delivering, and then give them the baby gift.

Answer 3

Don't worry about trying to be personal with these people. Just give them cash. That is the prefered method now a days. Do you really think that after planning this wedding and going through with the VERY long day, drinking and being on their feet, that they want to bring a bunch of gifts up to their hotel room? That is the last thing on their minds. Then you have to intrust a drunk friend to be responsible for it all. Most groom and brides are broke at this point. A card with some money would be just the thing that they would want to use on their honeymoon. After our wedding we left and went on our honeymoon with the money that we got from that night. We didn't even open the gifts until we came home from our honeymoon. And even then with our moving and all it was hard to bring it all back to our new place (in a new state). Bottom line is just bring cash. It is easier and more accomidating to the bride and groom.

Answer 4

Since you don't know them , you would be better off getting something off their registry. I understand your opinions, but you don't have much chance of finding the perfect gift in less than a week for people you don't know.

While kitchen appliances and bedding don't sound like a great gift now, if it's something that they will need and use, they will be more grateful. A sentimental gift only works when you know the people well. The recipients in this case won't even know your name to remember who gave it to them.

Answer 5

Stick with the registry. As a bride to be, I really want people to get gifts(if they choose to give one) to pick from the registry, that's the whole reason why we have one.

If you want to make it a little more personal, select an item from the registry and give it a personal touch. For example if they registered for a set of martini glasses, included in the box drink recipes and the making needed for drinks

Answer 6

you mentioned that you don't like the "impersonal" gifts, yet in the sentence before, you mentioned that you never met them!! I don't think they'd expect a "personalized" gift from someone they have never met. And on second hand, I am assuming that you are going as the guest of your boyfriend? right? If that is the case, the gift should be up to him..you are just HIS guest...

Answer 7

How much r u spending? Sounds like quite a bit, so could u buy them a Saturday night at a nice Hotel near u since they have no honeymoon? Just an idea.

Answer 8

Buy them a photo album picture frame combined. They are really nice and that way they would have something that they could put their wedding picture in and also the rest of their pictures. Hallmarks has them..

Answer 9

since you dont know them, STICK TO THE REGISTRY! or give cash!

it would be different if they were close to you.

believe me, i'm getting married in 8 weeks and i wouldn't want someone i dont even know to try to get me something "personal" or "special"

Answer 10

if your a quest at the wedding your bf buys the gift.