I'm travelling to a wedding next week, and it's costing me about $600 to get there. I don't want to show up empty handed, but really, does anyone expect a gift from out-of-towners who are already out of pocket? Or does anyone have good, inexpensive suggestions for a gift that don't look completely tacky? Thanks!
2007-09-30 14:08:19 · 9 answers · asked by mesascotcat 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
The couple getting married have lived together for six months already, and have two kids, so they already have almost everything they need. They registered, but only for really expensive things that they couldn't normally afford, so I don't know what to do...
2007-09-30 14:26:43 · update #1
How about a sterling silver picture frame (you can never have too many of those) or silver candlestick holders? They aren't very expensive and always seem to make a nice, practical wedding gift. (And they aren't tacky! At least I don't think so) :)
2007-09-30 15:50:32 · answer #1 · answered by milly 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If traveling is a financial burden, then of course, you do not have to go but you want to and you managed to find a way.
If the bride/groom lives in the United States, give them a gift card to a restaurant or a store that most people go to, that way they can buy whatever they want/need.
For the gift card at the restaurant, like Olive Garden, I recommend giving at least $100 on the card.
For a gift card to a store like Walmart and Target (that's where MOST people shop most often anyway), put like $50 or more, if you can afford it.
Instead of giving the gift card in person, mail it instead to the couple and buy insurance for the card, so in case the card gets "lost", the insurance will refund you. Insurance cost around $1 and up at the post office. Also, when you mail the gift card, it will have a your return address, so the bride and groom has it handy when they send the thank you notes :-)
I know some people think that gift cards are tacky. But the recipients always find it useful and you don't have a hard time guessing what they want or need for themselves or their homes!
2007-09-30 21:41:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, really you should probably take a gift. Shop the discount houses like Tuesday Mornings, or from Baron's catalog or watch the sales at Walmart for something on sale. I just bought a coffee maker at Walmart for $8, and saw some cool stuff at Tuesday Mornings for way less than it's original price. Some silver picture frames come to mind. The happy couple do not have to know it was on sale.
I went to the upscale department store for one wedding, and saw the spice rack the bride listed on her registry for nearly $70. It was on 40% off sale. The sales woman told me she would not give it to me for the sale price, since the bride contracts with the store that all items on her registry list are sold at full price. The sales lady felt that I was leaving empty handed, and I was, and sold it to me at the discount. Do the math, 40% off of $70 for me, and a very surprised and pleased bride thinking that I would pay $70 for a present and not even come to the wedding. A win-win situation.
For someone getting on a plane, a gift certificate would be easy, and very packable. Buy a nice card, and slip it inside.
2007-10-01 01:12:12 · answer #3 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I'm afraid they do expect some kind of gift even if you had an expensive trip. Most couples register for gifts. Find out where they are registered and pick out the least expensive item on the list. If there is nothing you can afford on the list, pick out a nice glass vase for about $10 to $15, gift wrap it and take it or send it.
2007-09-30 21:18:34 · answer #4 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Gifts are given from the HEART and not the pocket book.
Personally, I like giving "entertaining" gifts... things the couple might need/like if they ever entertain... i.e. candleholders, place mats, napkins, napkin rings. The price range can vary widely and still have some very nice things at reasonable prices. Furthermore, things like napkins/matching placemats travel well!
Have a polite day.
2007-09-30 22:22:42 · answer #5 · answered by wyomugs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A bottle of wine with a couple of pretty wine glasses and a corkscrew,linens,things for the kitchen,a basket full of goodies and home made jams ect.
2007-09-30 21:21:01 · answer #6 · answered by warriorbabe 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, you could go buy some kitchen supplies, such as kitchen towels and probably 2 mixing bowls and some utensils and put it in a basket because most newlyweds don't have kitchen supplies.
2007-09-30 21:15:48 · answer #7 · answered by hall2492 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My suggestion, don't go..........you might meet with an accident and you might get seriously hurt or even lose your life. Send them a card.
2007-10-01 04:06:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
glass
2007-09-30 21:37:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋