An important part of wedding gift etiquette is so much more than simply knowing what to buy. In fact, it is a practice that involves knowing when and how to send gifts, how to select the right one within your budget and knowing exactly what the newlyweds want. With a few simple tips, you will be a gift-giving pro in no time at all.

Wedding Gift Etiquette Tip # 1

Even if you are not planning to attend the ceremony, always send a wedding gift.

Wedding Gift Etiquette Tip # 2

If you are not planning on attending the wedding, send your gift along with the RSVP card.

Wedding Gift Etiquette Tip # 3

When selecting a wedding gift, be sure to spend within your means. An average cost is typically $100.00 per person. If this is more than you can afford, consider purchasing a gift basket filled with items that both the bride and groom will enjoy.

Wedding Gift Etiquette Tip # 4

Always ask the couple where they are registered. This will help you to know exactly what they need or want and you will know that your gift is something that the couple had hoped to receive.

Wedding Gift Etiquette Tip # 5

As a general rule, you have up to one year after the wedding to send a gift. You can either send it to the bride’s home before the wedding or the couple’s home after they are married.

Wedding Gift Etiquette Tip # 6

If you plan to bring a gift to the reception, be sure to place a card inside the box incase the outside card becomes detached or lost. This will help the couple to be sure they know who to thank.

Wedding Gift Etiquette Tip # 7

If the ceremony is out of town and everyone is planning to travel for the nuptials, avoid taking your gift on the trip. Instead, mail it to the bride’s or groom’s parent’s home.

Wedding Gift Etiquette Tip # 8

Do not re-gift an item that you received at your own wedding. Many people do this not only for weddings, but also for Christmas and other holidays. Quite simply, it’s just poor taste to re-gift an item that was purchased with thought for you or your family. Instead, put your own thought into a gift for the couple that will fit their lifestyle.

As you can see, wedding gift etiquette often employs several common sense methods. From the thoughtfulness of giving a gift whether or not you can attend the actual wedding to where to send the wedding gift if you cannot attend, wedding gift etiquette is just another way of showing the newlyweds how much you support their happy lives together.