(Photo by Houseman Studios)
Every summer and fall we ask ourselves the same question. How much should I spend on a wedding gift? It really depends on how close to are to the couple and the cost of living in your area. There are wedding gift etiquette rules you can live by which give gift giving that much simpler and will have you in the following price range based on relationship:
- Coworker and/or a distant family friend or relative: $50-$75
- Relative or friend: $75-$100
- Close relative or close friend: $100-$150
- Urbanite: $150-200+
Still a little stumped on what to get? Make sure you visit the bride and groom wedding website and see what they want/need. Maybe they want to fund a dream honeymoon and a kitchen appliance isn’t exactly the right gift. They may also be in the process of buying their first home together and need help with a down payment or they took the time to go and register for wedding gifts. If you need help thinking of some great gift ideas check out five great wedding gifts, but if you want to keep it simple and not get creative just get the bride and groom gifts off their registry.
Fiancé Gifts
The other part of this equation most of us don’t think about is whether or not you should get your fiancé a wedding gift. The answer is yes! When buying a gift for your significant other take into consideration what the other person likes and would appreciate after the wedding.
You could get your groom-to-be a tie to wear on the wedding day or a nice watch he can use during and after the wedding. You can also consider doing a boudoir photography session. This is a great gift for you and him! Make or purchase an album of the photos or put one really great photo in a frame as the wedding gift. Seattle boudoir photographers suggest creating a lingerie gift registry for your bridal shower then you will have outfits to wear for your session.
If your bride loves jewelry then find her something beautiful to wear on the wedding day. This is also a great opportunity to purchase a nice piece of jewelry that can become a family heirloom for your future generations. If she isn’t big into jewelry you could consider a purse she’s been looking at or a gift certificate to the spa. A day of relaxation after the wedding is always the perfect gift. You can also consider getting a gift of the two of you to share. It could be a few extra days of honeymooning or something you’ve both had your eye on for your new home or a nice weekend getaway trip.
When it comes to wedding gifts for your significant other don’t put a dollar limit on it because it should always be something memorable and well thought out.
