Weddings and bridal showers are special occasions that brings together friends and family to celebrate the soon-to-be newlyweds. While it can be exciting to attend both events, it can also create questions about gift-giving. One of the most common questions is whether you should bring a gift to the wedding if you already gave a gift at the bridal shower.
Traditionally, both the bridal shower and the wedding requires a gift, but there are some nuances depending on the type of event you’re attending.
Understanding Bridal Showers
Bridal showers are held with the purpose of showering the bride-to-be with gifts to help her and her partner start their new life together. People that typically attend the bridal are the bride’s closest female friends and family members. Gifts given at bridal showers are more oriented towards the bride, and usually include accessories, lingerie, furniture, and household goods.
When it comes to deciding what to gift at a bridal shower, it’s best to stick to the registry, if one is provided. The registry has been created for that purpose, and by sticking to it, the gift is more likely to be something that the bride will appreciate and use. However, it’s okay to get off the registry as long as it’s a thoughtful and meaningful gift.
It’s also not uncommon for guests to skip the bridal shower for various reasons, and this can include not being invited or being too far away to attend. In these cases, it’s okay not to bring a gift, but it’s also not too late to offer the bride-to-be a gift at the wedding.
Understanding Weddings
The wedding ceremony is the main event, and it often includes more people and a diverse group of guests. During the wedding ceremony, guests give gifts usually from the couple’s registry, but cash gifts and sentimental items are also commonly given.
When it comes to gift etiquette, it’s important to remember that the gift is a sign of your appreciation for the couple, and their special day. Gifts that have been carefully chosen or thoughtfully made can go a long way.
Guests who attend the bridal shower typically still bring a gift to the wedding since weddings are a more formal and larger event, with different expectations. If this is the case, it’s important to choose a different gift than the one given at the shower. Wedding gifts tend to be more expensive than those given at bridal showers, that is why it’s important to adjust the budget accordingly.
Gift Giving Tips
Feeling stressed or overwhelmed about gift-giving is completely normal, and these tips will help to make it easier:
- If you’ve already given a gift at the bridal shower, consider a smaller gift or card for the wedding day.
- If you’re close with the bride or groom, getting a small and thoughtful gift for each occasion is a nice way to show them that you care.
- Stick to the registry to ensure you’re giving a gift that the couple actually wants and will use.
- Consider contributing to a larger group gift with friends or family members to ensure a more significant and useful item for the couple
- No matter what you have decided to give, make sure to get a card and write a heartfelt message. This small gesture can really make a difference to the couple on their special day.
Conclusion
Bringing a gift to both the bridal shower and the wedding ceremony is generally expected as a way of celebrating the couple and wishing them well. While it’s not a requirement to bring a gift, it’s always a kind gesture. If you’re feeling unsure about what to give, consider sticking to the registry, or contributing to a group gift. Whatever you decide, the most important part is to show up and share in the love.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a bridal shower gift and a wedding gift?
A bridal shower gift and a wedding gift are both an opportunity for guests to show their support and love for the bride and groom. However, there are a few differences between the two.
Firstly, the bridal shower gift is typically smaller in size and cost than a wedding gift. A bridal shower is more of an intimate affair with the bride and her close family and friends, whereas a wedding is a larger event where the couple invites everyone they know. Therefore, a bridal shower gift is usually something that is personal to the bride, such as lingerie, home goods, or beauty products. Additionally, bridal shower gifts are often centered around a specific theme that the host has chosen.
On the other hand, a wedding gift is typically something bigger and a bit more expensive than what you would give for the shower. This is because the wedding is a larger occasion and you are likely to be bringing a gift to a reception filled with a hundred or more guests. The wedding gift is usually more practical items that the couple can use on a daily basis, such as a household appliance or a piece of furniture. Alternatively, couples often set up a registry which guests can contribute towards, which is a great way to ensure you are giving the couple something they actually want and need.
If you want to get a single, bigger gift for both occasions together, etiquette expert Diane Gottsman suggests that you still bring something small like a bottle of wine and a card to the shower. This shows the bride and her guests that you appreciate being invited to the shower and plan to attend the wedding as well. Additionally, it takes the pressure off of finding two separate gifts and consolidates the cost into one present.
The main differences between a bridal shower gift and a wedding gift are the size, cost, and practicality of the items. Bridal shower gifts are usually smaller, more personal items, while wedding gifts are more practical and group-oriented. However, in either situation, it is important to show your appreciation and love for the happy couple.
Do you bring a card to a bridal shower and a wedding?
When it comes to attending a bridal shower or wedding, many guests often wonder about the etiquette of bringing a card. While it’s not mandatory to bring a card to either event, it’s still a thoughtful gesture that the couple will appreciate.
A card serves as a congratulatory message, expressing your excitement and happiness for the couple on their special day. You can use this opportunity to write a heartfelt message to the bride and groom, offering them well wishes and advice for their future together. Many couples like to hold on to their cards as keepsakes, so it’s always a good idea to bring one along.
If you’re unsure if you should bring a card, there are a few things to consider. For instance, if you’re attending a wedding, it’s customary to bring a gift along with a card. In this case, a card can serve as an accompaniment to your gift and add a personal touch. On the other hand, if you’re attending a bridal shower, gifts are often the main focus, but a card can still be a nice touch to express your congratulations.
Bringing a card to a bridal shower or wedding may not be mandatory, however, it’s a thoughtful gesture that the couple will appreciate. It can serve as a keepsake and an expression of your congratulations and happiness for the couple on their special day.
How much money do you give at a wedding?
When attending a wedding, many guests often wonder just how much money they should give as a gift. While there is no right or wrong answer, there are a few factors to consider when deciding on the appropriate amount. Firstly, it is important to consider your relationship with the couple. For coworkers or distant relatives, it is suggested to spend around 50 to 75 dollars, as they may not be as close to the couple. For friends or relatives, it is more appropriate to spend around 75 to 100 dollars as they may be more involved in the couple’s life.
If you are attending the wedding of a close friend, family member, or are in the wedding party, you should consider spending a higher amount of around 100 to 150 dollars, or more if you can afford it. This is because you are likely more invested in the couple’s lives and the wedding day itself.
It’s also important to keep in mind the cost of attending the wedding itself. If you have already spent a significant amount of money on travel, accommodation, or attire, you should not feel obligated to spend a large sum of money as a gift. Instead, a heartfelt card or a smaller gift may be more appropriate.
It is up to the individual guest to decide on the appropriate amount to give as a wedding gift. It’s important to keep in mind your relationship with the couple, your own financial situation, and the cost of attending the wedding itself. By considering these factors, you can choose a thoughtful and appropriate gift amount to give on the couple’s special day.
Do I need to bring a wedding gift?
Whether or not you need to bring a wedding gift depends on various factors such as cultural customs, your relationship with the couple, and the wedding invitation itself. In general, giving a gift to a newlywed couple is a tradition that many people follow. It’s an opportunity to express your love and happiness for the couple as they start their new life together.
Firstly, it’s important to check the wedding invitation, which may indicate whether or not you are expected to bring a gift. Some invitations may include a gift registry or specific requests for contributions to a honeymoon fund or charity. In such cases, it’s appropriate and expected to follow the instructions on the invitation.
In some cultures, not bringing a gift to a wedding is considered rude or disrespectful. For example, in some Asian cultures, it’s customary to give cash as a gift, often in a red envelope. In other cultures, such as in some parts of Europe, it’s common to give gifts that are specific to the couple’s home or interests.
Even if you are not expected to bring a gift, it’s a thoughtful gesture that shows your support for the couple. You could give a small gift that represents your relationship with them, such as something related to a shared interest or memory. Alternatively, you could offer a service, such as helping with wedding preparations or taking photos at the wedding.
Whether or not you need to bring a wedding gift is a matter of personal choice. However, not bringing a gift may be seen as a breach of social etiquette, so it’s important to consider the cultural and social expectations. Whether you choose to give a gift or not, your presence at the wedding is a valuable contribution to the celebration of the couple’s love and commitment.
What do you wear to a bridal shower as a guest?
A bridal shower is a celebration thrown in honor of the bride-to-be, usually hosted by friends or family members. As a guest, it is important to dress appropriately for the occasion, showcasing your love and support for the bride. The attire you choose to wear will depend on the time of day, location, and the level of formality of the event.
If the bridal shower is a more formal event, such as an evening party or a restaurant venue, it is best to dress in a semiformal or formal attire. A good rule of thumb is to wear something like “a pantsuit, skirt-suit, or a high-neck sheath dress.” If you opt for a dress, choose a sophisticated and elegant style, in a classic design or a vibrant color, but not excessively flashy or revealing. Pair it with a simple clutch or a small sleek purse, high heels, and minimal jewelry. You can also add a blazer or a scarf for extra coverage, but avoid anything too bulky or casual.
On the other hand, if the bridal shower is taking place during the day, outdoors, or in a more relaxed setting, you can dress more casually, yet still look stylish and chic. For example, you could pair a blouse with trousers, a flowy dress, or a jumpsuit. Opt for lighter tones and fabrics, such as pastels, florals, linen, or cotton, and avoid anything too formal or somber. Wear comfortable and cute shoes, like flats, sandals, or wedges, and accessorize with a statement necklace or earrings, a sunhat, or a colorful scarf.
When in doubt, it is always best to ask the host or the other guests what the dress code is for the event. They will likely be happy to give you some guidance, and you can also avoid the risk of overdressing or underdressing. Remember that the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. Enjoy the event and celebrate the bride-to-be!
