• pregnancy & baby
• parenting
• Wii Fit Plus
• health
• beauty
• food & drink
• diet & fitness
• more ivillage
  • • Travel
    • Entertainment
    • Home & Garden
    • Relationships
    • Work & Money
    • Shopping
  • • Competitions
    • Dating
    • Quizzes
    • Newsletters
    • Kalimocho.co.uk
    • Horoscopes
  • 

A guide to buying a wedding present

When you've got a number of weddings to attend, these time and money-saving tips can make finding and buying the perfect presents a breeze, say Eileen Livers and Monica Bernstein

1. Take advantage of gift lists. Couples spend the time and effort registering for gifts because that's what they truly want. Most department stores even allow you to view a couple's registry via fax or online, so you can do all your shopping without leaving home.

2. When buying off a list, don't feel compelled to purchase an item at the listed price. Most couples register at least six months before their wedding, which gives guests plenty of time to wait for a sale before buying.

3. Ask for ideas. If you don't want to buy off of a couple's list (or if they're not registered), ask the happy couple (or a maid of honour, parent or someone else who's 'in the know') what they would like.

4. Consider a group gift. Do you know a number of people who'll be attending the same wedding? Why not suggest chipping in on a costly item?

5. Hate to shop? Look for wedding gifts online or in catalogues. Just about anything you can think of - and even things you can't - are available by mail order. And, just like department stores, many will wrap and ship your gifts, complete with a card from you.

6. Dare to be different. If you've got a unique gift in mind, go for it. Make sure you keep the couple's hobbies and personalities in mind, though, not yours. Just make sure any gift a couple didn't register for is returnable, either for a refund or for store credit.

7. Stick to a signature gift. If you absolutely love a particular item and know it's a guaranteed hit, give it to all your marrying friends.

8. Money is a great gift option. In fact, many couples prefer it. You can give a cheque or cash and you can personalise your cash gift by writing a fun certificate to go with it, such as, 'Good for one dinner out.'

9. Give gift vouchers. Gift vouchers get a bad press (some say they're too easy and impersonal), but when did you ever mind getting one? And you don't have to limit your gift vouchers to home-decorating shops. Other options include music stores, bookstores, sports shops, restaurants, day spas, cinemas and hotels.

10. Take your time. Traditional etiquette dictates a guest has a full year after the couple's wedding date to send a gift. So don't settle for something you're not happy with just because of time pressure.

printer friendly send to a friend