Wedding Gifts From Parents

Picking out wedding gifts from parents can be difficult. A question of etiquette presents itself, particularly if the parents of the bride are hosting the wedding. If they are paying all the costs, should they also be required to give a gift? For modern American weddings, if the bride's parents are footing the bill for the wedding, then a simple token gift for their daughter is acceptable (a framed invitation or picture of the couple, for example).

Honeymoon

If the parents are not paying for the wedding, it's not uncommon for the groom's parents and the bride's parents to chip in and provide funds for the honeymoon. Modern weddings can cost in excess of $20,000, so plane tickets and a hotel stay at a romantic location is a significantly smaller investment.

Photo Album or Scrapbook

A wedding photo album or scrapbook is an excellent wedding gift from the parents. The mother of the bride or groom or both can collaborate on the wedding photos while the happy couple is on their honeymoon. The photo album can be waiting for them when they get back.

Cash Gift

A cash gift is good for a couple who are already living together or do not need much in the way of household items. Some parents may offer an investment or down payment on a house in lieu of straight cash.

Heirlooms

Some parents pass on family heirlooms when their children marry. China, jewelry and household items are just a few things that may be given as a gift to the happy couple. Some mothers provide their daughters or soon to be daughters-in-law with a wedding dress as well.

Quilt or Sampler

Craft-inclined parents may sew a wedding quilt or crochet a blanket as a gift for the happy couple. The handmade creation is a treasured gift and may be passed on to future generations.