Wedding Etiquette for Presents

Send a wedding gift in a timely manner.

Whether choosing a wedding gift from the bridal registry or picking a present on your own, consider the rules of wedding etiquette concerning price, when to give the gift and where to send it.

Cost

Spend what is appropriate for your relationship with the couple and don't base the price of your present on the cost-per-plate of the reception, according to The Knot. Spend more than $150 on a close friend or relative and between $50 to $75 on a co-worker or distant relative.

Time Frame

Send the present to the bridal couple prior to the wedding or shortly after, according to Emily Post. While it is acceptable to send a gift after the wedding, send it no later than two to three months after the nuptials.

Location

Mail wedding presents to either the bride's or her parents' home. A bridal registry often lists the address where to send a gift. While not a common practice, in some regions bring the present to the wedding reception and place it on a gift table.

Considerations

If you don't have much to spend or want to give the couple a more expensive gift from the bridal registry, consider pooling your money with others to give a group gift. A bridal party may want to consider this option and purchase a memorable gift for the couple.

References

• The Knot: Wedding Gifts: 5 Rules of Wedding Gift Giving
• Emily Post: Wedding Gift Tips
• YourWedding101.com: Wedding Gift Etiquette

Resources

• WeddingChannel: Guide for Guests: What To Wear