How to Select a Gift for an Engagement Party

An engagement gift is your way of giving congratulations to a future bride and groom. It doesn't matter whether the gift is large or small. In reality, the only thing that matters is that you put thought into it and it came from the heart.

Things You'll Need

• Money
• Gift registry

Instructions

Select a Gift for an Engagement Party

1. Purchase a small gift, such as chocolates or flowers, when you plan on attending the wedding. In most cases, you'll want to save your resources for the big day.

2. Ask where the future bride and groom are registered and purchase a bigger gift when you won't be able to attend the wedding, or when funds allow. Most of the time, larger purchases are reserved for guests who won't be attending the upcoming nuptials.

3. Bring the couple a book on married life. It can be a humorous look at getting married or a serious book on the rewards and joys of saying vows. One book that's a mix of both is "Making Marriage Work for Dummies" by Steven Simring, Sue Klavans Simring and Gene Busnar (see Resources below).

4. Put some money in a nice engagement card. More than likely, the couple will appreciate gifts of money, which can be easily applied toward a new home, a honeymoon or even toward the cost of the wedding.

5. Be creative and personalize your gift. For couples you know well, you may want to select a few DVDs they enjoy, or give them some CDs to start their own collection. You can also treat them to a date night, complete with movie or theater tickets.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to the family of the bride and groom to see if there is anything special you can bring to the engagement party, such as food, utensils or even entertainment. The best gift you can give may be one of service to the family so everyone can relax and enjoy the night.

• Don't feel obligated to bring a gift. Providing gifts at an engagement party isn't traditionally done, so don't feel bad about just buying a card.

• Before you select any type of edible gift for an upcoming engagement party, you may want to ask whether the bride or groom has any known food allergies or restrictions. Purchasing chocolate covered nuts for a groom with a peanut allergy or petits-fours for a bride with diabetes may make the wrong statement.