What Kind of Gift Do You Give Someone for a Bridal Shower?

Bring your gift to the shower or mail it to address on the registry.

When attending a bridal shower, it is often difficult to know what to present to the bride as a token of your congratulations. This holds especially true if the couple didn't put together a gift registry or if everything on the list is out of your price range. However, a personal gift often means much more than something picked off the list -- just make sure that it's not too similar to something already registered.

Something Blue

"Married in blue, your love will be true." - Victorian Proverb

Incorporating something blue into the bride's attire is a time-honored tradition that symbolizes faithfulness in the marriage. Giving the bride something blue to wear on her wedding day shows your support for the marriage while wishing her good luck. Some gift ideas for the "something blue" are a blue garter, a ring with a blue stone or a blue flower for her hair. Blue garters are the most common additions to bridal wardrobes, so make sure that she hasn't already selected a garter in advance.

Bridal Lingerie

Take the opportunity to pamper the bride before her wedding day.

Though the bride probably has undergarments already selected with her wedding gown in mind, additional pieces for the honeymoon or wedding night are always appreciated. Giving a bride lingerie is symbolic of the wedding night as well as a congratulatory gesture. If you don't know her size, call her mother or one of her bridesmaids to save her the hassle of exchanging the gift. Be sure to select tasteful garments to avoid an uncomfortable moment during the shower's proceedings.

Monogrammed Items

Monogrammed items are timeless.

Giving a bride everyday items (e.g., towels, glasses, cutlery, sheets) monogrammed with her new initials is an easy way to add a sense of luxury to her life. Acquiring monogrammed items is not usually at the top of a bride's priority list, but part of the fun of a bridal shower is to give her gifts that she wouldn't think to get herself. For additional pizazz, select items bearing the same colors as her wedding's theme.

Donate in Their Names

Gifts that help those in need make the couple appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Giving a donation to a charity close to the couple's heart is a way of expressing your congratulations while paying tribute to something that has affected the newlyweds' lives. For instance, if a member of either family is unable to attend the wedding due to a long-term illness, consider donating to a charity that researches treatments for the disease. Or if the bride and groom are animal lovers, donate to a local no-kill animal shelter.

References

• Frugal Bride: Wedding Etiquette Do's and Don'ts
• Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Resources

• Gifts: Wedding Gift Etiquette Guide