Engagement Gift Etiquette
Everything You Need to Know About Engagement Gift Etiquette
Do you know the proper engagement gift etiquette? Are you sure? Do you really have to buy engagement gifts, especially if you don’t plan on attending the engagement party?
When it comes to wedding gifts, many people think that they have a good understanding of the code of behavior. However, engagement gift etiquette is a different ballgame. You are not alone if you’re unsure of what to do when someone sends out an engagement announcement.
In general, a bride and groom should never expect an engagement gift. After all, guests will already have expenses when it comes to the wedding, including the wedding gift itself, not to mention potential travel costs. Therefore, an engagement gift should be considered a bonus, not a requirement.
Of course, if you plan on attending an engagement party then you might want to consider bringing along a gift. If you plan on bringing an additional gift, and perhaps a larger one, to the wedding, then the engagement gift can be smaller. You certainly don’t have to spend a large amount of money on two different gifts.
So when it comes to engagement gift etiquette, what are some good gift ideas?
If a coupe has already registered someplace, then purchasing something off of their registry is appropriate. However, if they only recently became engaged then they might not have had time to register yet. In that case, you can be creative.
Planning a wedding can be a stressful time for the bride. Something to help with the planning process might be appreciated. Consider purchasing a subscription to a bridal magazine for the bride to be, or perhaps a wedding planning book. Another nice idea might be a gift certificate for a massage, manicure, or pedicure the day before or the day of the wedding. (Or she can use it whenever she likes.)
Gift certificates are almost always appreciated. Consider a gift certificate to the cinema, a restaurant, a favorite store of the bride and groom, or even a class that the couple can take together. Popular classes include dance lessons and cooking classes.
Usually, only those very close to the couple, such as close friends and family members, purchase engagement gifts. Sometimes, it can be more budget friendly, however, to go in with several people on a gift together. For instance, if the bride has already chosen her bridesmaids, and you are one of them, then getting together with the other bridesmaids and perhaps splitting the cost of a gift is a good idea.
The parents of the bride and groom might also purchase engagement gifts for the couple, although this is not always necessary.
The bride and groom often purchase engagement gifts for one another as well. The groom might offer the bride an heirloom from his own family and the bride can even do the same.
As the bride and groom, if you are planning on having an engagement party then the engagement gift etiquette is to not announce the place of your registry, even if you have already registered. It is considered poor manners by most to include this information in the invitations. Instead, this information should be given to the parents of the bride and groom, as well as to the best man and maid of honor. These individuals are then able to pass the information along to attendees that might wish to purchase engagement gifts.
It is a similar form of etiquette when it comes to wedding gifts as well. Although it is perfectly acceptable to register for gifts, it is usually not considered acceptable to advertise the fact yourself.