For many people, a wedding invitation plopping onto their doormat is a mixed blessing which can lead to conflicted feelings.
On the one hand, you have the joyous celebration of the love between two people, which usually offers an opportunity to catch up with lots of your friends and/or family members and enjoy good food, a chance to hit the dance-floor and a chance to share in the couple’s special day.
On the other hand, it can be a nightmare schlepping around the shops trying to find something to wear or having your suit cleaned and looking out a suitable tie.
Then there are all the other costs which can be involved, such as train, plane or bus tickets, hotel bookings, drinks at the bar, taxis on the night and, of course, a wedding present.
Problem One – Choosing from a list
If the couple have a list then you are lucky as it means you don’t have to worry about choosing het wrong thing.
However, if you leave it too late, then you might find that you’re options are limited as either everything interesting has gone, or there is nothing left within your budget.
Getting in there quick can save a lot of agonising, so if you plan to send a gift then it’s always best to choose one as soon as you can.
Problem Two – Requests for money
For some people, this is a dream come true and they are only too happy to be relived of the task of finding a present, but others prefer to give a physical gift either instead of, or alongside money.
A personalised item such as a wedding photo album, engraved champagne glasses or even a bottle of bubbly with the couple’s name on it can be a great way to show the couple you want to give them something special.
Problem Three – A honeymoon gift
Some couples ask their wedding guests to contribute to their honeymoon, either towards the cost of the trip itself or to activities to enjoy whilst you they are away.
However some newlyweds have trouble getting away, either due to financial constraints or other commitments.
You could give such a couple a real treat with a night out on the town, or even an overnight stay which is sure to put a smile on their faces.
Problem Four – No gift list at all
If the couple haven’t got a gift list, but you still want to give them something which will demonstrate your affection for them, you could find yourself searching through everything from crystal chandeliers to colour co-ordinated coffee cups.
If you find it hard to pick without any direction, then why not go for something completely out of the ordinary, such as a lovers’ leap bungee jump or a sightseeing boat trip down the Thames with a delicious gourmet meal included?
If they haven’t got a gift list then they might find themselves opening a lot of odd gifts after the wedding, so make sure you find something that would give anyone a great day out.
Problem Five – They are the couple who have everything
Of course, it’s likely that their wedding will be a lavish affair and you will feel thoroughly spoiled by the end of it, but the chances are you will also feel the pressure to give them a great gift.
Consider something that even they wouldn’t have in every colour, whether that’s a bottle of champagne with their names on it, to a murder mystery weekend where they will find themselves thrown into the action as they try to track down a killer.
Whatever you choose, focus on getting them something which money can’t buy whether that’s amazing memories or a smile on their faces.
Problem Six – Limited budget
Any couple will tell you that they would hate anyone who was on a tight budget to feel as though they had to buy them a gift – being there on their special day is much more important than worrying about finding a present.
However if you’re looking for wedding present ideas that won’t break the bank, there are always options to show that you are thinking of them, such as photoshoots, golfing experiences or even something like a box of delicious chocolates which they can enjoy together.
Whatever your budget, you can find something meaningful and special which will mean something to the couple and make them think of you when they open it.
Problem Seven – Unsure about their tastes
Often, people will be invited to a wedding where they are friends with one half of the couple more than the other, so may not be sure of their shared tastes.
To avoid giving a gift which will only appeal to either the bride or the groom, you can go for something which includes an element which they can decide on themselves, such as a couple’s choice box which offers the chance to choose from thirty different activities.
Anything which lets the couple themselves choose some part of their gift will allow them to make your wedding gift their perfect present.
Whatever you choose as a wedding present, something that is from the heart will always be well received. The happy couple will have long lasting memories of their special day which can only be enhanced by a meaningful gift which they can enjoy for a long time.
Adam lives a life of adventure in the digital spaces, writing across a wide range of topics while sharing insights from a diverse experience of work, life, pastimes and personal goals, including why it’s so hard to come up with good wedding present ideas that don’t cost a fortune.
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