Navigating your way through wedding etiquette can leave you feeling lost and confused. Most wedding traditions come with a complete set of rules and guidelines – even the bridal shower. Guests, hosts and brides alike might want a refresher on bridal shower gift etiquette before making a purchase or showing up for the celebration.
Many couples register for their gifts at several stores. These wish lists make shopping a breeze for guests. They already know what the couple needs, and if someone else has already purchased it. This information can usually be found with the bridal shower invitation or on the couple’s wedding website. If you can’t find a list of her registered stores, it is perfectly okay to ask the bride if she is registered somewhere.
Bridal shower gifts do not always need to be from the registry. Guests will occasionally buy or make something special for the bride. However, if you buy something practical, like a kitchen appliance, going from the registry is the best thing to do. You don’t want to buy the bride something she already owns, or that someone else has already gifted her with. Non-registered gifts should hold some kind of personal or sentimental value for the bride.
Brides might initially feel uncomfortable selecting their registry. It can be difficult to figure out what is appropriate for a registry, and what isn’t. Expensive items are not off-limits, as long as you include some cheaper items as well. Don’t just think about what you’ll need in the immediate future. Imagine what you’ll want or need throughout your life together. Sure, your current hand-me-down dishes might be fine for now, but will you still like them in 10 years? Will they be durable enough to survive once you start a family? Try not to add anything to the registry that won’t help you build your new home or adjust to life as a married couple. So don’t let your man get any ideas when going through the video games aisle!
Co-ed Gatherings
Although bridal showers are traditionally female-only, couple’s showers are increasing in popularity. This might affect your gift giving etiquette. While a bridal shower might include gifts that are only for the bride, a couple’s shower gift should be for both partners. Kitchen appliances are still acceptable, even if you know only one partner cooks – but if one partner plans to have a craft room, buying her art supplies would not be appropriate for a couple’s shower.
Price Range
Most guests will probably spend around 20 dollars for their gift. Small ticket items are acceptable if you bundle several into one gift. Of course, more expensive gifts are always welcomed. Sometimes a group of friends might want to pitch in for one big gift. This can be easily organized for the shower. Make sure you get everyone who contributes to sign the card!
Sexy Presents
Before buying some sexy underwear or naughty treats, check with the hostess on who will be invited. If moms, grandmothers or kids will be attending, sexy gifts probably won’t be appropriate. In this situation many brides will have a separate lingerie shower where these gifts can comfortably be given.
Thank You Notes
Thank you notes should be sent for each gift received. These cards should typically be sent within the first two or three months of marriage, but if the bride has the time, cards can be sent before the wedding day. Make sure someone records what each person gives during the shower for easy reference later.
