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Wedding gifting etiquette - your guide from the experts
When it comes to wedding planning, there is so much to think about, the same goes for wedding gift lists! That's why we are here to help with your guide to wedding gift list etiquette! We have spoken to The Wedding Shop, the UK's leading gift list provider, to bring you everything you need to know about wedding registries.
How many gifts should I add to my wedding gift list?
In short, we advise adding 2-3 gifts per wedding guest invited. Adding a variety of gifts to your wedding list caters to the differing budgets and preferences of your guests. It's a thoughtful approach to include a wide range of items, from smaller, more affordable pieces to a few higher-end gifts. The key is balance and variety. Typically, having slightly more gifts than the number of guests or households invited allows for enough choice without overwhelming your guests.
When should I start my wedding gift list?
The best time to start curating your wedding gift list is once your wedding planning is well underway, ideally a few months before you send out invitations. This timing ensures that your list is ready for early-bird guests who might wish to purchase gifts as soon as they receive their invitations. It's also a nice way to spread out your wedding planning tasks, adding a touch of excitement and anticipation as you select items together. The average time we see couples signing up for a wedding registry is usually around six months before the wedding day.
Is it OK to have a wedding gift list without offending wedding guests?
Absolutely! A wedding gift list is a wonderful way to guide your guests towards gifts you'll love and use. It takes the guesswork out of gift-giving for them and ensures you receive items that are meaningful and useful for your new life together. The key is to communicate your gift list gracefully, perhaps by including a tasteful insert in your wedding invitations (The Wedding Shop has complimentary cards for you) or a note on your wedding website. Remember, it's about giving your guests options, not mandating gifts. We know that 99% of wedding guests will give you a gift, so having a list makes it simpler for everyone involved.
How should I share my wedding list with my wedding guests?
Sharing your wedding gift list should be done tastefully and considerately. You can include a small complimentary. Alternatively, you can provide this information on your wedding website if you have one, ensuring it's easily accessible yet not overtly emphasised. The aim is to inform your guests without making them feel obligated. You will likely find that your friends and family will ask for your list details too. So having the link saved in your phone notes could be a good idea so you can simply share via WhatsApp or email.
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What should I add to my wedding gift list?
Crafting your wedding gift list is an exciting part of the wedding planning process, allowing you to envision and shape your future together. While traditional gifts are always appreciated, modern couples often opt for a more diverse range of options. Here are some thoughtful and contemporary ideas to consider for your wedding list:
Household accessories: These can range from elegant picture frames, stylish lamps, cosy throws, and unique pieces of art to add a personal touch to your home. Think about items that not only serve a functional purpose but also reflect your personal style.
Honeymoon funds: Many couples are now choosing to include a honeymoon fund on their wedding list. This allows guests to contribute towards your dream honeymoon, whether it's a tropical getaway, a cultural exploration, or a relaxing retreat. It's a wonderful way to make your first adventure as a married couple even more special.
Charity contributions: If you're a couple who feels strongly about giving back, adding the option for guests to make a donation to a charity of your choice is a meaningful addition. This can be particularly rewarding if there's a cause that's close to your heart or has played a significant role in your lives.
Experiences: Rather than physical gifts, consider adding experiences to your list. This could be anything from a cooking class, a wine-tasting experience, theatre tickets, or a hot air balloon ride. These gifts create lasting memories and offer unique adventures that you can enjoy as a couple.
Subscriptions: A gift that keeps on giving! Consider adding subscriptions to your list, such as flowers, coffee or a meal kit service. These can provide ongoing enjoyment and are a great way to try new things together.
How much do wedding guests usually spend on a wedding gift?
At The Wedding Shop, we've noticed that friends and family typically spend £114 on a wedding gift for the big day. For 2024, this generosity is increasing, with an average spend of £124 on wedding gift lists. The beauty of a wedding gift list lies in its simplicity and flexibility; it allows guests to contribute in a way that's meaningful to brides and grooms, ensuring the couple receives gifts they will truly love and appreciate. Discover our selection of wedding gifts, all within the thoughtful £100-£150 range.
Is group gifting an option?
Group gifting is indeed a fantastic option to consider in the realm of wedding gift etiquette. It's an approach that benefits both the happy couple and their guests, creating a scenario where everyone feels comfortable and included. For the happy couple, group gifting allows for the inclusion of higher-priced items on their wedding gift list without placing the burden of a large expense on any single guest. This could be anything from luxury homeware, top-of-the-range appliances, or even contributions towards a dream honeymoon. Such items might otherwise be too expensive for individual guests to purchase alone. From a guest's perspective, group gifting offers a convenient and collaborative way to contribute to a more significant gift. It's especially ideal for friends or family members who might want to pool their resources to give the couple something truly special and memorable. This way, guests can contribute what they're comfortable with, ensuring that no one feels pressured to spend beyond their means.
What do wedding guests really think about honeymoon funds?
When it comes to honeymoon funds as a part of wedding gift lists, the perspective of wedding guests can vary, but in general, they are increasingly being viewed as an acceptable and even thoughtful option. However, it's good practice to balance this with some physical gift options on your list as well. Honeymoon funds resonate well with many guests because they offer a chance to contribute to something deeply meaningful and memorable for the couple. Instead of guessing what the couple might need or like, guests can feel confident that their gift is genuinely appreciated and will be used to create unforgettable experiences. This is especially true in cases where the couple already has established households and may not need traditional gifts. That being said, some guests might still prefer the traditional route of buying a physical gift. This preference can stem from the desire to give something tangible that the couple can use and think of them by. It's a way for guests to feel like they're contributing to the couple's new life in a more concrete way.
What gift price points should we add to our list?
When curating your wedding gift list, it's important to consider a range of price points to accommodate the varying budgets of your guests. This thoughtful approach ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can feel comfortable and able to contribute to your celebration. Think about gifts under £50, as well as gifts between £100-£150 but don't be afraid to add big ticket items too, remember group gifting is good for this! Should we build our wedding gift registry online or in-store? The choice of whether to build your wedding gift registry online or in-store truly is yours when you use The Wedding Shop. You have the flexibility and convenience of setting up your registry in the way that best suits you as a couple. If you prefer the ease and accessibility of curating your list from anywhere at any time, an online registry is perfect. It allows you to browse and select items at your leisure, offering a wide range of options right at your fingertips. Alternatively, if you're inclined towards a more sensory and personal experience, The Wedding Shop's Fulham Road Townhouse awaits. Here, you can immerse yourself in a beautifully curated space, physically interact with potential gifts, and get personalised guidance. The experience can add a special touch to your wedding planning, making the process of choosing your gifts even more memorable. Whether online or in-store, The Wedding Shop ensures that building your wedding gift registry is a seamless, enjoyable, and personal experience.
For more wedding gift list etiquette advice, you can sign up with The Wedding Shop today. You will be assigned your own gift guru, and the team will help you build a wedding list that is truly unique and special to you! Happy gift list planning!
