Choosing the Perfect Wedding or Bridal Shower Gift
Selecting the perfect wedding or bridal shower gift can be a daunting task. As seasoned observers of countless bridal showers, we understand that gift-giving is truly an art form. Striking the ideal balance between personal and practical isn't easy, but fear not! Our comprehensive guide will help you navigate modern bridal shower etiquette and discover the ideal gift for the soon-to-be newlyweds.
Bridal Shower vs. Wedding Gifts
Although similar in many ways, there are a few subtle—but important—differences between bridal shower gifts and official wedding gifts:
- Target recipient: Bridal shower gifts often focus on the bride, while wedding gifts are for both partners.
- Size and cost: Bridal shower presents are typically smaller and less expensive than wedding gifts.
- Nature of the gift: Bridal shower gifts tend to be more personal and less practical.
What Makes a “Good” Bridal Shower Gift?
When you’re invited to a bridal shower, it’s customary to purchase a gift (whether you can attend or not). But, you certainly don’t need to go overboard. Most guests spend somewhere in the range of $50 to $75. But you may be able to find a suitable gift for even less.
The best bridal and wedding shower gifts come from the heart. That means, you should factor in things like the bride’s personality, the couple’s current living situation and needs, and the love story that brought the two together.
Photo Credit: L. Marie Media
Popular Bridal Shower Gift Categories
For the most bridal shower gift success, consider items in the following categories:
- Home goods – Help the bride/couple personalize their new shared space with a nice ring dish or jewelry box, a high-quality bath towel or sheets set, an alarm clock, luggage accessories, a custom doormat, or elegant photo albums and frames for all the gorgeous wedding photos you KNOW they will have after the fact.
- Kitchen items – For more practical couples, consider gifting an upscale kitchen tool. We’re talking wine glasses, small appliances, food prep gadgets, dishes, utensils, and glass storage containers. The type of item you get will depend on the couple’s current needs. Couples who are getting married just out of college will need much different kitchenware than a couple getting hitched later in life.
- Personalized gifts – Want to really hit home with your bridal shower present? Slap the bride’s new last name on a cutting board, pair of coffee mugs, or a nice set of hand towels. Or put together a custom cookbook with recipes from all of their loved ones.
- Wedding luxuries – Make the bride feel like a queen on their wedding day with a cozy robe, wedding pajamas, slippers, a personalized dress hanger, a bottle of champagne, or a pamper gift basket they can enjoy as they’re getting ready to walk down the aisle.
- Experience gifts – Think cooking classes, pre-wedding dance lessons, or a contribution to the honeymoon fund. This trending bridal shower gift is particularly popular for couples who already have most of their kitchen and home essentials.
- Charity funds – Some couples will request on their invitation or website that in lieu of a kitchen tool or household item, you make a charitable donation to a specific cause in their name. This is a sweet way to show support for the couple and what they value most.
Photo Credit: From The Hip Photo
How to WOW With a Couple’s Gift
Headed to a shower honoring BOTH the bride and groom?
You’ll want to pick a gift tailored to both parties’ preferences. Stick to gifts they will equally use and enjoy, like a nice kitchen gadget or item for their home.
The best way to ensure your gift fits the bill for a co-ed or couple’s shower is to check out their registry. Whether or not you purchase a gift directly from the registry or simply use it as inspiration, the list will give you a sense of the couple’s current needs and personal style.
Use Your Resources
Still stumped for ideas? If you haven’t already, make your way over to the couple’s wedding registry, wish list, or wedding website. It’s always safe to purchase something directly from their curated online registry. At the very least, you can use these as jumping-off points to get your creative juices flowing.
Think About the Bride’s/Couple’s Lifestyle
As mentioned earlier, the more intentional and thoughtful the gift, the better! Several details that can help you decide on the most suitable gift for a bride or couple:
- Are they just moving in or have they been living together for years?
- What stage of life are they in?
- What are their hobbies and interests? Separately? As a couple?
- What are their future plans? Travel? Establish a home? Start a family?
Photo Credit: Flourish Creative Co.
But Remember…
Thoughtfulness ALWAYS out-trumps the price tag! As long as your wedding shower gift comes from the heart and takes into account the couple's real needs and lifestyle, you can rest assured that it will be well-received.
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Point them our way! Send them over to our gorgeous photo gallery and social media pages (below) to see what a Spruce Mountain Ranch wedding is all about.
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