Giving Wedding Gifts

It is a good idea to send a wedding gift as soon as you receive the invitation or announcement. If you accept a wedding invitation and will be attending the wedding, it is generally acknowledged that you are expected to send or take a gift. You may choose a unique gift or choose an item from a couple’s gift registry.

Receiving Wedding Gifts

Thank you notes should be written and sent as soon as possible after the receipt of the gift. Keeping a wedding gift register is a good idea - you can record the description of the gift, giver’s name and address and date of receipt. It will ensure that you acknowledge all the gifts as well as help you return duplicates to the proper store. The thank you note should be addressed to all persons who gave the gift. Do not address a couple as "The Smiths" ; it should be addressed to "Mr. And Mrs. Smith." The note should only be signed by the person who wrote it – and it is perfectly acceptable for both the bride and groom to write thank you notes. When thanking for money you may mention how it will be used, but do not mention the sum in the note. NEVER use preprinted thank you notes that you fill in with your signature. Such an impersonal response can be insulting to friends and family who have taken the time to select a gift for you.

Bridal Showers

Generally members of the bride or groom’s immediate family do not give showers, but the showers may be held in one of their homes. Refreshments are generally served and the shower may be held at essentially any time of the day. People who receive a shower invitation, but do not attend the shower are not obligated to send a gift. Shower gifts are usually more utilitarian than wedding gifts and not as expensive.

Gifts for the Wedding Party

The people who take the time to participate in your wedding deserve a special thank you. The groom traditionally presents his ushers, groomsmen and best man his gifts at his bachelor party or dinner. The bride presents hers at her bridal luncheon or party. Or they may give them as they are preparing for the wedding that day. Younger members of the wedding party such as the flower girls and ring bearers should also receive a small gift appropriate to their age. After the wedding a small framed photo of the entire wedding party with a thank you note makes an especially nice "post thank you" in addition to your previous gift.

Cesto Baskets and Gifts can help you pick the perfect wedding party gifts. We have a multitude of sources to choose from and can help you find a gift that will uniquely remind your wedding party of your special day.

Gifts for Out-of-Town Guests

If you are having out-of-town guests or are holding your wedding at a remote location such as a resort where people will be staying overnite, an especially nice touch is to have "welcome baskets" in each guest's room. These baskets typically include some beverage and snack items, but can also include small travel sized bottles of lotion or other bath items, a travel candle, etc.

Cesto Baskets and Gifts has a variety of items that work well in "Welcome Baskets" for your out-of-town wedding guests. We can also make "theme" baskets if you are holding your wedding in a special location. And we ship anywhere!