do you bring a gift to a bridal shower and wedding
Yes, it is customary to bring a gift to both a bridal shower and a wedding. For a bridal shower, guests typically bring a gift for the bride, often from her registry, to celebrate her upcoming marriage. For a wedding, guests are expected to bring a gift for the couple, which can also be from their registry, as a way to contribute to their new life together. If you're unsure, check the invitation or ask the host for guidance.
last minute bridal shower gifts
Great last-minute bridal shower gifts include gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon or Sephora for easy personalization, a bouquet of flowers delivered through services like FTD or Teleflora, a set of luxurious bath bombs or face masks from stores like Ulta, a digital subscription to a streaming service or magazine, personalized items like a custom phone case ordered online with rush delivery, or a heartfelt handwritten note with a small, readily available item such as a scented candle or coffee mug. These options are quick to obtain and thoughtful without requiring advance planning.
do you bring registry gifts to bridal shower
Yes, it is common and acceptable to bring gifts from the bride's registry to a bridal shower, as it helps the couple start their life together with useful items. However, check the invitation first—if it specifies no gifts or a theme, follow those instructions to respect the hosts' preferences. If in doubt, a small, thoughtful gift from the registry is usually appreciated.
unique bridal shower gifts
Unique bridal shower gifts include personalized jewelry engraved with the couple's initials, custom star maps showing the night of their engagement, subscription boxes for monthly wine tastings, handmade quilts with meaningful fabrics from the bride's life, experience vouchers for a couples' cooking class, engraved cutting boards with a romantic quote, monogrammed robes for the bride and her bridal party, a digital photo frame pre-loaded with wedding memories, and a set of mixology tools for creating signature cocktails. Other ideas are a custom family recipe book, a spa day gift card for relaxation before the wedding, or a personalized song written about their love story.
do you have to send a bridal shower gift if not attending
No, you do not have to send a bridal shower gift if you are not attending. Etiquette experts generally consider it optional, as gifts are typically expected from those who can participate in person. However, if you have a close relationship with the bride or were specifically invited, sending a small gift or card can be a kind gesture to show support. Always check the invitation or ask the host for clarity on expectations.
how much to spend on bridal shower and wedding gift
For a bridal shower gift, etiquette suggests spending $20 to $50, depending on your relationship to the bride—closer friends or family might lean toward the higher end, while acquaintances could go lower. Factors like your budget and regional customs also play a role.
For a wedding gift, a typical range is $50 to $200 or more per person or couple, based on your closeness to the bride and groom. If you're very close, such as a family member or best friend, $100+ is common; for casual invites, $50 might suffice. Always consider your financial situation and whether you're attending both events—some opt to spend more overall if doing so. If the couple has a registry, sticking to it can guide your choice.
inexpensive bridal shower gift ideas
Consider these inexpensive bridal shower gift ideas: personalized keychains under $10, scented candles for around $5-15, a set of kitchen towels or utensils for less than $20, homemade bath bombs or soaps costing about $5 each, a wedding planning journal for under $15, monogrammed mugs starting at $8, a cookbook for couples priced around $10-15, decorative coasters for $5-10, a potted herb plant for under $10, and custom photo frames for about $10.
bridal shower gift ideas for bride
Consider gifting a personalized robe with the bride's new initials, a luxurious spa gift set for relaxation, a custom jewelry piece like a necklace with her birthstone, a high-quality cookbook for starting married life, a set of elegant champagne flutes for toasting, a travel organizer for the honeymoon, a photo album to collect memories, a subscription to a beauty box for monthly pampering, or a monogrammed tote bag for everyday use.