My husband's boss is getting married next month. My husband is the office manager and has worked for him for 4 years. We were invited to the shower (a couple's shower) and so have already bought a gift (over $100). The boss and his bride-to-be both come from wealthy families, and the wedding is in New York (we live in Michigan). We both have to take a day off from work to drive to New York because we can't afford to fly, and we are spending a lot of money to stay at a hotel for 2 nights - since we are also invited to the rehearsal dinner the night before. I am at a complete loss as what to give as a wedding gift. Money would not be appropriate, we already bought from the registry, and we are spending quite a lot just to attend the wedding. Any suggestions?
It's not so unreasonable to get a small gift after spending a lot to be there. After all, your presence there is also a gesture of happiness towards the couple. See if there is anything inexpensive on http://www.gatheringguide.com/ec/party_favors_decorations.html that will do the trick.
How about a nice basket that you fill with things yourself. Either Wine and Cheeses and foods or bath items for a romantic bath. Add some candles in and a couple of inexpensive but nice looking wine glasses. They make all sorts of cute playful looking ones now that are fun and not spendy. Or just a set of nice summertime wine glasses, they come with all designs and are made to be fun for summer. You can get a pitcher to match if you wanted to get drink glasses instead. Nice gift and not a lot of money.
I don't think you should be expected to give another gift since you've already gotten an expensive gift. however, if you think you should a first year together Christmas ornament is nice! You can pick those up pretty inexpensively and if you are crafty, even better! Gift cards to restaurants are great gifts! A bottle of wine.
A basket of goodies like candies, nuts, chips and dip, with a candle and pair of matching glasses that you could pick up at a thrift store. After spending what you have, I don't think you should go overboard since they aren't family. I think you should keep it simple.
To the original poster, I wouldn't get them anything else. You have already spent more money than you might have for a relative, and your involvement in their wedding should be enough. All of the wedding gift ideas were superb, by the way! Very ingenious and frugal. Just relax and have a good time.
This one is hard because you are not related and I don't know if you know your dh's boss well enough to get away with many of the suggestions offered.
If you know what their religion is, try going to a bookstore or thrift store and picking out a bargain book in very good condition that relates to marriage.
If you or any sisterfriend of yours makes nice, embroidered lavender-stuffed small cushions, that would be lovely.
Print out Gift Certificates that are "Out There" from your computer - like offering to show the bride-to-be the best places to shop around your dh's work, easy midnight snack recipes, Married Girls' Night Out times, or you can even offer a few certificates in something at which you know you excel. One of our adopted adult sons, for example, loves my cooking, is divorced and, even though he's pulling in a far bigger salary (with no alimony!)than I could ever imagine, he's always broke. So for his birthday, dd and I gave him a Gift Certificate of 53 lunches, one for each week, plus one spare, to take to work with him, and they're only leftovers - but he loves it!
DON'T downgrade or downplay your God-given talents. What may seem obvious to you is impossible for the woman who has everything.
Ask people who are close to you what is, in their opinion, your strongest capability, and see if you can give the new couple a gift related to that.
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Request: Wedding Gift Ideas
Archived on 06/24/2008
My Brother is getting married in a few weeks and we don't have a lot of extra money for a gift but would like to do something that is sentimental but not too expensive. Does anyone have any different ideas? Thanks!
Mandi from Erie
Answers:
RE: Wedding Gift Ideas
For my sister's wedding we gave her and her new husband a poem and a box filled with all things relevant. I can't remember all the details but there were some novelties as well that related to both of them. It was great and I read the poem at the reception, which was a scream. Their names both begin with M so a packet of M&M's, a light (candle) to find their way if they get lost, some string to help hold things together when things get tough, some change if they get tight, love heart chocolates for a bit of loving, some panadol (in case one of them has a headache!), an embarrassing photo of each of them, a spanner to keep their heads screwed on, handcuffs to keep each other in check, cadbury dream chocolate so they can follow their dreams... anyway you get the idea. Present it in a memory box where they can keep all their wedding memorabilia in after the big day. (06/13/2006)
By K from Oz
RE: Wedding Gift Ideas
For my son's wedding day, i took some vintage handkerchiefs that my husband had and i had a vintage ladies handkerchief - i had the handkerchiefs monogrammed with the groom's name and date of the wedding on the groom's handkerchief and same on the bride's. At the bottom of the hankerchief of the bride and groom, the bride or groom's name was inscribed. (06/13/2006)
My nephew just got married and since I live on disability I didn't have the funds to buy them anything like I would have liked to. So I happened to have some computer paper that had some pretty print so I bought a frame and printed off the following. I'm very sentimental plus I've always told my children when they got married that it was going to be the hardest job they had ever had. I put together some poems and sayings. You don't have to use what I did, you can make your own up. hope this will be helpful
The Art of a Good Marriage
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens
A good marriage must be created.
In marriage the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say 'I Love You' at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
The courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
It should continue through all the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other,
Not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice,
But in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation
And demonstrating gratitude in Thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other,
It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding
And a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to Forgive and Forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is a common search fro the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
Dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner,
It is being the right partner.
You don't marry one person, you marry three:
The person you think they are, the person they are,
And the person they are going to become as the result of being married to you.
A good partner is someone who listens to our 'NOTHINGS'
As well as our 'SOMETHINGS
Love is patient, Love is Kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves.
May your two spirits become so entwined as one that when one weeps,
The other tastes the saltiness of the tear.
(06/13/2006)
By Vicki Manis
RE: Wedding Gift Ideas
I don't know what your budget is, what you mean by not too expensive, so maybe this will help. Give them a free night out, such as movie passes to local theater and fast food restaurant gift certificates. If you can do more, maybe certificates for miniature golf, bowling, something they like to do. And if still can do more, more fast food certificates or restaurant certificates. (06/13/2006)
By Linda
RE: Wedding Gift Ideas
If you have the time, gather all the pictures you can from willing people and do a beautiful BROTHER ALBUM. This would include family, friend, and special moment pictures and also one for the front that wraps your heat around it! If you cannot decorate outside, ask a friend or relative who has done this before. This will be a one of a kind gift. (06/13/2006)
By Bev
RE: Wedding Gift Ideas
For my sister's wedding I bought a platter (the size and quality will depend on your budget) and then went to the craft store and bought a couple of markers that are meant to be painted onto ceramics/glass etc. You can paint anything you like on the platter and then bake it to make it permanent (instructions are on the pens). I painted a small bride and groom in the middle of the platter with their names and the wedding date. Then I put the platter out at the reception with the pens and let all the guests sign it. My sister loved it and it was so much cheaper to buy the platter and pens myself (they charge a hundred dollars or more online for small platters). (06/14/2006)
By Trix
RE: Wedding DVD Video Album
I received a Memories to Motion DVD Video Album for a Wedding gift from my parents. It was the best gift I have ever received. They take your pictures and turn them into a movie. Pictures from my childhood to when I met my husband. I have never seen anything like it. You can contact them at memoriestomotion.net Trust me it's something you will cherish forver. (06/21/2006)
By Shannon Nanoia
RE: Wedding Gift Ideas
If you Cross stitch making a Sampler is a great idea. We still have the one my wife's best girlfriend made us 25 years ago this last June 20th.
How about using you computer and printer to make up a set of I Am Sorry-Please For Give Me- I Love You So Much and the ever popular Lets Kiss and Make-Up
I remember hearing a friend of mine got a set of those cards. They are still together after 10 years.
Oh on the opposiite side of those cards you draw funny faces A Boy And Girl maybe with big eyes or oversized mouths. The idea is for the husband and wife to exchange these cards when they have an argument and they want to make up.
I ask my friend once about those cards.
He said one time they exchange them they started laughing so hard at the funny faces they forgot to look at the writing on the otherside,.
I hope Hallmark doesn't start making them.
That is another argument in itself paying 3.50 for a make up card
Anyway they are my ideas .
I hope they helped
and 25 years ago Mr Thrifty said I DO
As Mrs. Thrifty keeps reminding him.
AH! Where Are My Cards?
(06/25/2006)
In our city there is a cultural festival called Mosaic. For a friend of mine who doesn't get to travel due to finances etc. I got her and her husband a "trip around the world" actually it was just two passes to Mosaic. I also included some cash so they could purchase food at the pavillions. They loved it. (05/27/2008)
My 61 year old father is getting remarried this fall and I am looking for some ideas for a wedding gift. They own a home, are financially secure, so there is not much that they "need". If anyone has any ideas to share I would love to hear them! Thanks!
abineb70 from Central NJ
Answers:
RE: Wedding Gift Ideas
06/07/2006
I almost always buy the couple a crystal photo frame (usually an 8 x 10) that they can put their wedding photo in. We have an Elder-Beerman store that usually runs them on sale often. They are very heavy and excellent in quality.
How about several gift certificates to very fine dining establishments?
By Judy TwoDogs (Guest Post)
RE: Wedding Gift Ideas
06/07/2006
Since it's your father's wedding, how about an album of sorts commemorating their relationship? If you scrapbook, even better, but a simple photo album with a few notes from you about their special relationship could be very nice. I think most parents appreciate the thought and time you put into gifts rather than how much you spend. Think of something you can create that is personal and meaningful. Good luck! :)
By Marisa (Guest Post)
RE: Wedding Gift Ideas
06/07/2006
Under similar circumstances, we got together with family members and close friends and made a money tree. Everyone just put an envelope with their contribution in it and attached it to the tree. Then, they signed a card that was provided. The money was spent on the couples's honeymoon.
By Jane, Richmond, B.C. Canada (Guest Post)
RE: Wedding Gift Ideas
06/12/2006
How about a nice "run-away" weekend -- reserve a room some place that offers special entertainment or add a brochure for events in the area. Flowers in the room, a bottle of wine or a fruit basket would all be nice additions. Plan something they wouldn't normallly do on their own. If they can't use it, give them my email address -- I would love to "run away." (Just kidding!!) Whatever you do for them, I am sure will be great because you are already being thoughtful!!
We were recently invited to the President of our company's 2nd wedding. It will be a really elegant, classy, and elite event. I am looking for wedding gift ideas for the couple. They are both in their 40s. I don't have a budget in mind because I haven't a clue what to buy these class of individuals. Any ideas?
Julie from Central, ND
Answers:
Framed Wedding Invitation
03/28/2006
I know someone who took the wedding invitation they had received and had it framed for the wedding couple. It was a very simple and elegant, yet probably not terribly expensive gift. Hope this helps. Good luck and have fun at the wedding!
By Michelle
Gift Basket
03/28/2006
When I have been invited to that sort of thing I have put together a gift basket - A spa-themed one would be appropriate - include personal care items, a little massager, a loofa, special body wash - a bath mitt, bath oil - a nice towel - that sort of thing - maybe with 2 champagne glasses - all of which you can pick up in a dollar store (people like that don't shop there) at a Big Lots type discount store... And it ends up looking REALLY pricey and special.
I also like the gift basket idea, but DON'T buy spa items -- anybody who is used to spending money knows the difference between cheap and not cheap! I'd suggest a dinner basket -- buy a great pasta sauce, dried noodles, a couple of pasta plates, a package of breadsticks, olives, biscotti, etc. Or go with a Mexican theme. Include some candles and holders, even tablecloth and napkins, if you'd like. You can make it simple or elaborate, but make sure the basket, cloth, napkins and plates are neutral. I usually go to Big Lots to get the items for this except the tablecloth and napkins. I get those at my local third-world handicrafts store (Ten Thousand Villages). You can find nice simple pottery at Big Lots and they usually have some great unique food items, too. Everyone I've given this to loves it! And the best part is -- there's not a lot of clutter to store after dinner is over!
By sueey
Pen Set
03/28/2006
When my grandparents had their 50th wedding anniversary party, a family friend bought them a gold Cross pen set, which included a "feminine" style pen and a standard pen with a clip at the top. Each pen was engraved with their name, and I think my grandparents really liked them. I remember thinking at the time, and I still do, that they were a very classy, elegant gift. Of course, the set was not cheap, but Cross also has silver tone sets that are less expensive. If you don't like this idea, maybe it will lead you to something else that you will like. Good luck!
By
Picture Frame
03/28/2006
Prior to the wedding, take a lovely picture, actually take a number of them and do up a pre wedding photo. Size it up to an 8x10, get beautiful matting and for the frame pick one that sets it off perfectly. Then pick out an elegant vase and coordinate quality silk flowers, fillers and leaves that pick up the colors in the picture. Perfect gift for the happy couple.
By
One of a King Gifts
03/29/2006
Have you checked to see if they are registered any place? That would give you an idea of the kind of things they like. Evaluate them, are they elegant entertaining type, or wealthy down to earth people. Might make a difference type of gift.
I would rely on "one of a kind" gifts, looking in Art Galleries, Art Museums, other museums, upgrade craft shows. I like to buy large or nesting serving bowls, beautiful vases or something else you may find in such place as art museum.
Try to get a gift recipe from where ever you purchase it so they could take and exchange. $50-$100.00 is a lot to pay for something they may not use, so as last resort you can always put check (or VISA gift card) in card, on something small like picture frame, or something nice from T J Max that they will associate with you whenever they use it.
I received a very nice gift when we got married. A friend had a copy of our invitation engraved on the front of a small photo album which had a metal cover. It is the most memorable of all the gifts we received because it is so personal. Some malls have those stores which engrave practically everything they sell, maybe you can look there for something special.
People of this age are probably combining two homes (if they aren't already living together like so many people do these days). So items for the home are not a good idea. If this is the 2nd wedding for both of them, I doubt there will be much in the way of "lovey-dovey" type of gift ideas that would be appropriate.
Why not try a gift certificate to a place they would both enjoy. (Since you were invited to the President's wedding, I'm guessing that you must know a little about his tastes) Look around for a farm in your area that makes it's own wine (if they are into that sort of thing) and buy them tickets to the next wine tasting. Gift certificates to a nice restaurant where they can spend some time together.
Do they ski, hike or do other outdoor sporting activities together? Try a gift coupon to their favorite sporting goods store. If they golf together, buy them a round of golf including a cart. It's mostly about knowing their tastes and how they like to spend their time together.
By Karen
Thanks for the Ideas
03/31/2006
Those are all wonderful ideas!! I really like Karen's post, she really hit the nail on the head! He and his spouse are very much into wine tasting, boating, hiking, those sorts of things. I think I'll do a basket of wine glasses with a bottle of wine from a local vendor. THANKS! Please keep adding posts, I would love to read all your ideas!
By Julie
A Clock
03/31/2006
I always give a clock as a wedding gift no matter who it is. If it is someone I don't know well I will get a small crystal clock for $10.00-20.00 from Belk or one of the better stores that grift wrap. The wrapping adds a more expensive look to the gift, and you can't go wrong with a clock. I also write in the card to the couple "Always make time for each other", and underline the word time. I always get many compliments on the gift, and the advice.
By Carolyn
Gift card
04/19/2006
Gift card! We all want something we need. My husband and I just got married and we're just starting out. We need all the help we could get to decorate our house. They are the most helpful and We truly appreciated them- do that or please put the gift receipt with the item - it saved us so much time
Gift certificate or cash. I don't think it's proper to be cheap when it comes to a wedding gift. I think the rule of thumb is to cover the cost of the plate.
