5 Ways to Save at Weddings

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In response to "Buy nice wedding gifts on sale - in bulk."
If you are not going by something on the registry or a gift card, PLEASE INCLUDE A GIFT RECEIPT!!!! Chances are people are not going to have the same taste as you. You may think the gift is nice, but others may not. You have no idea if the couple already has those items or if they even fit with the couple's style. I have a pile of gifts from my wedding that I do not know what to do with. I received 4 serving trays/platters on top of the ones that I registered for. There is no gift receipt, so I'm stuck with them. I also have a ton of picture frames and knick knackers that I do not have room for if I did like them. Parents and grandparents thought the crystal picture frames and wedding couple statues were beautiful, but it is just not for us. SO BE CAREFUL WHEN BUYING IN "BULK". Gift cards are the easiest and best way to go!

Heater of ND 12:31PM August 22, 2008

I want to know, is there a rule of thumb regarding the cost of wedding gifts? Ever since I moved to CT, I have been told that the gift should equal about the same amount as the couple is paying per guest at the wedding reception. So if they are paying $60 per person, for example, our gift should be at least $120 (for the two of us). Is this true? What happened to picking out a thoughtful gift for the couple?
Added note: I do like registries. It helps you know what they want and what style they like.

Elizabeth of CT 12:25PM August 22, 2008

I have three daughters and we try to encourage them to "think outside the box." My oldest daughter ended up getting married in a castle in Germany, inviting only the very closest people. She requested no gifts (no money, or anything). As her parents, we flew the handful of attendees to the wedding. The reception cost was, unbelievably, only $400, plus the cost of the cake and some flowers and champagne. So to spend a small fortune on a typical U.S. wedding, my daughter had a wonderful, interesting, unforgettable wedding ofr more than half of what we would have paid. Of course, remember that plane fare, hotel rooms, meals, and car rental had to be taken care of but even then we saved a fortune.
She did not want an engagement party, a bachelorette party, music at the reception, none of the things that we've been braindwashed that we just have to have, and I think it was great!!
Our next daughter is considering a beach wedding with a reception at a vineyard. Get creative! Forget all the traditions and do it your own way. And believe me, in the long-run, your parents will thank you for every dollar you save. Who really needs $3,000 in flowers? Who needs expensive favors? I mean really!

Mom of NY 12:21PM August 22, 2008

I have three daughters and we try to encourage them to "think outside the box." My oldest daughter ended up getting married in a castle in Germany, inviting only the very closest people. She requested no gifts (no money, or anything). As her parents, we flew the handful of attendees to the wedding. The reception cost was, unbelievably, only $400, plus the cost of the cake and some flowers and champagne. So to spend a small fortune on a typical U.S. wedding, my daughter had a wonderful, interesting, unforgettable wedding ofr more than half of what we would have paid. Of course, remember that plane fare, hotel rooms, meals, and car rental had to be taken care of but even then we saved a fortune.
She did not want an engagement party, a bachelorette party, music at the reception, none of the things that we've been braindwashed that we just have to have, and I think it was great!!
Our next daughter is considering a beach wedding with a reception at a vineyard. Get creative! Forget all the traditions and do it your own way. And believe me, in the long-run, your parents will thank you for every dollar you save. Who really needs $3,000 in flowers? Who needs expensive favors? I mean really!

Mom of NY 12:21PM August 22, 2008

I think if you use common sense, and only do what you can afford, that says it all! Wedding registries usually have everything from one wineglass to a whole set. At my nephew's wedding my teen aged kids picked out one item from the list each, it was jsut as appreciated as a whole set! Just remember that your presence is probably more important than your presents!

Lorraine 12:16PM August 22, 2008

My friend is getting married in October in NYC. I live in Missouri. I knew how much the trip alone was going to cost, so I went out and bought their gift within 2 months of them letting me know they were engaged (that was 2 years ago). It doesn't exactly "save" on what I spend, but that's $100 I don't have to worry about coming up with now!

Melissa of MO 12:16PM August 22, 2008

This is 2008 and weddings (marriage) are to say the least no longer a social necessity. Back in the day living together, having children, being a single parent were all taboo for the most part. So this made getting mzarried a special event because you were starting a new life together and had not done any of the above.
So now the wedding represents $25,000.00 to $30,000.00 (or more)one day bash that a lot of folks can't afford, so they go into debt. This debt contributes to a built in strain on a new marriage. A lot of couples end up divorced before the loan is paid off. The truth of the matter is the glitz of a big wedding fades fast when the reality of paying up sets in.
If you go big you are a pawn of the "Wedding Industry" who's interest in you is over as soon as they get their bucks.
My advice, go small and have a ball, knowing you are head over heels in love not over you head in debt.

Bob E. Peel of CT 12:10PM August 22, 2008

Okay. I just got married with a big ceremony/reception AND I am currently standing as a bridesmaid in FOUR weddings. This is sooo expensive. As for presents, you do NOT have to buy from the registry. People who think so are being very greedy. If you giving someone a gift, it is a gift. The bride should be happy to receive it, and should not be particular about where it came from or if she ASKED for it on her registry. Registries are great as a guid, but are not be required. Remember, it's a GIFT!! Be happy you got anything.
AND - if someone gives you a $200 present, you are not obliged to return the favor. Just because someone else has expensive taste. I always stick to my $50-60 wedding gift. When your in this many weddings...you have to.
Brides need to stop being so demanding of their presents.
One of my weddings is for a bride getting married for the second time and she re-registered for all new stuff again. HOW TACKY!!!

Becky of LA 12:06PM August 22, 2008

I agree with the above ideas and comments. I recently got married and have also been invited to various events for one of my bridesmaids who is soon to be married. An idea my mom had since she helped to throw the bridal shower, is with more expensive gift on the couple's registry, split the cost with someone, like family, or close friends. A couple of guests did that at my wedding, and my parents and I are doing that for my friend. Guest presence was more important than their presents.

Sarah of KS 12:00PM August 22, 2008

Let's get real here! A Wedding shower is not about sharing a tender moment with the bride on her special day of silly games, favors and at times, lousy foods. A Wedding shower is another tactic to bring in more gifts, money and gifts to be exchanged later for something bigger or more cash. A bride, her family and bridesmaids should put all their planning and energy into making her wedding day all that more special.

Mary K of OH 11:58AM August 22, 2008