Gifts for the Blissful Couple

The inevitable questions...

What do I get the couple for their wedding? 

How much should I spend on a wedding gift?

It seems that the retail industry has made gift-giving more complicated than ever!  We understand there is a huge market for gift registries and money to be made, but let's be realistic about this.

Sauce of Life Tip #1: Don't budget the money you spend on a gift vs. the cost of dinner at the reception.  There's more to life than money!  It's plan tacky too!

Sauce of Life Tip #2: The average amount of money spent on a wedding present is roughly $75-$100.  However, remember to consider other factors in this amount.

     How close are you with the couple?
    
     Are you a close relative, or long-distance cousin and you are meeting for the first time?
   
     Are you in the bridal party?

     Have you attended the showers or engagement parties?

www.weddingclipart.com

Sauce of Life Tip #3: If you know the couple well, it is more likely you will be happy to spend a little extra.  If you are bringing a date to the wedding, you should expect to spend a little more on the wedding gift.

Sauce of Life Tip #4: Don't bust your own budget!  If the only thing left on the registry is a $400 oil canvas, then either give cash or purchase a gift the couple may enjoy (this works if you know the couple well).  Try to purchase off the registry, the couple actually prefers those items!

Sauce of Life Tip #5:  Include the gift receipt.  Those gift registries don't always function properly.  I have seeen brides open 3 sets of the same knives because the registry wasn't updated by the store! 

Sauce of Life Tip #6:  If you have attended an engagement party and/or bridal shower, don't assume you have to spend $100 at each function.  A typical disbursement is: 15% engagement party, 25% shower gift, 60% wedding gift.  Split your budget to fit with the events you are attending.

Word to the Wise: Don't be cheap!  The couple is starting a new life together, if you have a little bit to spare, then share with love!

Be a Bridesmaid and Get Over Yourself! You're Not the Bride!

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

Every bride has those friends they regret asking to stand up in the wedding.  Why must there always be a bridesmaid who finds issue with the dress style or color or length or fit?  Usually there is always one bridesmaid in a bunch who complains about the cost of everything.  And last, but not least, we have those bridesmaids who don't want to help in anyway but to make their appearance the day of the wedding!  Here's some simple advice for those of you out there who may fall into one of these categories...GET OVER YOURSELF!

Stop making it difficult for the bride, it's her special day and let her enjoy the planning of her wedding.  It's stressful enough without your complaints.

If you don't love the bridesmaid dress or you are being overly self-conscious, STOP, and keep your criticisms to yourself.  Let's be real, will you ever really wear that dress again?  And how often do you plan on looking at those pictures?  It's highly unlikely they will be hanging them next to your own wedding pictures.

Remember, that when you agree to stand up in a wedding, you need to have some money saved for dresses, shoes, jewelry, hair, engagement party costs, bridal shower costs, bachelorette party costs, gifts and any other random items the bride wishes for you to purchase.  Let's be realistic, you need about $500.  If you can't afford it, just decline the honor.  The bride won't be upset, she's planning a wedding is well aware of costs.  She would rather know the truth and not have you stand up than listen to your monetary complaints for a year.

Bridesmaids are not only asked to stand up as sign of favoritism and love but also to help with the numerous preparations.  If you can't help the maid of honor plan the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party and assist the bride with preparations and clean up the day of the wedding, then maybe you should rethink being a bridesmaid.  This isn't your day to just show-up and enjoy, it's the bride and groom's day to relax.  So, GET OVER YOURSELF!





Here's a tip:  If the bride is stressed, then the groom is stressed, so you better pick up the pieces, fast!

Remember you will eventually have your own special day, you're not the bride this time!  Be a good friend and try not to think of your needs but those of the bride and groom and it will make the planning process and wedding day much more enjoyable for all!

Courtesy of Andrew Schliesman Photography

The Pineapple: What and When to Bring Host/Hostess Gifts?

Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)

So, who isn’t baffled when it comes to gifts for a host/hostess?  This may be a tricky situation with our ever changing modern social standards.  Here are some guidelines which will help you determine if a gift is necessary for your next event. 

Are you attending an event or party hosted in honor of another person, such as a baby shower, bridal shower, engagement party, etc.?  Then a host/hostess gift is absolutely not expected.  It is more than likely you are bringing a gift for the mother-to-be, the engaged couple, or the bride –to-be, focus on them instead.  The host/hostess won’t be upset!

Are you attending a cocktail party, casual brunch or bonfire?  Host/hostess gifts are completely optional.  If you know the person well, and wish to be overly generous, then feel free to bring a gift.  A bottle of wine or selections of gourmet cheeses are perfect gifts for a cocktail party.  If you are bringing a dish to pass or specialty drinks, then this gesture is a gift in its own right and will be much appreciated by the host/hostess.

Are you attending a dinner party?  This would be the time to think of a creative and personal gift for the special host/hostess, especially if you know them well.  However, if you are preparing entrées, appetizers or purchasing liquor and wine, these contributions most definitely qualify as a gift to the host/hostess.  If you still feel obligated to bring a gift, choose something personal for the person or couple, but keep your spending below $25.00, this isn’t suppose to be equivalent to a birthday gift!

Are you attending a weekend at their summer home or lake house?  This is most definitely the appropriate time to bring a gift to show your thanks!  Keep it personal and within a reasonable price range, such as everyone chipping in for a spa or restaurant gift certificate.  If you are purchasing a gift on your own, arrive with a bouquet of flowers, a selection of Brazilian coffees, a box of Godiva chocolates or a basket with favorite movies, popcorn and candy.

If you are having a difficult time deciding what to bring, just remember, keep it simple.  It is the thought that counts!  Even a handwritten mailed thank you note is such a special treat.

Remember to say thank you to the host/hostess when leaving the event, if you forget, then you should definitely mail a thank you card.  If you did say thank you, but would like to express it again, then a quick email or text can be appropriate.  However, an email is not appropriate if you did not express your thanks when leaving.

Here are a few additional gift ideas for that special host/hostess:

·         A Woodwick candle, www.woodwick.com

·         A small porcelain dish (for serving or decoration)

·         The latest bestselling novel (for an avid reader)

·         An assortment of tea, www.teaforte.com

·         A set of oils for golf clubs or a box of their favorite golf balls (for the golf lover)

·         A box of Penzey’s spices, www.penzeys.com

·         Fresh flowers or a house plant, either from your local florist or made by you

·         A bottle of wine, Port or an assortment of specialty beers

·         Personalized stationary or unique journal , www.scribblespaper.com

Or if you are the host/hostess, have a pineapple for your guests either to eat or use it as a table decoration to show your hospitality, warmth and friendship!  http://www.levins.com/pineapple.html

Can you re-gift?  This is always the taboo question of our times.  Yes, you can re-gift, but if you do, the item must be new, still in the packaging and remember who gave it to you originally.  Re-gifting bottle of wine, which you haven’t opened yet, is completely acceptable.  Do not re-gift a handmade, personal gift.  The receiver will know it was not truly meant for them!  Think before you re-gift!  Would you want this gift?  Keep re-gifting for those rare occasions.