Wednesday, April 15, 2015

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When it comes to conservative and traditional weddings, it is only right to give away traditional wedding gifts to the couple. Though there are a number of gift items that are considered traditional, some may also be forgotten especially in this day and age.
So where can you find these traditional wedding gifts? Well, you can always scout online and offline or you can ask older couples such as your parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles regarding this. They'll be able to tell you what gift items were IN during their time and what items were considered traditional in the early years.
Somehow, some people may find it difficult to categorize the traditional from the not. So here's a short list of top traditional wedding gifts that people still consider as of today.

(1) Holy Bible or its equivalent in other faith

For Christians, the Holy Bible is one traditional wedding gift that every couple should have in their home. For other religious faiths, it may also be considered as a traditional wedding gift since faith is an important factor in married life.
You can find them in many bookstores or specialty stores online and offline.

(2) Crystal home decor or tableware

Crystal tableware such as drinking glasses, wine or champagne flutes, flower vases and ornaments are common gifts for couples especially during the earlier times. These items are both decorative and elegant. Nowadays, these items are still a hit among guests and relatives of couples since they are practical and also not as expensive as other gift items. You can incorporate a modern touch to crystal gift items by having them personalized or embellished.

(3) China

Fine dining ware always makes it on the list of top wedding gifts especially if you are from Asia. It is also said that when you give something to a newly-wedded couple, make sure that it is something useful in their home. By giving the couple fine chinaware, you are contributing something for their home and family to use. Chinaware sets are quite decorative and elegant, but you can always find reasonably-priced sets that won't hurt your wallet.

(4) Silver

Silverware is also quite popular to giveaway to couples. It is both elegant and useful for the couple especially once they have settled in their home. Some silverware are quite expensive, especially those that are top grade. Some may consider silver-plated dining ware to cut down costs without setting aside the quality of the item.
If you're planning to give silverware, it is a good idea to choose other items apart from the usual dining ware sets. Silver-plated decor, wedding plaque, jewelry box, picture frame and jewelry are just a few options.

(5) Bed linens

When it comes to traditional wedding gifts, the home is usually the focal point when choosing the right item to give. Bed linens or bedroom sets are among common gift items that make it into the homes of newly-weds. Normally, family and close friends may consider giving this type of gift especially if the couple just bought a house or are about to relocate to a new apartment.

(6) Money

Although giving money, as in cold cash, may sound impersonal, traditionally it is considered as a practical gift. Normally for other nationalities, money is a common gift especially from their sponsors or godparents. It is also considered as a send-off gift to the newly-weds since they will be starting a new life together.

(7) Appliances

As mentioned earlier, the home is the focal point of most traditional wedding gifts. In the years past as well as the present, home appliances are normally found amongst the gifts received by wedded couples.
If you want to stick to tradition by giving away appliances, you can also give it a modern twist by choosing the most convenient or electronic ones. Coffee makers are quite popular gifts not just for weddings since most people are coffeeholics. Blenders, juicers, toasters, microwave ovens, food processor and electric kettle are also quite popular these days.
There's no wrong wedding gift so to speak. But if you wish to stick to the traditional gift items, you can always do so and you can also add a bit of modern twist to it.






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Saturday, April 11, 2015

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Weddings are the important occasions which we often attend. A wedding is the ceremony in which a bride and a groom tie into a knot. On this very day many people come to the party and present different kinds of gifts. Sometimes there a few people who are not able to make themselves to the party then also they send wedding gifts to the couple through courier. Modern courier is the recent talk but in the past people had to present the gifts personally.
The most common gift chosen by anyone is a bouquet. It looks elite and sophisticated. Bouquet can be of fresh flowers or of plastic flowers. Most of the time folks like to present freshly picked up flowers whereas those plastic flowers are tied into a bouquet in the hope so that the bride and groom can keep it for a long time. Well, apart from these conventional gifts there are many others which are in use. Jewelery is the second most popular wedding gifts. During marriage bridegroom loves to have these precious gifts. However, folks need to take extra care while buying such valuable gifts as they have to spend a good amount of money.
The most safest way of buying jewellery for wedding gifts is to take the help of online wedding gifts websites which are known for selling authentic jewellery. There are many websites which are legally allowed to deal in such high end gifts. So you can select the kind of jewellery gifts which you would like to buy. Marriages happen through out the world irrespective of any country. The rituals of marriages may differ from country to country but the gift items often remain the same. Sweets and wine hampers are also some of the conventional gifts which folks can send to the wedding couple with help of websites. Besides, these gifts there are leather gifts like wallet, handbags and belts which are the ideal items for a wedding couple.
Indian marriages are some of the most extra-ordinary marriages. The marriages in India are signified by their own unique characteristics. An international survey has proclaimed Indians are the people known for highest spending in all over the world. Apart from relatives of a bridegroom, friends, relatives and neighbors also spend lots of money in purchasing unique wedding gifts. These days Indians are also using wedding cakes which are chiefly known as western wedding gifts. Relatives and buddies staying in abroad who cannot attend the wedding party of their dear ones they can opt for online wedding gifts and thus they can also send wedding flowers to India or they can send wedding cakes to India. If a wedding couple is in the US then Indians can send wedding flowers to US. These gifts are delivered to the lovely and charming couple without any delay. Yes, it only happens with the websites which are into the retailing of wedding gifts.





Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2339532
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Monday, April 6, 2015

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Gift list etiquette can be confusing and conflicting - partly because wedding gift lists are a relatively new phenomenon. 
We've answered some of the most common questions which couples ask about wedding gift list etiquette.

We're not sure about having a gift list because we don't want our guests to feel obliged to buy us a gift. What should we do?

Guests understand when couples get married it's because they love each other - not because they're looking for wedding gifts! If you decide to have a gift list you can choose your wording carefully to ensure that your guests don't feel obliged to buy a gift. For example, a popular phrase to use is "It's your presence, not your present, that we want!"
Even if you don't want your guests to buy gifts for you, you'll find that most people still want to give a gift as they feel it's the right thing to do - and they want to mark the occasion with a gift. Without a gift list to guide your guests you could find yourselves inundated with gifts which you don't really want. If you really don't want any gifts for yourselves, why not consider charity gifts? Or you could ask for tree gifts which will grow and mature (just like your marriage!) as well as offsetting carbon emissions.

Should we send details of our gift list with our wedding invitations?

When couples started using gift lists it was not accepted etiquette to include details of a gift list with a wedding invitation. However, as gift lists have become increasingly popular, times have changed and so has the etiquette. It has become much more the norm - and it's simpler - to let guests know where a gift list has been set up and saves guests trying to contact the bridal party to find out. It's highly unlikely that guests will take offense. Most gift list companies can provide you with invitation inserts which you can send to guests.
If you don't feel comfortable including your gift list information with invitations and you've got a wedding website, this is a great - and discrete - way for guests to get the all-important details about your wedding and your gift list. All couples who register with Nearly Married get a free wedding website which they can add lots of info and pictures to and their gift list is automatically integrated into their wedding website.

Should our evening guests be given details of our gift list?

If you don't expect your evening guests to give you a gift, don't include information about your gift list with their invitations. If you've got a wedding website this is a great way for them to find out if you have a gift list, without having to ask.

Is it OK to ask for money for general use or our honeymoon?

Many couples already have the traditional household items which were often given as gifts such as toasters, kettles, towels and bedding. That's why couples often feel that it would suit them better to ask for money which they can use towards something special, such as their honeymoon. If you're saving towards a deposit on a house, furniture or a new kitchen and would appreciate money towards that why not ask for contributions on your gift list? It is becoming far more the norm for couples to ask for money - but our advice is to let guests know what the money will be spent on so that your guests feel that they've contributed towards a specific item rather than giving money which could be spent on household bills or your entertainment expenses! The Nearly Married gift list service lets you customise gifts of money with your own gift name, description, price and picture so you can ask for anything you want!

We don't need household items and we're asking for other types of gifts on our gift list - how should we explain this to guests?

Many couples enclose an information sheet when they send out their invitations. The information sheet could have all sorts of important information such as directions, transport and accommodations options and information about the gift list. You might be able to add this info to your gift list if your provider offers this option. If you've got a wedding website this is another great place to add this info.

Suggested Gift List Wording

If you want to explain to your guests that they don't have to buy you a gift, or if you want to tell them a bit about your gift list here are some suggestions:
  • Please don't feel obliged to give us a gift - all we really want is to have a lovely wedding which we can share with our friends and family.
  • Your presence is more important than a present!
  • You probably know that we usually like to do things differently - so it might not be a surprise to you that our gift list is a little bit different too!
  • As we already have a lot of household items, we hope you won't mind us asking for money instead of traditional wedding gifts. We're planning to spend the money on...
  • To celebrate our wedding we're going on a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon which will give us memories we'll always remember. Our honeymoon gift list shows some of the trips we've got planned so you can see how we plan to use your kind wedding gift.
  • We've decided to set up a charity gift list. If you would like to give a gift, this is a perfect way for our wedding to help others less fortunate than us.






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Buying A Unique Wedding Gift That Will Be Appreciated


Buying gifts for a person is always a tricky job, knowing exactly what to buy a person and what a person would like when it comes to an anniversary, birthday or Christmas gift can be a nightmare in the run up to the event. But somehow, each year, we seem to muddle through buying gifts for people, some we get right and some of which we get wrong. In reality as nice as it is to choose the correct gift for a person it's not a total disaster if you get it wrong. On the other end of the scale is the situation that arises when we have to buy a wedding gift for a couple on their big day. This is a gift that with every best intention you would want to make sure that you make the right decision. It is not only important to get the newly wed couple a gift that they will be able to use and appreciate in their new life together but also on that might be a little different from all of the usual presents that a newly wed couple can expect to receive. So what should you get the happy couple?
Buying a wedding gift for a couple can sometimes seem a little clinical, especially when the couple produce a wedding gift list that is issued to the invited guests before the big day. There is a good reason behind producing the wedding list as it ensures that the couple do not end up with five sets of cutlery as gifts but it can all seem a little bit sterile, doing away with people having to put any thought into buying a suitable gift.
With all of the resources that we have at our disposal in this digital age it is quite simple to get on to the inter web and with a little bit of research try to seek out a unique wedding gift for the newly wed couple. There are countless different things that you can consider when trying to find a unique wedding gift, a personal gift, a household gift or a novelty gift. Novelty gifts are probably the least appropriate gift to get a newly wed couple, depending how well you know them and what their circumstances are you may get away with it but it may be safer to look at the other options available to you before going down the novelty gift avenue.
If looking for a totally unique wedding gift for the couple why not enquire with them about paying for the wedding photographs, not only would this be a wonderful gesture and gift but it may even lift some of the financial burden that is attached to organising and paying for a wedding. If you do pay and arrange the wedding photography why not look at having an inscription put inside the album as a reminder of the gift and of the occasion?
It can sometimes be difficult to buy a household item as a unique wedding gift but it is possible if you use a bit of initiative. Look around your own home and see the unique decoration, pictures or ornaments that you yourself may have, use these ideas to inspire you to get a unique wedding gift for the newly wed couple. An exclusive picture or a photograph as a reminder of the happy day is a gift that is always well received.
So there you have it, you can be a little bit more original when it comes to buying a unique wedding gift and you do not have to take the easy route of studying the wedding gift list for ideas.
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Wedding Gift Giving Etiquette


Expert Author Erica Tevis
It is customary to give a gift to celebrate an event in one's life. Birthdays are a prime example of this. With weddings, from the time the couple announces their engagement to the end of the wedding reception, gift giving opportunities are plentiful. Here are some of the events that take place prior and after the wedding where gift giving is appropriate.

The Engagement Party

Engagement parties are not mandatory, and not every couple has one. But for those who do, guests are not obligated to bring a gift, but many will choose to do so. If the event is more formal, more than likely gifts will be given. If you do not wish for gifts at this time, you may want to hold a family and friends dinner and announce your engagement during the festivities. All presents given before or after the party or announcement should be followed up with a thank you note.

The Wedding - Before, During and After

 

Wedding gifts may be sent out as soon as the guests receive their invitations. Many couples choose to have a registry at one or more stores, and guests can select from the registry list. You should not include a gift registry list with your invitations - guests should ask the wedding party or those help plan your wedding where you are registered. A registry is designed to be helpful, but guests are not obligated to purchase from it. Many guests will select something personal for you, others may offer monetary gifts. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula to calculate what guests should give at a wedding, and the monetary gifts you will receive will be varied. A gift is a token of love, and should not be expected to pay for the wedding itself. Keep in mind that many guests who are invited who can not attend the wedding, may send you gifts as well. If you think a guest may not attend due to traveling distance, poor health or monetary constraints, it is in better taste to send a wedding announcement after the wedding because an invitation carries with it an obligation to send a gift. All wedding gifts should be formally acknowledged no later than four weeks after the wedding.

The Bridal or Wedding Shower

Legend has it that a couple a long time ago who were deeply in love, but did not have the money to marry. Friends and family gathered together to shower the couple with gifts so that they could begin their life together. A bridal shower is usually hosted by the maid of honor but can be thrown by the wedding party or the mother of the bride. Bridal shower gifts may be purchased from the registry, but it is not mandatory. Bridal showers can be formal or casual, and can include only women or as more modern twist can include both genders. Again, all gifts should be acknowledged and thank you notes should be sent.

The Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal usually takes place the week before the wedding, and it is the final time the couple gets to formally gets together with the members of the wedding party. It is customary for the bride and groom to give gifts to the wedding party at this time to extend their gratitude. Typically, the bride gives gifts to the female attendants and the groom to the male attendants. The attendants may also give gifts to the couple at this time.

The Wedding Day

Traditionally couples give small gifts of thanks and appreciation to their guests in the form of wedding favors. Although wedding favors are not mandatory, they are a great way to thank your guests for attending your wedding. Whether you give one favor per guest or one favor per couple or family is up to you. There are no standards of etiquette for distributing wedding favors. The wedding favors you select should reflect the couples style and personality.
As you can see weddings bring many occasions for gift giving. Although you may not have every event before your wedding, you will be showered with gifts by friends and family during the pre-wedding time. Plan time to write out your thank you notes so that your gift givers will know how much their generosity means to you.
Erica Tevis is the owner of Little Things Wedding Favors. Visit them on the web and check out their large supply of wedding favors, themed favors, 
invitations, and wedding accessories.


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Wedding Gift Guidelines to Consider



A wedding is a special event, not just for the bride and groom, but also for the people attending the wedding. An invitation to a wedding can be a symbol that the bride and groom consider you to be close friends of the family. There are important rules of etiquette that apply to the wedding, from ways to respond to the invitation to guidelines for purchasing wedding gifts.
Although the emphasis on the wedding is the love and commitment the new couple shows, it is important to follow wedding gift guidelines so that you are not perceived as being rude.
One of the key things with wedding gift guidelines is to know when it is appropriate to give a gift and when it is not. If you receive an invitation to the wedding, you should absolutely purchase a gift if you attend. Often it is also a good idea to send a gift even if you cannot attend the wedding. The only situation where it is polite to not send a gift is if you have been out of touch with the couple for several years.
There are events related to the wedding that have gift guidelines as well. For instance, if you receive an announcement of the wedding after the fact, you should not feel obligated to send a gift. A congratulatory card will suffice in this case.
If you are invited to the engagement party, you should not feel obligated to bring a gift then, since there will be a time at the wedding for giving gifts. However, if you are invited to the wedding shower, it is polite to bring a gift. However, in this case if you do not attend, you do not have to purchase a gift.
A tricky area in wedding gift guidelines is knowing what you should purchase for the new couple. Though some will try to convince you that there are formulas to follow, there are no real formulas. The only thing that should determine the gift that you give the new couple is how close you feel to them, as well as your own budget. Of course, with the advent of wedding registries, it's easy to pick out a gift, but if you are more comfortable picking out a gift without consulting the bridal registry, feel free to do so.
If you do purchase a gift, the final lesson in wedding gift guidelines is when and where to give the gift.
Wedding gift s may be given as soon as the marriage is announced. You cansend the gifts to the bride's home if you send it prior to the wedding itself.
It is also be permissible, and probably most customary, to bring the gift to the reception.
If you give your gift after the wedding, the custom is to send it to the new couple's home.
Beyond this, there are no hard and fast rules with wedding gift guidelines. Don't let the responsibility of purchasing a wedding gift detract from the true purpose of the day, which is celebrating the love that the new couple have each other.





Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/493200
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Unique Wedding Gifts Ideas



A marriage is a happy occasion in the life of two individuals. The wedding couple shares this personal moment with their loved ones, who feel their joys. 

What is a Thoughtful Wedding Gift?

A wedding gift is known as the thoughts of the feelings of the giver for receiver, in this case the couple. A unique thoughtful wedding gift is chosen carefully, keeping the bridal couple's individual prefer ed tastes, likes and dislikes in all the back of giver's mind, if it is designed  to serve its purpose. Nothing is worse and insulting than a wedding gift without thoughts. A gift's value is not decided by how much it is worth, but it is decided by the giver's thoughts and efforts to get the suitable gifts for the couple.

While the market is flooded with numerous wedding gift options and choices, selecting the perfect wedding present for the couple is a big challenge. While one can look through the market, surf the net and spend big dollars while selecting, choosing the perfect wedding gift requires thinking and a some homework and research. A giver should aim to give the bridal couple something unique and different from the others.

Thoughtful Wedding Gifts Ideas

Personalized and thoughtful wedding gifts always stand out and make a statement on behalf of the giver. A unique memento, decorative crystals, or a couple's watch with the couple's names engraved on it with the wedding date is something the bridal couple will remember for life. 

Unique Wedding Gifts Ideas (from Family Members)

For very close family relatives, a handmade scrapbook consisting of family pictures, or a family tree decorated with hand-painted photos of family members with their names and signature is a good idea. Alternatively photo quilts, or customized plates and cups with the couples photos and wedding dates engraved on it are a few thoughtful wedding gift ideas. 

Unique Wedding Gifts Tips from friends

In the case of a golf fan, the giver can give a complete golf set engraved with the couple's names on each of the sticks. A Christian Bible, engraved with the couple's wedding dates and names on it, is another idea wedding gift for a spiritually inclined wedding couple. It is a must to be aware and understand the couple's interests, hobbies, tastes and their preferences. A unique and thoughtful gift can be given to them, based on these of personal information.
Romantic wedding presents like photo pillows cases with the couple's portraits on it can be considered as another thoughtful and sweet wedding present. One can also provide gift certificates, home decor items, classic household gift items like crystal decorations and silverware, or some other wedding mementos like a polymer clay statue or metal candlestick holder. They are just right for the mantel and can be used as keepsakes. 

Couples' Wedding Gifts to each other

The choice of giving wedding gifts for each other remains on the wedding groom and the bride. The bridal couples can give each other engraved jewelry, love framed poems or even unusual items like a vintage radio, if he loves vintage items. 

For the Wedding Couple's Parent

A thoughtful wedding gift certificate to a relaxing spa center or a recreational chalet is just the perfect way for the bride or bridegroom to show their gratitude and care for their elderly parents.
Ultimately, it is the thought that matters the most, and even a simple framed poetry or a handwritten gratitude letter to the parent is just as valuable, if not more. 
The parents can organize wedding bridal showers, a simple party to acquaint the couple to the rest of the family, or some personalized wedding gift items, including gift vouchers.
Thank-you presents need not be expensive, but, as mentioned, should cater to individual preference. The gifts should be given appropriately according to the kind of relationship that the giver shares with the receivers. 
This article is located at Unique Thoughtful Wedding Gifts [http://www.1stopweddingsite.com/unique-thoughtful-wedding-gifts-ideas.php]
Simon Tan is a wedding planner and has vast experience in organizing wedding events for guests and his friends. He is often sought for his expertise in wedding events and has received appreciations for his efforts and knowledge.
He has a wedding website that provides free information for couples at Wedding Planning Website Guide [http://www.1stopweddingsite.com]





Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3035565
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