Planning a wedding today can be very expensive, not to mention you have to give thanks to your wedding attendants who have supported you through it all. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune just for a mere gift, as the old saying goes ”it is the thought that counts”. It is always a great thing to opt for things that may not be that expensive but would certainly bring joy and amusement to your recipient. So, if you want to give thank you gifts to your wedding attendants but with a tight budget, worry no more because there are some tips and ideas to save money on wedding gifts.

Plan in advance and don’t wait for the last minute to arrive. This way, you will avoid yourself from hassle and it would be less expense that ensures a definite big dollar savings. The point here is if you don’t start planning early before your wedding, you will end up spending more. You could try shopping wedding gifts at bazaars, special sales, and out-of-town trips. These are affordable shopping options that gifts are usually at much lower prices than it would be sold at local shopping malls during holidays,

Your wedding attendants, such as your groomsmen and bridesmaids have most likely received different wedding gifts during past wedding they attended at. So to make sure you don’t give similar wedding gifts to them, you should make an inventory of all the possible gifts usually given to bridesmaids and groomsmen. One better way to make sure is to ask them directly what gifts they want on your wedding, that is if it is not a surprise gift. Otherwise, you may consider thinking other else that beyond generics. Another thing that makes your wedding gifts truly from you is to add your own touch on them. Get creative, you imagination is the limit.

Additionally, nothing could be more thoughtful than a gift that was specially made for your attendants. Personalized wedding presents are far better than commercialized items that can be easily bought in markets. In this way you will not only give a thoughtful present to your wedding attendants, but you also cut back a large amount from your wedding expenses.

Inexpensive wedding gifts for groomsmen include pocket knives, key rings, shot glasses, flasks, grooming kits, mugs and the likes, while inexpensive gift ideas for bridesmaids include tote bags, compact mirrors, cosmetics, picture frames etc. These items may look ordinary, but if you will customize them, they will surely make a hit on your wedding party. Consider including their name, initials or a even you personal message on each gift.

Wedding Gifts You Should Not Give

Don’t fall for the cliché: ‘The best gift comes directly from the heart.’ Although this is true, you also need to be more considerate for the needs and wants of the couple receiving the gift.

This means not all wedding gifts will be appreciated by newly-wed couples. There are wedding gifts you should not give in order not to spoil the happy beginnings of new lovely couples.

Avoid Giving Generic Gifts

You may be tempted to buy common item wedding gifts such as toasters, household mats, coffee makers, or punch bowls. These wedding gift items can fit on anyone’s budget and they can be very easy to find.

Unless these generic gifts are listed on the wedding gift registry of the couple, always avoid giving such gifts. If these generic items are not on gift registries, chances are the couple already owns such things.

Also, other unthinking guests may have already bought generic household items so it is best not to add your gift to the list of unwanted presents.

Do Not Give Perishable Gifts

It is quite amusing to see guests bringing baskets of fruits on These baskets are usually wrapped in colored translucent plastics with a large ribbon.

The newly-wed couple can easily buy a basket of fruits from their local grocery. So why give such gifts on a wedding day? The worst thing about fruits as gifts is they will rot easily if not opened immediately.

Because newly-weds are very busy during their first days as married couples, your gift may end up in the trash bin because they are already rotten.

It is also worse to pack your perishable wedding gift in a box and wrap it. Couples usually open their gifts days after their honeymoon. So your gift may rot inside the box unnoticed until too late.

Recycled Gifts: A Big No-No

Do not give wedding gifts that were also given to you. If you cannot find a suitable gift for the couple, just enclose cash on the wedding envelope or buy the couple a gift card.

Do not give hand me downs to the newly-wed because it will be noticed easily. Always avoid giving recycled gift unless it is a very precious heirloom that is very valuable to you also.

Damaged Gifts Means Damaged Reputation

If you want your wedding gift to be well appreciated, don’t give damaged goods. If what you bought has been damaged, just buy a new one.

It is not good for your reputation to give an obviously repaired wedding gift. Even if the gift costs a lot, the couple may think that you do not value them because you have given a damaged gift.

Wedding Gifts Must Be Useful for the Bride and Groom

Do not give a wedding gift intended only for one of the couple. If the groom is your fishing buddy, it is not good to give a fishing rod. You are obviously alienating the bride.

Give a personalized gift during birthdays or other special occasions but not on a wedding day. If you cannot avoid buying something for your
friend, then you need to buy something for the partner. In this way, no one will get hurt by being left out.

Giving wedding gifts is a part of matrimonial tradition. To be on the safe side, always consult the wedding gift registry of the couple before buying your presents.