Wedding Engagement Gifts: Is This A Need? Do you really need to give engagement gifts? Why do some couples skip engagement gifts altogether? How engagement gifts affect your wedding spending.
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Engagement gifts have long been a customary gesture to celebrate and congratulate couples on their recent engagement. However, in today’s modern society, the question arises: are engagement gifts really a necessity?
In this article, we’ll explore the topic of wedding engagement gifts, discussing the pros and cons, offering tips for both givers and receivers, presenting creative gift ideas, and addressing budget considerations.
Pros and Cons
PROS
Expresses Congratulations: Giving an engagement gift is a thoughtful way to express congratulations and best wishes to the newly engaged couple. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a big gift, but it’s more of a gesture.
Symbolizes Support: An engagement gift symbolizes support for the couple as they embark on their journey toward married life.
Creates Memories: A well-chosen engagement gift can create lasting memories for the couple and serve as a meaningful reminder of their engagement period.
CONS
Additional Expense: Purchasing an engagement gift can add to the financial burden for guests, especially if they are already planning to attend the wedding.
Expectations and Pressure: The tradition of giving engagement gifts may create expectations and pressure for guests to give expensive or elaborate gifts.
Not Universally Practiced: Engagement gifts are not universally practiced and may not be expected or appreciated by all couples.
HOW TO APPROACH
There are different scenarios in which engagement gifts are “appreciated”.
If you are having an engagement party dinner or any gathering after your engagement announcement, your guests will most likely bring something. It can be a token or a congratulatory gesture.
Another scenario is if you make an announcement, whether it be through social media or within your immediate circle. Most likely the people who are close to you will send you something, it doesn’t have to always be a “gift” but it can also be a small token, perhaps a bottle of wine.
It is also good to note how other people in the family have responded to other people’s engagement and use it as a guide since every family has their own traditions and dynamics, you can ask around or look at past events.
The most important thing here is your preference. If you are inviting them to an engagement dinner or party, you can let them know if you are expecting a gift and what gift it is.
Are you looking for them to bring wine? Is it a potluck and they can bring food as gifts? Or perhaps a gift card for a specific cause or store? However that looks like to you, it will be easier for everyone if you communicate that kindly.
IMPORTANT NOTE
You can skip giving or receiving engagement gift/s altogether. There is no hard rule on this, or about anything about your wedding.
This is a discussion between you and your partner if you want to receive engagement gifts. However, know that your guests will most likely give you a wedding gift unless there is a running tradition or requests from you and your partner to receive one.
Tips for giving and receiving engagement gifts
FOR GIVERS
- Consider the Couple’s Tastes: Choose an engagement gift that reflects the couple’s interests, preferences, and lifestyle.
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on an engagement gift and stick to your budget.
- Personalize the Gift: Add a personal touch to the gift by including a handwritten note or choosing a customized or sentimental item.
FOR RECEIVERS
- Express Gratitude: Be gracious and appreciative of any engagement gifts you receive, regardless of their value or significance.
- Share the Joy: Share photos or updates of your engagement gift with the giver to show your appreciation and keep them involved in your wedding journey.
- Keep Track of Gifts: Keep track of the gifts you receive and send thank-you notes promptly to acknowledge the generosity of your friends and family.
CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT GIFT IDEAS
- Customized Keepsakes: Personalized items such as engraved wine glasses, custom artwork, or monogrammed keepsakes.
- Experiences: Gift certificates for experiences such as a romantic dinner, couples’ spa day, or weekend getaway.
- Food and treats: You can send them charcuterie boards or treats to help them celebrate their engagement and enjoy the night.
While wedding engagement gifts are not a strict necessity, they can be a thoughtful and meaningful gesture to congratulate and support newly engaged couples.
Whether giving or receiving engagement gifts, it’s important to approach the tradition with thoughtfulness, gratitude, and consideration for budget constraints.
Ultimately, the decision to give or receive engagement gifts is a personal one, and couples and their loved ones should feel comfortable choosing what feels right for them in celebrating this special milestone in their relationship.
