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Bestowing lots of gifts to a newly betrothed couple has been tradition for many centuries and is the primary reason why the wedding gift business has remained profitable despite changing business conditions. A wedding gift is a concrete representation of support and love for the couple to help them begin their new life on a positive note.

Wetting etiquette dictates that guests formally invited to the wedding ceremony and reception are expected to send a gift, regardless they attend or not. However, those invited but live quite far away and have not been in close contact with the couple for several years have the option not to heed the tradition.

A guest requested to attend a shower should bring a gift but does not have to if the person cannot attend the event. A close family member or friend will likely send something regardless of attendance.

Engagement gifts are never necessary but have started to become a requirement in some areas of the world. A guest who is not sure whether or not to present a gift to an engagement party should consult the hosts for guidance.

Ideal wedding gifts can vary from expensive china, gift certificates, camping equipment, gardening equipment and household appliances. Selecting a gift should be an enjoyable activity except for those "shopping-challenged". The gift registry is very helpful in deciding what to give the couple. Rising in popularity is the shift in couples registering gifts with two or more retail stores, online shops or even brokerage houses and travel agents.

Registry information is casually spread to guests and should not be inserted in a wedding invitation.

Putting a gift registry in an invitation is major turnoff for guests, as it will give more focus on the gift and less on the thought of the invitation to the wedding. The guests should have the option whether to give a gift. Sometimes the most memorable and emotional gifts are those carefully chosen surprises.

Usually, gifts should be delivered to the bride's home before the wedding addressed to her.  Presents sent after the wedding should be addressed to the couple's new home or the house of the bride's parents. Some cultures require the gift to be taken to the wedding home instead of sending it ahead of the ceremony.

Guests may send the gifts right after they receive the invitation. Doing this gift giving practice will spare the couple from worrying about how to transport large packages from the reception site.

Proper etiquette dictates that the couple should immediately write a thank-you note to the sender upon receiving the wedding gift and before the fourth month after the wedding at the latest.

Questions on proper wedding etiquette on gift giving

When should the present be sent?

The gift for the bride should be bestowed before the wedding or shortly after the couple marries. If the gift cannot be sent soon, it must be sent no more than three months after the ceremony. This goes against word of mouth that it can be sent even shortly before the first year anniversary of the newlyweds.

Are the gift choices limited to those listed in the registry?

No, a registry merely serves as a guide for the gift giver. Any wedding gift would be appreciated as long as it comes from the heart.

Is there an ideal spending limit for a wedding gift?

The expense is entirely up to the gift giver. One's love for the bride and groom should serve as the foundation for how much a gift should cost.

Is money a suitable gift?

Money is the traditional present in some cultures. Giving a gift certificate to their favorite store is a nice choice if you are uncomfortable giving cash.

What if I did not get a thank you note from the bride and groom?

While it is an awkward thing to do, the best action is to call the bride and groom and ask if they have received your wedding gift. If the gift came from a store, call your contact salesperson and verify if your purchase was delivered on time and to the correct recipients. Become worried only if the thank you note does not arrive within three months after the wedding.