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When You’d Rather Have Cash

money

Some engaged couples move in together long before they are married and have everything they need, not having to rely on bridal shower and wedding gifts to furnish their homes with a brand new toaster or the newest in entertainment. But many couples, however, struggle with the topic of how to ask for cash from their guests instead of gifts – here are some tips.

First off, it is perfectly acceptable for engaged couples to accept cash gifts if they are not the ones asking for it. Traditional wedding etiquette admonishes asking for cash, but if a wedding guest asks the engaged couple what they’d like, the best way is to tell them that you are thinking of saving for something special, such as an upcoming honeymoon.

Don’t just forgo the wedding registry – there’s always an option to include what you’d like as a gift without going to a department store and scanning towels and linens for people who want to buy you something or give you more than “just cash”. Some people believe that giving a physical gift is tradition at a wedding, so expect that you may get a new shower curtain or something decorative, but there are also sites that allow you to ask for items such as gift cards or cash towards a big purchase or a honeymoon.

One such site is called Tendr where guests can pick cards to send with their well wishes and cash, and they can even use all major credit cards. It doesn’t cost you anything to receive funds and it only costs them 2.7% and $1 for every transaction; likely cheaper than buying a card at a store. The site also tracks all of your gifts received so that you can thank the people who sent them.

Have your gift registry all sorted out? Stop by Best for Bride to start shopping for your wedding and bridesmaid dresses, accessories and more!

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Appropriate Gifts For A Second Wedding

When you are getting married for the second time it is essential to ensure that you don’t breach etiquette by registering for gifts. This is considered tacky because a first wedding is the time to start a gift registry. By the time you are getting married for a second time you should have all the items one would normally include in any gift registry for a wedding. If you don’t, your guests aren’t likely to care.

In 2015 and beyond the most appropriate gifts for a second wedding are often food related. For example, an edible arrangement or a meat and cheese basket is considered a standard gift to give for a second wedding. Unfortunately these rules of etiquette apply even if it is your significant other’s first wedding.

That being said your guests can buy you something as simple as a bottle of wine itself or as complex as a membership to a wine of the month club. These are appropriate gifts for a second wedding because they are not the household items it is presumed you already own.

Another popular choice in gifts for a second wedding is restaurant gift cards. Since they are so easy to obtain these days out of town guests will even be able to purchase gift cards for restaurants that are not located in their hometown. With a lack of expiration dates on gift cards you will be able to use them whenever it is convenient for you so your guests always know their gift will not be wasted.

food gift basket

The only way proper etiquette allows your guests to purchase kitchen appliances as gifts is if they purchase a specialized appliance that you and your significant other would use and enjoy, such as a pasta, bread or ice cream maker. These appliances are acceptable because they are not the standard appliances everyone has in their kitchen.

Non-traditional gifts given for a second wedding are often more personal gifts than anything you likely got at your first wedding. This is especially true if the majority of the guests at your second wedding were at your first wedding as well.

In lieu of wedding presents, many second time brides simply ask their guests to make a donation to their favorite charity. If you choose to do this it is always a good idea to contact the charity in advance and let them know what you are doing. Then include all the pertinent information in your communication with your invited guests so that they understand them donating to the charity of your choosing is their wedding gift to you.

To give it more sentimental value, choose a charity that you or your significant other has a personal connection to. For example, if either of you has ever had any type of cancer ask your guests to donate money to the American Cancer Association instead of buying you a gift.

Best For Bride.com can help you plan your second wedding with ease.

 

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Tips On Choosing Bridesmaid Gifts

Bridal Gift necklace

Although you don’t have to give your bridesmaids any gifts, many brides opt to give them small tokens of their gratitude for helping plan the wedding, being troopers and wearing the chosen dresses and just participating in their magical day. But many brides are at a loss as to what kind of gift they should surprise their bridesmaids with, so here are some tips on how what makes the perfect gift!

How Much To Spend?

Personalized necklaces from Etsy
Personalized necklaces from Etsy

Really, it’s totally up to you and whatever can fit into your budget. These gifts are to show your appreciation and gratitude and don’t have to be extravagant or expensive. Your bridesmaids aren’t expecting anything, so even a small gift will make them smile. Some sites like the Knot say that you should consider how much you’re asking them to spend for your wedding (bridesmaid dress, shoes, makeup, hair, etc.) and then base your gift on something that is comparable to that amount. But in reality, you’re probably already spending a lot of money and your budget can’t really fit in an additional $75 per bridesmaid (especially if you have a large bridal party).

Be Thoughtful

Bridal tumblers from Etsy
Bridal tumblers from Etsy

Instead of buying lavish gifts, think about getting them things that they’ll be able to use everyday. Makeup bags with their initials on them, blinged-out coffee cups, a jewelry box engraved with their name, etc. Taking the time to really choose a great bridal gift will go a long way with your bridesmaids. And to go step further, maybe buy each bridesmaid a different gift tailored to their own personal likings? This will show them how much time and effort you put into their gift and they’ll really love you for that.

Would You Want It?

Wine glasses from Etsy
Wine glasses from Etsy

Always ask yourself if you’d want the gift to gauge if your bridesmaids will want it too. You don’t want to choose something that is super cute, but won’t be used by them. Again, think practical gifts like monogrammed keychains, tumblers and other things that can be used over and over again. There are lots of bridal gift sites where you can order multiple gifts and have them personalized. Just do a quick Google search and you’ll get numerous results.

Best for Bride is a one-stop bridal shop that has everything a bride needs to make her big day perfect! From dresses to shoes, invitations to cakes, this bridal shop is the only place you ever need to go to plan your special day.

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Unleash Your Creativity: 10 Unique Wedding Favors

Unleash Your Creativity: 10 Unique Wedding Favors

Bored of getting the most common wedding favours? Now that it’s your turn to give out one, why not do away with the usual bride-and-groom figurines, key chains and small picture frames? It’s time to exercise your creative juices when choosing wedding favours for your beloved guests.

When selecting wedding favours, you have a very wide array of choices. The most important thing to remember is that the wedding favours you’ve chosen are within your budget. And, of course, these little keepsakes would be in line with the theme of your wedding.

Here are a few wedding favour suggestions with a flair for uniqueness and creativity.

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