The whole point of brainstorming wedding gift ideas is that you want to veer off a little bit maybe from the traditional thing that is usually done. Not that if you choose to go with those gifts they wouldn’t be appreciated, but a change is also a welcomed thing in some instances. And getting a list of wedding gift ideas for the bridal shower should not be a problem as well, since the host of the shower is supposed to know the bride best after all.

And much like the planning for and getting ideas for the wedding shower, ideas for the gifts too can be listed down, and then suggested to the guests who are going to be attending on that day. Again, be sure to list down the gifts with the future bride-to-be in mind, what she would like and what she would appreciate getting. Ultimately, no matter what sort of gift the guests choose to give the bride she will appreciate it, but she will love it even more if it is something she has been wanting or something she likes.

In this short video, the wedding expert sheds light on gift giving wedding etiquette. It’s part of the 20 free wedding planning series. Ever wondered about the etiquette for receiving gifts or cash at your wedding?

Wedding party gifts are supposed to thank everyone in the wedding party, but that is only a small part of their entire purpose.  The wedding party gift is supposed to thank the wedding party for their support and participation in the wedding, but it also is supposed to provide each individual with a token of your esteem for them and their friendship.  To that end, your gift or gifts should be practical enough to remind each individual of their role in your special day.

For women, a heart key rings set will be used daily and will remind to each bridesmaid, of the wedding and their friendship with the bride.  For the guys, a luxury steering wheel key holder is both practical and will be a conversation piece.  Wedding party gifts, however, do not have to be based on the gender of the recipient.  

A diamond shaped paperweight is a great idea for men or women and can be used on a daily basis.  The same holds true for stainless iron luggage tags set, a travel/desk clock or a digital portable clock.  Each of these says “thanks” and is so practical it can be used on a daily basis.

Practicality, though, might not be a priority for you.  If that is the case, a stainless steel yo-yo for guys will keep them entertained and is a great keepsake.  For women, an Enormous Engagement Ring Keychain might not be used as the main keychain, but it will be a reminder of your day for years to come.

One suggestion is to provide one practical and one not so practical gift to each member of the wedding party.  This allows you to give them something they will use over and over as well as something that is just a fun keepsake.  By giving two gifts, you will also make it clear how much you appreciate their friendship and support.

Regardless of how many gifts you give or what you choose, the purpose is to make it clear that you are thanking them for their role in your big day.  Your gifts do not have to be extravagant or expensive, but they should be something that is unique and lets each person of the wedding party understand how much you appreciate them as friends or family.  You also will get a thrill each time you see your gift used by the people in questions, whether the gift is practical or just intended to be fun or a keepsake.

Purchasing wedding gifts should be easy.  All one should have to do is look up a store’s registry, see what has been listed, make a selection, pay for it and have it delivered in time for the big day.  Unfortunately, for most of us, life interrupts our best intentions and we end looking at the last minute or selecting something they will receive in duplicate because we opted for the first and easiest idea.

For some people, selecting a wedding gift is an effort in ease.  These people also get their winter holiday shopping done in June, are prepared for any emergency and can give you ready made tips on everything from cooking to gardening to home improvement projects.  While these people do exist, most of us fall somewhat short of that ideal and end up scrambling for a unique gift that will be appreciated.

How about helping them set up their own bar?  Put together a sampling of “essential” liquors and a few indispensable wines.  Include a wine storage case, decorative initial personalized napkins, a wine gift set and top it off with a set of ring of crystals martini glasses and champagne flutes and you will get them on their way towards having an “adult” bar.

Gift cards are also popular and come in handy.  If you want to help them with their first month or so of living together, give them a gift card to a local grocery store.  Setting up a house always is exhausting, so gift cards to a variety of local restaurants will also be appreciated and come in handy.

You also can allow them to pamper themselves or enjoy a favored hobby.  If he is a fisherman, give him a gift certificate for his next license.  Give her a gift certificate to a day spa (include enough for two so she can bring a friend.)  If one or the other plays golf, give them gift certificates for greens fees.

All of us are pressed for time and often are lacking in ideas when it comes to memorable .  It is great to give the happy couple that appliance or crystal set, but how much will they be used?  By thinking practically, you will select an appreciated gift that will keep you in their minds for some time to come.

The act of presenting wedding gifts to parents differs in different cultures. In most Eastern cultures, wedding gifts for the couple’s parents is an uncommon practice.  Most couples show their gratitude and love by giving their parents a money packet.  Indeed, most do not even give their parents anything for the wedding, per say, but will “contribute” towards some other item after the wedding day like helping with the insurance installment or paying for some utility bill.  For most Eastern cultures, the wedding day is the last day for the bride’s parents to assume responsibility for her well-being.  This will be their last day to pay and contribute to her life before she begins a new one with her husband.  As such, the wedding can be seen as their last gift to her.  In such cases, a wedding gift to the parents may not be necessary and may even evoke some negative reactions, not to mention raised eyebrows.

On the other hand, in Western cultures, giving wedding gifts for mom and dad is a common act. As when buying a birthday present, take into consideration their ages, personalities, hobbies, likes and dislikes.

Before you buy any gifts for your dad, first take into account whether he is the Conservative or Flamboyant.  Does he have a wacky sense of humor that mirrors yours?  Or is he down the straight and narrow?  Either way, buy a gift that will suit HIM, not you.

Some dads do not expect luxurious gifts and will not appreciate them when presented.  No matter how much you would like to pamper them, respect his wishes.  If he does not like expensive gifts, then get him something meaningful, personalized yet inexpensive which he can enjoy and appreciate.  If he loves to read, buy him a book on his favorite topic, be it religious, political or psychological.  If he is the church-going kind, you could even get him a brand new Bible in large lettering to ease his reading.  Otherwise, an inexpensive yet personal gift could be personalized license plates (with World’s Best Dad on it), pen set, wallet, document bag or key ring.  If he loves to travel, you could even get him a suitcase or travel shoes or vest, which he can wear while travelling.

Buying the wedding gift for your mom may be easier or more difficult, depending on the kind of person she is.  Some mothers are more particular than others so if your mom is the fussy pot, take extra care in choosing a gift.  Your best bet would be some item in line with her hobbies.  If she likes to do some gardening, get her a flowering plant that she can enjoy nurturing in her free time.  If she is the dressy sort, then a bag or some kind of apparel always does the trick.  The kind of bag to buy her may be tricky though and this is where you will really need to use your best intuitive skills.  By sticking close to her personality, her likes and dislikes, her favorite colors, you should be able to get it right.

Buying for the parents-in-law can be difficult as well.  Not only will you have to make sure you get it right the first time around, you will also have to make sure the gift will not be seen inferior compared to the ones you are giving your parents.  And sometimes, buying the same gift for both sets of parents may not always go down well.  The best thing is to just focus on their hobbies and buy them presents in line with those.  And if both fathers like to read, then buy them books or book-related items in their interests.  If one set of items will be undeniably more expensive than the other, it will be wise for you to give all the presents in private on two (or four, if the parents are divorced) separate occasions.

Some couples find it best to buy presents for parents as a couple.  Not only does this cut down on the shopping hassle, it may just save you many pretty dollars as well.  If you do decide to go along this line, then travel vouchers, plane tickets for a holiday (if it fits your budget), gift certificates for their favorite restaurant or even bedspreads with matching pillow cases, sheets and comforters work fine.

Remember the kind of people your parents are. If push comes to shove, then go ahead and ask them directly if they like what you had in mind.  If they show clear signs of being uncomfortable getting material gifts from you, do not force it on them.  You can always present them something else after the wedding – pay their next mortgage installment, for example.  Whichever it ends up being, remember, giving a wedding gift is supposed to bring joy.  If it does not, then you may wish to consider showing your gratitude in other ways.