Wedding Return Gifts: A Token of Appreciation
Congratulations! You’re getting married soon. This is an exciting time, and every detail counts to make your special day unforgettable.
You’ve carefully selected the venue, chosen the right decor, and picked the perfect dress. As you plan your wedding, selecting return gifts for your guests might not be top on your list of priorities.
However, we’re here to tell you that it should be! Wedding return gifts are not only a thoughtful gesture, but they are a way to express your gratitude to your guests for celebrating this momentous occasion with you.
Importance of Wedding Return Gifts
Your wedding will be one of the most memorable moments of your life. It’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of activities and forget to show appreciation to your guests for their presence on such a special day.
Wedding return gifts serve as a reminder of the event itself and are a way to remember all the wonderful memories you shared together.
Avoiding Cheesy Return Gifts
Many guests have received disappointing and cheesy return gifts at weddings. These items typically collect dust and end up in a drawer somewhere.
You don’t want to be that couple, and your guests don’t want to receive those kinds of gifts. Instead, aim for something unconventional, unique, and heartfelt.
This way, your wedding return gift will serve as a reminder of your wedding and your gratitude towards them.
Eight Unconventional Wedding Return Gift Ideas
-
Heartfelt Note
A personalized note expressing your gratitude for your guests’ presence will never go out of style.
-
Eatables
Everyone loves food! Treat your guests to sweet treats or small bites for an extra touch.
-
Timepieces
Watches or clocks can be a practical gift that your guests can use for years to come.
-
Scented Candles
Candles can set the mood and create ambiance in any space.
Consider selecting candles with scents that match the season in which you’re getting married.
-
Succulents
A small plant is an excellent gift that your guests can take home and care for.
-
Themed Lip Balms
This is a fun and practical gift, especially if you’re hosting a winter wedding.
-
Journals
For the guests who love to write or keep notes, a journal can be the perfect return gift.
-
Utility Bags or Pouches, Coasters, and Mugs
For a more customized and personalized gift, consider creating a mini-gift set including items such as coasters, mugs, and utility bags that can be used daily.
Wedding Return Gift Ideas
The purpose of wedding return gifts is to show appreciation and care for your guests. It’s a symbolic way of saying thank you for being a part of the most important day of your life.
Keep in mind that the wedding return gift doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be thoughtful.
Here are the 10 best wedding return gift ideas:
-
Heartfelt Note
A handwritten note, expressing your gratitude and thanks, shows that you value your guests.
-
Eatables
Chocolate boxes, pastry boxes, and macarons are great treats that guests can take home with them.
-
Timepieces
Watches, clocks, and pocket watches make for great practical gifts.
-
Scented Candles
Candles come in many shapes, sizes, and scents. Select different scents for a more personalized gift.
-
Succulents
Little plants can create a lasting impression of your wedding day.
-
Themed Lip Balms
Winter weddings can have customized lip balms, which guests will appreciate.
-
Journals
A journal is a great gift for people who love writing, and it can be personalized to match your theme or colors.
-
Utility Bags or Pouches
A custom canvas bag or pouch with your wedding date or logo is a thoughtful and practical gift.
-
Coasters
Personalized coasters with the bride and groom’s name on them make for excellent mementos.
-
Mugs
Personalized coffee mugs are practical, and guests can remember your wedding day with every sip.
In conclusion, your wedding is an extraordinary event, and your guests deserve a token of appreciation. Wedding return gifts are a thoughtful way of thanking them for sharing in your special moment.
Ensure that your guests feel and remember the love and gratitude you have for them by selecting a unique return gift that they will cherish for years to come.
Optional Nature of Wedding Return Gifts
Wedding planning is stressful enough, and the added pressure of choosing a return gift can cause undue stress. It’s important to remember that wedding return gifts are not a necessary part of the wedding, and guests should not expect them.
As long as you express your appreciation for their presence through a heartfelt note or verbal thanks, that’s enough.
Pick Meaningful Gifts
If you do decide to gift your guests, select gifts that are meaningful to you and your partner. It’s not about the price tag but about the sentiment behind the gift.
Consider something that relates to your wedding theme or location. For example, if you’re having a beach wedding, you could gift guests with seashells or a small jar of sand from your wedding location.
Gifts that relate to your hobbies or interests could also be a good option.
The Five-Gift Rule
It’s okay if you still feel strongly about providing wedding return gifts to guests. In that case, consider implementing the five-gift rule.
The five-gift rule consists of five categories of gifts that aim to give guests something they want, something they like, something they wear or use, something they read, and something meaningful to you and your partner. By following these five categories, you can be sure that your guests receive memorable and practical gifts.
Explanation of the Five-Gift Rule
-
Something They Want
This gift should focus on something the guest has had their eye on or has wanted for some time.
Be mindful of what they might want that is feasible in your budget.
-
Something They Like
This gift should focus on their interests or hobbies. For example, if someone enjoys cooking, you could gift them with a cookbook or personalized apron.
-
Something They Wear/Use
This gift should focus on practicality, such as customized candles, keychains, or coffee mugs.
-
Something They Read
This gift could be a personal favorite book or a book that relates to your wedding theme.
-
Something Meaningful
This gift should be sentimental and related to your wedding.
Consider using a photo from your wedding and turning it into a keepsake or creating personalized ornaments with your wedding date.
Implementation of the Five-Gift Rule
Implementing the five-gift rule doesn’t necessarily have to cost an exorbitant amount of money. The goal is to provide five meaningful gifts that align with what guests want, like, wear/use, read, and something that involves sentimentality.
For instance, if you opt for a personalized cookbook as the gift for guests who enjoy cooking, that covers the “like” and “wear/use” categories. To cover the “something they want” category, you could add in a small gift card to their favorite cooking store.
For the “something meaningful” category, you could add a beautiful thank-you note that conveys your appreciation of their attendance on your wedding day.
Conclusion
Although not mandatory, wedding return gifts are a sweet gesture to show guests your appreciation. If you decide to provide return gifts, remember to keep it meaningful and personalized.
Don’t worry if it’s not within your budget or time constraints; a heartfelt thank-you note will suffice.
The five-gift rule is an excellent way to provide thoughtful and practical gifts to guests if you decide to go down that route.
Remember, it’s your wedding, and guests are there to celebrate with you, not to receive gifts.
As mentioned earlier, giving wedding return gifts to guests is not mandatory.
However, if you plan to provide return gifts, it’s essential to consider useful gifts that they will cherish and use for a long time.
Useful gifts do not always have to cost a fortune; sometimes simple and practical gifts can go a long way in making your guests feel appreciated.
Importance of Giving Useful Gifts
A wedding return gift should be useful to the guests and reflect the love and appreciation you have for them. Useful gifts could be items that they use daily, like mugs, tote bags, or keychains.
It’s important to choose gifts that are functional, of high quality, and that can be used even after the wedding festivities have ended. This way, they will remember your wedding every time they use the gift.
Creative and Meaningful Wedding Return Gifts
When selecting wedding return gifts, consider creative and meaningful ideas to stand out and give your guests a unique and memorable experience.
Gifts that are nostalgic or personalized could evoke nostalgia, which is always a great feeling.
For example, gifting a customized vinyl record of your wedding playlist would not only be creative but also meaningful. Other nostalgic gifts could include a custom-made puzzle featuring your wedding photo or a custom-made ornament with your wedding date or guests’ names on it.
Another creative idea includes a photo booth picture frame with a disposable camera. This way, guests can take silly photos and take home a printed copy of their pictures.
You can even have the picture frames customized with your wedding date and colors for additional personalization.
Small and quirky items like themed lip balms, small plants, and scented candles make great conversation starters and reflect a fun and personalized touch.
Gifting guests personalized cookie cutters shaped like the bride and groom or customized coasters with their names etched on it are great ways to make guests feel special and appreciated.
Lastly, leaving guests with a pack of wedding reception mints placed in customized envelopes is a simple and sophisticated way to end the wedding on a high note.
If you and your partner have a sweet tooth, consider personalized candy packets with your names and wedding date printed on them.
In conclusion, wedding return gifts are a great way to show gratitude and appreciation to guests for attending your special day.
While they are not mandatory, choosing functional, creative, and meaningful gifts can create a memorable experience for them.
Ensure to select high-quality gifts that your guests will use after the wedding and personalize each one, if possible.
Remember, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, and having your guests reminisce about your wedding with a smile months or years down the line is a goal worth striving for.
In conclusion, wedding return gifts are a great way to express your appreciation to your guests for taking out the time to celebrate your special day with you.
While these gifts are optional, choosing meaningful, functional, and creative items can make a lasting impression on guests.
Useful gifts that evoke nostalgia or personalization are sure to make a memorable experience.
Remember, it’s not necessarily the price tag of a gift that matters, but rather the thought and meaning behind it.
A little gesture goes a long way, and guests will certainly remember your wedding with affection and a smile for years to come.
