If you have been invited to a wedding recently, you may be asking yourself what to get the bride and groom for their big day. While gift giving may seem like a simple task to some people, to others it can be rather stressful. You want to buy the newlyweds something they can cherish forever. However, what do you do if you cannot find something on their wedding registry within your budget? What if there even isn’t a wedding registry? Is there a specific amount you should spend? These are a few questions that wedding guests may ask themselves before purchasing a gift for the bride and groom. With a little more research and maybe some creativity, picking out the right wedding gift can be simple. This guide on how to choose a wedding gift will give you the basics when it comes to deciding on the perfect gift for the newlyweds. It will also highlight a few ways you can make a gift a little more personal or creative.

A wedding registry set up by the engaged couple can be beneficial when you need to select a gift for their bridal shower or actual wedding. Not only did the couple settle on one or more stores for their registry, they chose specific items that will benefit them and can take the stress out of gift giving. With any wedding invitation, a couple should inform their guests where they are registered. You should follow their provided information and either shop online, if possible, or visit the store or stores with the items they have chosen. You can either choose a few small items or one big item depending on your budget or how much you are willing to spend. The most popular or useful gifts are kitchen, bed, bath and entertaining items. Do not wait last minute to utilize the registry, though. Since a wedding registry is the simplest way to choose the right gift for an engaged couple, other guests are also going to use it and may purchase a majority of the specified items. If you have a certain gift in mind that is listed on the registry, try and purchase it as soon as possible.

There is nothing wrong with giving the couple only a monetary gift, nor is there a limit as to how much you can give. The amount you give should be appropriate in terms of your relationship with the couple. While this is entirely up to you, TheKnot.com recommends giving or spending $50 and $75 for a co-worker or distant family or friend, $75 to $100 for a relative or friend and $100 or more for close relatives or friends. http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/attending-wedding/articles/5-rules-of-wedding-gift-giving.aspx A monetary gift does not have to be boring. Normally, any monies would be placed in a card, but you can also deliver it in a creative way of your choice. If you would just like to use a card to deliver the gift, write a nice story in the card reminiscing about how you met the bride or groom or write a few words of wisdom and advice for the couple-to-be.

If a couple does not have a wedding registry or you do not find a specific item on there you would like to give to them, you can create a gift that has personal value to it. Depending on your relationship with the couple and how well you know them, you can give them a gift that will benefit their interests. For instance, if they are both into the outdoors, you can purchase a piece of camping or hiking gear that they can use. You can also give them a gift based on what they are asking for. For example, if they are requesting a variety of small kitchen appliances, you can give them with a wide array of interesting cookbooks (i.e., if they asked for a blender, provide them with smoothie recipes). If the couple is going on their honeymoon to a destination you are familiar with, give them some advice on the best sights to see while they are there or give them gift certificates for restaurants you enjoyed (if possible).

Put yourself in the shoes of the bride and groom and think about what you would want or need as a newlywed. If you are still unsure about what to get the bride and groom, consult their family members or close friends who can make recommendations.