Modern wedding gift etiquette

It's interesting:
"I am quite sure that Linda will want to improve Paul a little because that's what wives do. Above all else I hope she'll teach him to entertain in this style and continue this fine hosting tradition."

With weddings becoming more of a blending of traditional and modern elements and customs, the currently acceptable etiquette of wedding gifts can become confusing. Overall, the biggest hint to how traditional or modern the taste and traditions of the couple's wedding will be is in the wedding itself. A formal and traditional invitation and ceremony will be a large clue that the couple is traditional in nature. Likewise, a more modern invitation and wedding ceremony plans will be a telltale sign that a modern approach to wedding gifts is appropriate.

1. Ceremony

   • Traditionally, the parents of the bride throw the wedding and the groom's family gives the couple the rehearsal dinner. This, as of late, has changed dramatically in many weddings. Often, the bride and groom throw the wedding themselves, or another family member, such as a grandparent or aunt, throws it for them. Portions of the wedding can be given to the couple as a gift. The bride's parents can provide to the couple an open bar for the wedding, or a dessert spread, as their wedding gift, to assist with the costs of the reception. An aunt may offer to give the couple a champagne toast. In a modern world of brides and grooms funding their own wedding, any assistance can be a welcomed gift.

   Gift Cards

   • While it is not the most romantic or nostalgic choice, gift cards can often be a very appreciated and functional gift to a wedding couple. Choose a gift card to a favorite restaurant, a home improvement store or to a salon for a couple's massage. This will be something useful to the couple that they can enjoy after their honeymoon for some quality time together, improvements to their home or for some much needed relaxation.

   Hotel

   • Often a much appreciated and new idea for a wedding gift is a hotel reservation at the same hotel they spent their wedding night, one year later. Being able to spend their first anniversary in the same hotel they spent their first night together as husband and wife is often an enjoyable idea that the couple will look forward to all year. While the thrill and excitement of many wedding gifts will wear off, this is something they can enjoy 12 months after the actual wedding.

   Wine Cooler

   • While traditionally a set of crystal glasses was a popular and appropriate wedding gift, a more modern spin on this idea would be to give a couple a wine cooler or refrigerator. Since fine crystal glasses are often not used frequently, a wine cooler is something they can use constantly for their own enjoyment or to entertain guests.

   Silver

   • Put a new spin on the traditional gift of sparkling silverware with a more useful and modern use of the material. Choose a silver and sleek vase, teapot or even a wine topper as a more modern and useful choice. Consider an artistic silver statue or sculpture for a modern accent or decoration in the couple's home.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding gift, more modern, their wedding, wedding gifts, crystal glasses