How to Buy a Wedding Gift for Someone You Don't Know

Co-authored by Ivy Summer

Last Updated: March 6, 2023 References

With endless possibilities of items on the market, finding the right one for a wedding gift can be a challenge. It gets even harder when it is for someone you don't know. After all, you don’t want to be in an awkward position of getting a gift the newlyweds dislike. By knowing your budget and taking some time to study your options, you will be able to find the perfect wedding gift for anyone you may not know.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Karen Brown
Wedding & Event Planner
Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.}

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Choosing a Generic Wedding Gift

1
Buy a tasteful picture frame.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Karen Brown
Wedding & Event Planner
Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.} If you want to give the bride and groom something that will help them remember their special day, a picture frame is the perfect gift. It will be a welcome addition to the newlywed’s home.
- Pick a material for the frame that can signify the beauty and importance of the day such as silver, glass, or a finely polished wood.
- Add a more thoughtful touch to your wedding gift and get the date of the wedding, a message of congratulations, or the couple’s names engraved onto the frame.^{[3]
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Buy a gift basket for the couple. Arranging for a gift basket to be delivered to their home when they return from their honeymoon is a thoughtful wedding gift. You may not know them well, but ask someone that does what the couple’s likes and hobbies are and choose a basket based off of that.^{[4]
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Research source} Examples of different gift basket themes include:
- A picnic basket of wine, cheese and fruit.
- A sweets basket complete with chocolates, dried fruit and assorted candy.
- A his-and-hers spa basket containing lotions, soaps and body washes.
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Give the gift of money. Money is a great gift to give to someone you don’t know, especially if the bride and groom are planning for a big honeymoon or putting a down payment on a house.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Ivy Summer
Certified Wedding & Event Planner
Expert Interview. 29 January 2020.} Buy a nice congratulatory card to slip the money or check inside, along with a thoughtful message.
- Be aware of regional and cultural etiquette regarding wedding gifts of money. In some social circles, cash is the best gift; whereas in others, it is still considered taboo.^{[6]
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- If you know anyone going to the wedding that knows the bride or groom, ask them if they think cash or a check would be proper.
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Get the couple a gift card. A gift card is a good alternative to a cash gift. Try and find one for the store where the couple has their wedding registry to make the shopping easier for them.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Tailoring Your Wedding Gift

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Buy the couple a gift through the wedding registry. The registry information is usually spread by word of mouth. Sometimes it is also sent to guests in the invitation or posted on the couple's wedding website. The items on the registry are things that the bride and groom picked themselves so whatever you choose to buy will be a good gift.^{[7]
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Research source}^{[8]
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Expert Source

Ivy Summer
Certified Wedding & Event Planner
Expert Interview. 29 January 2020.}
- Look the registry over carefully and, if possible, take a copy with you when shopping. Avoid buying anything that duplicates the wedding registry.
- Choose a gift that can fit many homes’ styles. If you can't use the registry to help you match the couple's style, then avoid gifts that are distinct in color or style. Stick to items that would match many color and style schemes.
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Ask others what the couple’s interests and tastes are. You may be able to find a gift that matches their interests. For example, if they like wine, you could buy them a wine rack or decanter. Matching their tastes can make for a thoughtful gift that the couple can really enjoy.
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Create something for the couple. If you are crafty or artistic, consider putting those skills to use in making a gift.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Karen Brown
Wedding & Event Planner
Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.} If possible, ask someone that knows them if the newlyweds would appreciate a piece of art or a practical item you can craft. If they would, spend serious time and effort on your creation and make sure that it is not thrown together the night before. Some examples of created gifts include:
- A painting of a specific place you know the couple has been to, or is interested in.
- A clay or blown glass bowl, vase or candle holder.
- A wooden cutting board with the date of the wedding and the couple’s names burned into it.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How expensive should a wedding gift be?

Karen Brown
Wedding & Event Planner
Karen Brown is the Founder and Creative Director of Karen Brown New York, a full service event planning company. Karen has planned hundreds of successful weddings, corporate parties, award ceremonies, product launches, galas, and fundraisers over the past decade throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Karen Brown

Wedding & Event Planner

Expert Answer

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It's customary for a wedding gift to be equal to the amount that the couple spent for you to be a guest at their wedding. For example, if the bride and groom spent $150 per person for food and beverage, you would give cash or a gift that is equal to that amount.