A wedding is truly a sacred and meaningful event, and part of God’s plan according to the scripture “It is not good for the man to be alone; let us make him a partner like himself.” Although wedding styles have changed, ranging from destination weddings to large-scale formal affairs, one thing is true – you, as a guest, can take part in blessing a marriage with your support if it, your presence and a special gift you may give the couple.
While many couples may have a list of towels and cookware on a department store registry, you have an opportunity to give the bride and groom something they can treasure. Here are some points to consider the next time you’re searching for what to give a bride and groom:
1. Myth: I should find something expensive from their registry.
Fact: Many times, these gifts are either purchased by the bride and groom themselves with wedding money, or are added to the registry as a “maybe we’ll get it” kind of item. Don’t feel pressure to purchase based on the dollar amount. Instead, try a customized or personal gift like a special frame or devotional. Many times these are the gifts they’ll remember.
2. Myth: I have to bring a gift to the wedding.
Fact: There’s no gift requirement. In fact, a beautiful handwritten card or letter expressing your wishes for them might be just the thing. Try a card with a story, such as a religious greeting card from The Printery House, a monastery set in northwest Missouri. The cards are made on-site by monks and artists.
3. Myth: The gift, if I get one, has to be brought to the ceremony.
Fact: You can appropriately send a wedding gift for blessing a marriage up to six months (or more!) following the wedding. This might be a fun surprise, or a way to see which items the couple truly needs as they establish a home.
4. Myth: It’s impersonal to send a gift to them by mail.
Fact: More and more guests are ordering, paying and shipping right from their computer, and it’s easy for the couple to exchange or return if needed. It’s completely appropriate to send it from an online source, and you can find many personalized items, such as decorative wall art,available from online Christian stores that are specially-geared toward these occasions.
5. Myth: Wherever I get the gift, I should send something tangible.
Fact: Have you considered blessing a marriage using an act of service, such as preparing some freezer meals for the couple’s first months or offering some help with setting up their new home? These ideas and more will mean a lot to the couple and be something they are likely to remember.
Is there wedding shopping in your future? Check out the collection of faith-filled and inspiring gifts and cards from The Printery House. Every purchase goes to support the monastic work of Conception Abbey, a Benedictine monastery.