How to Ask for Gifts Without Feeling Pushy
It is a tradition around the world to offer gifts to the bride and groom at the wedding. These gifts include items such as cash, household items, personal items and vacations. The purpose of gift giving is to honor the bride and groom and to provide them with a foundation for their new life together.
While gift giving is expected and standard, it can be difficult for the bride and groom to feel comfortable expressing their needs and desires. It is not necessary customary to pass around a wish list to family and friends, nor is it appreciated.
Many couples, in fact, feel that the gifts they receive reflect the desire and capability of the gift-giver. Thus, they do not want to force their guests to feel obligated to spend money on items that may be too expensive or simply not in line with what the gift-giver might want to give.
Luckily, retailers have caught onto the awkwardness that accompanies wedding gift giving. Many fine and mid-level retailers offer their customers the option to sign up for a registry. The way it works is that the bride and groom select the items that they would like to have from the particular store. These items might include household things such as a coffee maker or toaster oven.
Other retailers offer more expensive items such as silver, collectibles, china and furniture. While it is perfectly fine to have a registry for places dealing in expensive items, you might only want to tell your friends and family that have expressed a true interest in purchasing something of value for you about this registry. If you tell your friends and family that cannot afford more expensive items, you may run the risk of alienating or offending them.
As with all other special occasions, money is also a popular gift item. You will find that while many people do enjoy giving gifts, you will receive more check and cash donations than you know what to do with. Money is popular because the giver is assured that you will use it towards something you can actually use. What's more: it is easier on the giver to write a check than to dedicate time and energy to finding a gift that may not suit your style.
The most important step for you, as the recipient of so many generous gifts, is to write your thank you notes promptly. People will be honored to treat you with gifts, but they will likely become offended if you do not show your appreciation in a timely manner.
