How to master wedding gifts

Here's eight top tips to perfect the art of wedding gift-giving courtesy of the Personalised Gift Shop!

Gifting experts at Personalised Gifts Shop have compiled a guide on how to make the process of choosing a wedding present stress free and budget friendly. Advice includes doing thorough research beforehand to find the best deal, or even considering donating to charity in the couple's name. Wedding trends have changed over the last few years, with couples deciding to go for a more low-key affair focused around close family and friends, opposed to large extravagant parties. Whatever type of wedding you're attending, a token of appreciation is always a good idea – but it doesn't necessarily have to be an expensive affair.

A spokesperson from Personalised Gifts Shop said “Weddings are always an incredibly important time. Whether it's your own or you're just simply attending, memories are made that will be cherished forever.
“It's important to remember that the happy couple are more focused on the day itself – and each other – rather than the gifts given, so there's no need to stress when trying to find the right present.
“Brits may find it difficult to find the perfect present but our experts have put together a guide to help master the all-important wedding gift, minus the stress and hassle.”

Here are Personalised Gifts Shops hacks on how to give the perfect wedding gift:
1. Do your research
With the online shopping boom the possibilities are endless, and it may be likely that the same product is available at a different store for slightly cheaper. Just remember to take the gift off the wedding registry so the couple doesn't receive two of the same thing – and always keep the receipt!

2. Cash
It may be seen as a cop-out, but some may prefer to be given cash over a gift they may not necessarily like or use. With cash the couple can put it to good use opposed to adding another clock to the never-ending collection.

3. Honeymoon
Some couples will appreciate a gifted massage or spa day whilst on their honeymoon opposed to a microwave or toaster. Check if there is a honeymoon fund set up and instead of a boxed gift, give a memorable experience which will add to the overall trip.

4. Pre-wedding
Consider contributing to the wedding itself. For a couple with two left feet a dancing lesson would make their first dance even more special, or if money is a bit tight offer up your own expertise such as photography, baking or simply hosting the event.

5. Charity-giving
For a couple who want to avoid extravagance think about donating to charity in their name. Sponsoring an endangered animal or contributing to a water facility being built is a heartfelt life-long gift.

6. Group together
If there is a particularly expensive item on the list, think about getting together with other guests and putting in a small amount each in order to split the cost.

7. Inspiration
If the majority of the gifts on the registry have already been brought, fear not as you could look at purchasing an item that is well-matched. For example, if the happy couple have asked for a dinner set consider purchasing accompanying crockery or glasses.

8. Spread the costs
If invited to multiple ceremonies don't feel the pressure of having to bring an expensive present to each function. Instead, look at splitting the costs over each of the events, purchasing three smaller gifts in place of one large one, for example.