While it’s always exciting to be invited to someone’s nuptials, they can be expensive affairs – and not just for the bride and groom.
Travel, special occasion clothes, baby or pet-sitters, accommodation: costs can quickly snowball. There are ways to cut back: try renting outfits, especially if it’s a multi-day affair. Booking car hire of holiday rental is essential if you want to be close to the venue. Another area you could look at is the wedding gift.
A study by SpareRoom found that 15 per cent of the 1000 renters it surveyed had to move out of their homes because they were spending rent money on going to friends’ weddings. That is astonishing. SpareRoom’s research found that finding the perfect wedding guest outfit was the biggest outlay, followed by the wedding gift – but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Yes, you should always take a gift, but you needn’t lose the roof over your head or declare bankruptcy to do so. There are plenty of W-day worthy gift options at prices that won’t make you wince.
If they haven’t already set up a gift registry or specifically requested ‘no boxed gifts’ (in which case, a wedding card with cash or gift vouchers will suffice), a world of online shopping awaits.
How to pick the perfect gift?
First, consider their tastes – nothing too loud if they’re into the Nordic minimal look, while couples who love pattern and colour probably shouldn’t be given anything with too many clean lines and neat edges.
If they’ve been living together for a while, steer clear of basic homewares as they’ll likely already have the essentials. Then determine what you’re comfortable spending – around £40 for distant friends, family and colleagues is acceptable while you could spend more on those you’re closer to.
If that isn’t inspiration enough, we’ve drawn up a list of the best wedding gifts under £100 that will delight any couple.