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(HealthNewsDigest.com)-An estimated 120 million Americans will attend a wedding at some point this summer. And with all the gifts for the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelor(ette) party and actual wedding, plus the cost of travel and attire, making the guest list can turn into an expensive honor.
But even if you don’t have a lot to spend on gifts, it’s important to remember the distinction between a thoughtful, inexpensive present and one that’s downright cheap.
Brides on the number one wedding and gift registry Web site, WeddingChannel.com, shared some of the worst gifts they’ve received. Take a look:
• A set of candleholders, given by a family of four. When the bride and groom took them back to the store, they got a $2 credit– which they used to buy a couple of candy bars.
• A tin of potato chips–that’s it! On the upside, once the chips were eaten, the bride was able to use the empty tin to hold their rice.
• A hand-me-down casserole dish with a gold-colored wire holder. In the bride’s words, it resembles “an Easter basket gone terribly wrong.”
• A set of espresso cups and saucers in a little basket. When the bride took them out to put them away, she discovered that they’d already been used.
Budget-Friendly Gift-Giving Tips
So how do you avoid being one of these gift offenders without going over budget? Here are some budget-friendly tips:
• Group gifts. Join in with a few friends and send the couple a gift together–the gift might end up being more substantial than if each of you purchased smaller gifts on your own.
• Personalize it. A bridal shower is the perfect opportunity to upgrade a lower-priced gift. If the bride registered for an inexpensive wine bottle opener, then pair it with her favorite bottle of wine. It’ll be more personal and will still be budget-friendly.
• Shop early and smart. Once you know where a couple’s registered, keep a lookout for store sales and friends and family discounts. It’s a great way to buy something from the couple’s wedding registry and save money.
The site also offers tips for couples looking to set up their registry, including making sure that there’s at least one store that’s convenient for out-of-town guests, and monitoring your registry to be sure there’s always something to fit everyone’s budget.
For more wedding wisdom, visit www.weddingchannel.com.
Even when money’s tight, it’s still possible to come up with a thoughtful wedding gift.
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