All About the Card

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Story by Lindsey Romain

For the couple who has it all, or for the wedding guest wary of standard gift giving or that cash might be too impersonal a gift, a simple gift card can do the trick. Just be sure it's an idea that will gel with the bride and groom.

“I would talk with either the mother of the bride or the wedding host to make sure a gift card would be well received,” says Lizzie Post, etiquette expert and co-author of “Emily Post's Etiquette, 18th Edition” (William Morrow, 2011). “It really depends on the couple.”

Post suggests giving cards to stores the couple registered at or to stores that have classic wedding gift items. She mentions a story of a couple she knew who were moving after their wedding and asked for gift cards to furnish their new home.

Even without a specific justification, guests can take a move-in approach to selecting gift cards. Post suggests looking into cards at major department stores or homeware stores.

Guests also have the option of gifting “money” via general credit-card gift cards. Some can be personalized with wedding-based themes.

For anyone nervous to have the amount they spent on the card in plain sight for the bride and groom, Post says not to worry.

“A wedding guest should never feel like they have to spend three digits or anything more than they can afford.” What a guest chooses to spend is totally up to his or her personal budget. “They should always spend what's best for them and what they're happy to give.”