Safe Wedding Gifts

Let’s face it, when you get invited to a wedding, you never know what to bring until the last minute! If you like to play it safe – eg. cutlery, stovery, vases, toasters, microwaves and serving platters – you will need to choose carefully, lets your gift be thrown into the “re-gift” pile with the other four toasters.

On the surface, a spoon’s a spoon. But when it comes time for the couple to pick their set for the next five years, they will be looking miles beyond the surface.

When you have decided on your safe wedding gift, weigh every item you consider against the four specific criteria that determine a truly outstanding offering:

1. Quality
2. Features
3. Attractive Appeal
4. Quantity

Quality

Quality isn’t always obvious, and spotting a good item when you see one may require a little research. If you’re considering silverware, look for the “18/10” hallmark – a sign of good silver. Opt for crystal-ware instead of glass, as crystal adds that extra touch of class to classic designs.

Sales assistants may offer honest advice on quality, but do your homework before hitting the shops. There is such a thing as too much quality, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by useless information. Read reviews and ask people who are more clued-in on what you intend to buy.

The qualiy of your gift is one of the determining factors that set it apart from similar gifts, because of its keepsake and resell value. A high quality gift withstands the test of time and is a shining expression of your well wishes to the happy couple.

Features

More applicable to electronics, appliances and toys, features could mean the difference between ten years of love and a re-gift. Too many features can be confusing, so when shopping for features, pick the most useful and easy-to-handle.

Keep the couple in mind when playing the features connoisseur. If the couple are gadget-junkies, a feature-packed gift could be the best thing on the reception table. On the other hand, a couple with simpler tastes would be happier with a simpler, more straight-forward gift.

Reading online reviews, asking friends and family, and of course, test driving the display model is a great way to narrow down your choices for the perfect gift.

Attractive Appeal

There is no denying it – one of the biggest aspects of a gift is the presentation. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and so it is important to determine attractive appeal using the couple’s tastes.

If the couple already have a home, take some time to determine the style of their décor so you can match your gift accordingly. When buying furnishings or display pieces, pick plain over patterned, and keep the receipt so clashing colours can be taken back to the store. For more traditional gift items, a beautifully boxed gift will raise more eyebrows than a shrink-wrapped one.

Presentation does not begin and end at the store. A simple gift can still be dressed up at home with stylish wrapping.

Quantity

Quantity is not nearly as important as quality, but it can play a big part in how useful your gift turns out to be.

When shopping for quantity gifts – such as dining sets, cutlery sets, bar sets and clothes pegs(?!) – remember that a good gift is a practical one. Too few of something may fail to meet everyday needs, whereas too many may mean your gift gets hidden away in storage until the next big party – which could be months or even years away!

Storage is another issue to consider, especially when it comes to buying for young couples living in a small first home.

The Greatest Gift

Of course, there is little sweeter than the gift of love; with its unparalleled quality, the most versatile features, tremendous attractive appeal and limitless quantity, love is the gift that keeps on giving.

The most outstanding gift is merely a token, and it is the time, thought and care taken in selecting the perfect gift that truly lasts beyond the present.