by Brady Bryan

Created on: February 13, 2007   Last Updated: October 23, 2009

I have spent so many of the past few weeks sifting through wedding gifts and writing the thanks you notes to go along with them. Let me tell you, there are some that I would have rather not even recieved. They are complete garbage and the people that sent them choose crappy alternatives to picking something off my registries. Stick to the registries! They know what the want better than you do, even if that hurts to hear it.

Unless you are in the position to give them something above and beyond what they have asked for, you are most likely putting them a situation where the gift is a mismatch to a set they are already accumulating. You may have found it on clearance a while back, but most likely, they have an object picked out on their registry that better matches what their tastes are.

Sentimental is nice, but realize that many other people are flooding them with sentimental objects. There are only so many handicrafts that look good in any home.

Also, because everyone is getting married so much older now, its less necessary to provide them with things necessary for starting a home. Most have been living on their own for years. Spend your money on something smaller like china so they can have it for years and not throw out when it gets old and needs replacing.

As a recent bride I want to offer a list of gifts that were my favorite to get:
some of these are more expensive than others, but some can be broken up in smaller pieces if you are strapped on a lower budget

my dishes (regular and everyday setting)
my crystal
silver pieces
glassware
silverware

I realize that these things are not the most unique things to give, but they are the most needed. I know you think its not as fun when 12 other people give the same gift as you, but trust me, we love it. I can remember who gave me my place settings better than I can remember who gave me gifts to be unique. So stick to what the bride wants, and she will be a happy bride!

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