Consumer Watch: How to cut costs on wedding gifts

My niece is getting married the end of this month and my family and I are attending. While I want to give the happy couple a great present they’ll cherish, I can’t spend a whole lot of money. Any ideas? – Auntie Amy

Dear Auntie: According to my well-known friend Mary Hunt, last year the average guest spent $673 to attend a single wedding—including but not limited to travel, accommodations and attire. But, wait! We don’t have to go broke while celebrating our favorite relative’s wedding. Instead, check out Mary’s and my research into an equitable way to commemorate the festivities.

Never spend more than you can afford. Whether cash or a gift, be certain you don’t go overboard. I’m pretty sure “Niecy” wouldn’t want unnecessary extravagance to send you to the poorhouse. (If she does, she doesn’t deserve squat!)

Is cash crass? Absolutely not. While I prefer to purchase an item on the couple’s gift registry, it’s acceptable today to give money, particularly depending upon certain ethnic customs. (On the other hand, some contemporary couples’ request for the money itself, in my opinion, is extremely crass.) A pretty card with an unrequested enclosed check or gift card is much more acceptable, especially if the guest knows the couple is saving for a home or some such.

Compare prices on registry items. Usually, the soon-to-be-weds have more than one store registry from which guests can choose. For example, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Belks, Williams-Sonoma, and Nordstrom may be the listed avenues. It’s apparent that most items are less expensive at Belks than at the latter or even BBB for many gifts. This way, folks with a higher budget may choose the Lenox dinner plate for $78 while others shop at Belks for the lesser $59 price. Towel sets may be a much better price at BBB than at either of the other locations. And, if you shop early enough to be recorded on the registry, buy at Amazon, Pottery Barn, Overstock, or even Wayfair for many selections that are on the “official” list but, also, are sold by companies not formally enrolled.

Bundle wished-for items. Couples usually put a variety of smaller and larger items on their registry list at a variety of price points. Shop for the registry gift early to ensure the most choices available if you’re on a budget. You can purchase several, smaller, cheaper items from the registry to produce a gift set that you can afford. (I’ve done this a number of times, particularly if one member of the couple isn’t a relative; for example, purchase a cocktail shaker and a bartending book to create a bar kit. The more you can afford, the more gifts can be added, such as four, six, or eight hi-ball glasses.)

Know where to find coupon codes for discounted gifts. The companies just detailed, among others, often give out coupon codes for 10 percent off a future order, as well as one for the wedding gift itself.

Head to big box stores. Whether a shopper at Costco, Sam’s, BJ’s or other huge member companies throughout the US, you’re in for a pleasant surprise to find household goods for a minimum of 30 percent off department store prices. I can assure guests (including letter writer Auntie Amy) the bride and groom couldn’t care less if you purchase their InstanPot at Costco rather than the more upscale Pottery Barn.

Gather up some friends/relatives. If you’d love to give a big gift, such as an eight-piece set of that expensive china, go looking for other guests who’d likewise love to split the cost. Again, I guarantee Betsy Bride will be thrilled to receive such a generous gift that she might not acquire otherwise.

Visit your local dollar store. Of course, you’re not going to buy the actual gift itself there. On the other hand, if delivering the gift yourself, find boxes, wrapping paper, fancy ribbons/bows, and Hallmark cards to ensure a gorgeous package for under $5.

Gifts from the heart are often superior if you’re unable to purchase a “real” present. We all have special talents (especially women – sorry guys). For example, go to an antique store to find a one-of-a-kind household item or buy art from a local artist. Give the couple something like a homemade picture frame into which they can put a wedding photo. Mary’s idea to offer all types of services to the bride is really a fantastic one. When my daughter married over thirty years ago, a family friend who is a talented photographer made all the wedding pictures as her present to the happy couple. And, boy, did that save Hubby and me a mint! Mary suggests dog sitting while Bridey and Groomy are off on their honeymoon, fixing hair if your talents lie in that direction, creating bridesmaid gifts, or arranging reception flowers if you’re artsy. The list goes on and on so be creative for free!

Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.