How to Understand Engagement Gift Etiquette

After learning a friend or family member has recently become engaged, you should congratulate the couple. It may be your desire to also give the person a special gift or token of love for their special moment. By knowing the proper etiquette for giving engagement gifts, it can prevent both you and the couple from experiencing an awkward moment.

1. It Is Acceptable An engagement gift is an acceptable gesture of kindness if you desire to give one. However, giving a gift is not required. Many times, a simple "Congratulations" card will suffice. The engagement period represents the fact that the two individuals desire to get married. Notice that the key word is "Desire." Although you don't want to think negatively, realistically there are some engagements that never lead to marriage. Most of the gifts that will come to the future bride and groom to be will be wedding gifts that start rolling in as they get closer to their wedding day. If you still desire to give an engagement gift, keep it modest and save the bigger gift for the actual wedding.

2. They Are Not One Yet Marriage represents two individuals coming together to become one. During the engagement period, they are still two separate individuals. For that reason, you should give a gift that reflects that. For example, refrain from giving her engagement gifts such as dishes, towels and other items that would be shared as a household. Instead, get her something that can be enjoyed individually. Good examples of individual gifts are spa treatments, gift certificates, tickets to see a local concert or play, money, flowers, and candy. Some of the gifts will still allow the individual to enjoy it with his significant other. However, it is optional.

3. Use Tact Sometimes when you are giving an engagement gift, you only want to give the gift to the person that is closest to your heart. For example, you may be very close to the groom but barely know the bride. In this case, you can present the groom with a gift. Give the gift to the groom while he is alone in order to prevent hurt feelings from the bride. If you are going to give the groom a gift while the bride to be is present, at least recognize the bride by giving her a small card or other small item to show your excitement for her. By doing so, it can also let the bride know that she is accepted.