Sending a Wedding Gift Through the Mail? Here's What to Know
If you’ve been invited to a wedding that you’re unable to attend, you can send a gift through the mail. These days, some ceremonies are live-streamed to friends and family over the internet; destination weddings are often done this way. No matter the reason for not attending, it’s still proper etiquette to congratulate the newlywed couple and make sure you send a thoughtful gift.
When and How to Send a Wedding Gift
You’ll want your gift to arrive approximately two weeks prior to the wedding ceremony. This will give plenty of leeway if the package is delayed for some reason. The couple can put it with the other wedding gifts so that it can be opened at the same time. To ensure your package makes it within the two-week window, allow at least a week to a week-and-a-half of transit time. Mailing your gift three to four weeks prior gives ample time for an on-time arrival.
There are various options when it comes to sending wedding gifts through the mail. You can opt for a delivery service such as UPS or FedEx, or you can use the U.S. Postal Service. If you’re wondering about price, these services let you estimate the cost of a package online at their respective websites. You’ll need the size and approximate weight of your package to get an accurate quote. For the most part, the cost of shipping your gift will depend on its weight, dimensions, and where you’re sending it.
Packaging Your Gift Safely
You’ll want to make sure your wedding gift arrives in one piece, so proper packaging is crucial. If you’re sending a fragile gift, such as a vase or set of crystal stemware, use plenty of bubble wrap to cushion the item, just in case the box gets dropped. Another reason to use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or another type of insulation is to prevent your gift from sliding around in the box. It also shows that you made an effort to properly pack the item before sending it, which your recipients will surely appreciate.
Use packing tape to securely close the box before adding the mailing label. The post office has Priority Mail tape for packages being sent this way, so you can wait until you get there to tape up your package. Some shippers will even package your gift for you, which saves time and hassle.
Wedding Gift Ideas
Now that you know how to package a wedding gift for mailing, you may need some gift ideas. There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a congratulatory gift for the happy couple. You can go with a traditional gift; as mentioned previously, crystal is one option to consider. If your recipients are the casual type, choose something like a silver photo frame or photo album, or give them one of the cozy comforters or duvet covers and have it monogrammed with initials or their last name.
Even a set of Turkish cotton towels can make a great wedding gift. Like sheets and comforters, many towels can be personalized with a monogram. There are also Supima cotton towels from which to choose; both varieties come in lots of colors, although you can’t go wrong with white because it goes with everything and lends a spa-quality ambiance to any bathroom.
For the couple planning to honeymoon at the beach, a set of personalized beach towels is a good choice. You may also even want to include some swimwear; gift the bride with a tankini and kaftan cover-up and give the groom swim trunks and a swim shirt. If the couple you’re shopping for loves to entertain, choose barware or serveware for the kitchen. Maybe they’re the traveling type—in that case, a stylish weekender bag is a good gift option.
The best thing to do when choosing a wedding gift is to consider the likes and dislikes of the couple you’re buying for. While one couple may appreciate something formal, such as a dinnerware set or decorative sculpture, others may prefer something more laid-back. Monogrammed blankets also work well as wedding gifts, along with any other personalized items. Even a gift card can work as a wedding gift; gift cards let the couple buy what they want and can be sent in a small box.
Creating an Elegant Presentation
Ensure your gift looks festive by wrapping it in decorative paper and a matching bow. You’ll also want to include a handwritten card or note expressing your congratulations and warm wishes. Complete the presentation by covering the gift with tissue paper in a color that matches the wrapping paper or the couple’s wedding colors.
No matter what you choose, your gift recipients are sure to appreciate the effort that went into selecting and shipping the gift. These guidelines can also work when mailing gifts for other occasions, such as birthdays and holidays.