April Showers Don’t Always Bring May Flowers, But May Mean Bringing Gifts
April 23, 2013After receiving an invitation to my niece’s bridal shower scheduled for the last Sunday in April, I rushed online to see what selections were left to choose from on her Macy’s bridal registry. Hmm, should I go for the $100 Lenox vase, the $149 Cuisinart coffee maker, or perhaps the $399 Victorinox suitcase?
I wondered where she had picked up such expensive taste, but I was concerned about going off the list. According to a survey done by wedding site The Knot, 70% of couples strongly prefer getting gifts from the registry, but only 54% of guests were willing to stick to the list last year in exchange for a free meal. Luckily, I was shopping during the Macy’s One Day Sale so I ended up getting 20% off the Lenox vase, but here are some other cost saving ideas if you are attending a bridal shower this spring too:
- Don’t limit yourself to the store where the registry is with since other retailers may sell the same brand’s product for a less expensive price. Just remember to go back to the registry and mark the item as purchased.
- Look for coupons or special discount days to save a few dollars off the retail price.
- Use your frequent flier miles to give airfare or a free hotel stay as a great gift.
- Be crafty. My favorite gift was a framed embroidery of my wedding date and our names hand-stitched by my mom.
Since a bridal shower gift is opened in front of all the other guests, it’s tempting to spend more than you can really afford, just so you won’t look cheap. But keep in mind this is just one of several expenses you’ll have as a wedding guest. After you give a bridal shower gift, you are still expected to give a wedding present, you may also need to pay for travel and you may even need a new wedding outfit.