Gifts should never be mentioned on any wedding invitation that is given out by the bride's parents, the groom's parents or the bride and groom. Gifts should not be expected at any time either.

Any gifts that are given should not be opened or used until after the couple has been married. Gifts should remain kept away until after the wedding ceremony.

If the wedding is called off, the gifts should be returned to those that have given them. It is often necessary to keep a record of who gave what to insure that this is easily done should the couple not stay together.

If a wedding is postponed indefinitely, gifts should be returned to the guests. If the wedding is postponed and a date is given, gifts may be kept but should never be opened or used until after the couple is actually married and living together.

Those that have been married in the past can still have a wedding shower thrown for them. It is often a necessary thing just as much as those that have not been married before. Depending on how large the wedding will be should determine how formal and lavish the wedding shower is and therefore the gifts that are given to the bride that has been married before.

For those that are having a wedding shower and do not need things for the home, especially those that already own homes, it is often appropriate to give a lifestyle gift in place of the standard bridal shower gift? This may include things like gift certifications to spas, hotels, or even favorite restaurants.

Other appropriate gifts in this type of situation include a vacation package or part of it or a gift of lodging at a bed and breakfast. Other gifts of the same type are most welcome.

Monetary gifts are always appreciated and are more than well used for any type of gift throughout the wedding shower or the wedding itself but monetary gifts may be more costly than the average gift for a bridal shower.

When it comes to gift registries, these are appropriate for the wedding shower. It is now proper etiquette to provide information with the wedding shower invitation about where the bride and the groom are registered for their wedding.

The bride and groom should register for their wedding gifts together. This should be done in several ways. It is appropriate to register at several locations to give guests options to select from. It is also appropriate and necessary to select gifts from all price ranges.

Gifts should be selected based on needs and tastes but should have a complete scope of prices so that no one feels obligated to purchase something that is too costly. On the other hand, those that do want to purchase a very nice gift for the couple should be able to find these items to select from as well.

The bride and groom should not send out invitations to the wedding shower, but it is appropriate for them to fill a gift registry.

Never request that only monetary gifts be given at either the bridal shower or the wedding itself. If this is the preferred method, the host of the wedding shower or the host of the wedding itself should encourage monetary gifts only through word of mouth.

Another option for this situation is to list a honeymoon registry where guests can provide gifts to help with the creation of the honeymoon or the costs of it. A fund can be set up on one of several websites to provide for this need as well.

Returning Gifts

Even with the best of efforts, gifts may be duplicated; the wrong size or it may not be of use to the bride and the groom. When this happens, it is okay to return the gift and purchase something that is useful instead.

For this reason, gift receipts, which are commonly found today in most department stores, should be provided to the couple. The couple can then make exchanges if they are necessary.

The only exception to this rule is when gifts are given for sentimental value or they are hand made. Then, the gifts should not be returned but displayed.

Do not be offended if the couple does return the gift that is given to them by you. It is more important that they have a gift that is of use to them to remember you by.