Brides register at Scully and Scully and, if they wish, they can have their very own place setting featured, among the other brides' place settings!
Sending a wedding gift within 48 hours of receiving a wedding invitation is easy to do, and from my experience, most considerate! The first presents that arrive are always opened with great joy and anticipation and tend to be remembered most. I can still fondly recall the first ten gifts that Stuart and I received, but after that, I would need to refer to my wedding gift list.
It is thoughtful to reach out to the bride or her parents to see which address is most convenient. In the past, the gift was sent to the bride's parents. They were the hosts of the reception, and their address was indicated on the wedding invitation envelope.
Today, many brides are living and working away from home, living with their fiances, or sharing the expense of the reception with both sets of parents. The bride may appreciate having the gifts sent directly to her address so that she does not have to arrange to have the gifts forwarded on to her. This may also give her the opportunity to write a thank you note promptly.
A gift card is also an essential complement to your wedding gift. It is addressed to the bride, with her maiden name spelled out the way it is presented on the invitation, with Miss or Ms. as her title, unless she has another title. The salutation is to the bride only, but remember to include the name of the groom within the body of the note, along with your good wishes and love.
Oh, if you are personally sending the gift, be sure the gift card is firmly attached to the present or placed inside the box! They can easily be separated and lost, which is a nightmare for the bride to figure out!
If the bride does not know you yet because you are friends of the groom's family, be sure to sign your gift card with your last name. An example signature would be: Holly and Stuart Holden (wife's name first, as the husband's name is never separated from his last name).
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Forbidden Faux Pas
No-no: To bring a wedding gift to the reception or church. It just creates a logistical challenge to the couple, wedding planner, or bridal party, to resolve where and how to transport the presents after the reception. The wedding couple should just be celebrating their wedding day with family and friends!
No-no: To mention a wedding gift registry on a wedding invitation or a bridal shower invitation.
What is done: Guests may reach out to the bride or the other hosts to ask where the bridal couple is registered.
Millennial Tip
The couple will be occupied with wedding details the last few days before the event. Opening presents, while a lovely activity to do, is usually not at the top of the list at that point. Send your gift early and have it be remembered!
Both of my daughters had a gift registry at Scully & Scully on Park Avenue in New York City. It was an exceptional experience.
It is simply charming to see how individualized each bride's choices are. Moreover, it is such fun discovering a personalized place setting that belongs to a bride you know!