Love is the same all around the world, but as cultures are diverse there are traditions that go with them. This includes the giving and receiving of wedding gifts.
Here we are taking a whistle stop tour around the world to see the different present giving traditions…
US and America
Most wedding guests feel more comfortable giving physical gifts, however giving money has also started to increase in popularity. Physical gifts include home accessories and appliances, as well as personalised items.
Italy
Italian weddings are often plentiful in tradition, and gifts often reflect the community standing of the families – meaning a well-respected family will give a more extravagant gift. For this reason, personalised and elegant gifts are popular. Additionally, Italian brides often carry la borsa, a small bag which guests place envelopes of money in to.
France
Renowned for its romance, France is typically the country of love. It is common in France to give the wedding couple cash rather than gifts.
Japan
It is tradition in Japan, and many other Asian countries, to give money, following numerous unspoken rules. Guests usually place this cash in ‘celebration envelopes’, with the amount based on the givers social status.
India
It is popular at Indian weddings to give the couple numerous gifts based on good luck and faith. There are a variety of different traditions for each culture and religion, but gifts often include cash, jewellery, traditional clothing and dried fruits or sweets (which symbolises wishes for good health).
Regardless of where you live or the culture that you’re accustomed too, try sampling different traditions and incorporate them into your own wedding planning, and also when giving to others.
