Photo: Gia Canali
Gifting before a wedding comes with a lot of opinions. Do you bring a gift to every event, or pick and choose a few, saving the main gift for the couple’s wedding day? And then, of course, there’s the rehearsal dinner: An event hosted in the couple’s honor, most often by the parents of the groom. You’re not expected to bring a gift to the couple at this event, but what about for the hosts themselves? Our experts weigh in on whether you should bring a gift for the hosts of the rehearsal dinner.
While it’s quite common for the bride and groom to bring gifts to the rehearsal dinner (which they’ll distribute to their parents and their wedding party), it’s unusual to see guests arrive with a gift in hand, as well. Pre-wedding events are focused on the bride and groom, and since this event isn’t one that usually requires a gift for the happy couple, most people don’t even consider bringing something to thank the hosts for their hospitality, and doing so definitely isn’t required.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a little host or hostess gift as a symbol of your appreciation. The hosts are, of course, generously paying for a celebration in honor of the couple, and have invited others to join them (whether it’s just the wedding party, out-of-town guests, or everyone who is invited to the wedding). You could keep it simple with a card, or opt for something that you might bring as a hostess gift to someone’s home, like a bottle of wine, chocolates, or a pretty candle. Keep the gift on the small side, especially if you’re at a destination wedding: The hosts will need to be able to bring it home, after all!
Though gifting is not required, make sure you take a moment at some point in the evening to introduce yourself (if you don’t know the groom’s parents already!) and thank the hosts for inviting you to join in the pre-wedding celebration.
See More: Can You Ever Un-Invite a Wedding Guest?