For years, bridesmaids have been chipping in as a group to buy the bride one big bridal shower present from all of them. It could be a microwave, her cookware set, her bedding set, usually one of the ‘big-ticket’ items on the registry as a way to get the bride her most desired item. Now, the concept of the group gift has expanded, as both sets of parents, the groomsmen and even work friends and groups of couples recognize the enormous value in banding together to give a terrific gift to the couple.

Who’s in the Group

Groups giving one ‘big-ticket’ engagement, shower or wedding gift include:
•All the bridesmaids and the Maid of Honor
•All the groomsmen and the Best Man
•The entire bridal party, male and female
•Both sets of parents
•All parents and all grandparents
•The parents and the bridal party
•The parents of the child attendants
•‘Cliques’: work friends, college roommates and their spouses/dates, childhood friends, friends from your old hometown, neighbors, etc.
•Groups of guests or couples who want to chip in together

Why It’s So Popular Now

•The bride and groom get the most expensive gifts off their registry lists that individuals might not be likely to buy on their own. The bride and groom then don’t have to use their own money to buy their biggest essentials (like that bedding set).
•Chipping in for a group gift could cost you less money. (For instance, your ‘share’ of that cookware set could be only $40, rather than the $100 you might want to spend to get an impressive gift from just you. You’re spending a lot to be in the bridal party, after all…)
•It means a lot to the couple that the present is from all of you.
•Couples already have a lot of their essentials, so these big-ticket items are especially needed and wanted.
•Gifts are trending into the lifestyle category, as we entertain more.
•Gifts are trending into the ‘support your future goals’ category, making these wedding gifts a priceless investment in the couple’s future.
•It’s just easier for a group to agree on one big gift and get it taken care of. This removes the whole ‘how much are you giving for cash?’ comparison question.
•We’re moving away from cash-only wedding gifts. Couples want fun stuff!
•Brides and grooms love getting such supportive and meaningful gifts from groups – they mean a lot more than a great Kate Spade frame or a Lalique vase since they work so well in their everyday lives…and remind them of the givers.
•Kids and others can join in the group, even if they can’t give a matching amount. It means a lot to have all those names on the giver list.
•Those on a fixed income, like great aunts in retirement homes love being invited into a group gift, since it includes them and they don’t have to worry about what kind of gift they can afford on their own. No rule that everyone has to give an equal amount.

How To Set Up a Group Gift With Your Group

•Decide who’s in the group. Everyone gets to choose if they want to participate.
•Decide on your budget level. What’s the top limit you’ll consider?
•Decide as a group – via e-mails or conversations – which item(s) on the couple’s registry you’ll fulfill.
•Designate a leader for this team effort, the person who will actually place the order, shop for the gift, or have it delivered, wrap it, etc.
•Designate a ‘cash collector,’ the person who will keep track of which group members have sent their payment ‘share’ and who hasn’t…yet.
•Designate a card master, the person who will get a terrific greeting card for the couple and have all of you sign it personally.

The Top Group Gift Ideas

Some ideas for your group to consider, many of which came from our real Pash wedding couples:
•The complete cookware set
•The complete luxury bedding set
•The complete luxury towel set
•Sets of formal dinnerware
•Sets of casual dinnerware
•Sets of stemware, such as champagne glasses, wine glasses, martini glasses, and so on
•Kitchen appliances like microwaves, espresso machines, stand mixers, and so on
•Home security system
•The complete luggage set
•Furniture, including a new bed, new couches and chairs, dining room set
•The complete lighting set for the entire house
•Closet organizer systems
•Plasma screen TV
•Upgraded computer DSL and cable/satellite systems
•The honeymoon airfare, hotel stay, meals and special outings
•A pre-wedding weekend away
•Picking up the couple’s photography and videography order (priceless!)
•A year of home cleaning service
•A backyard deck and grill
•A hot tub
•Paying off student loans (how great is that?!)
•A new car
•A kitchen remodeling, including new appliances, new marble counters, etc.
•Fine cutlery sets ($$$) – just give these with a lucky penny to avoid superstition of injury with them!
•Wardrobes for the honeymoon and for work afterwards
•For couples who are expecting, a complete line of baby furniture, strollers, and more
•Gift cards for a year’s worth of spa treatments
•Country club or golf club membership
•Gift cards for adventure outings, like parasailing, white water rafting, shared couple interests
•Season tickets to a pro sports team’s games
•Air purifier system for the entire house
•A year’s worth of groceries
•A year’s worth of gas
•Tuition to post-grad classes and support of higher degrees
•A full wine cellar with wine collection
•An upgraded computer system and home office