Weddings are expensive, and not just for those getting married or the lucky few who are in the wedding. Weddings are expensive for guests too. If you think about it, guests have to pay for travel, a shower gift, a wedding gift, sometimes an engagement gift, hotels, and possibly a new outfit or shoes. Sometimes, as a guest, you can get so wrapped up in what you’re supposed to do that you’ll turn down an invitation to a wedding just to avoid the embarrassment (or faux pas) of giving a gift.

I know that was true for a few of our guests. Being 27 years old in a recession, many of my friends were tight on cash around my wedding. They were dealing with new jobs, or no jobs, new houses, and tons of student loans. We even had one friend call to tell us he wouldn’t be attending because he didn’t feel it was right to not bring a check or gift.

First of all, while it is proper etiquette to bring a gift, it certainly is not a requirement. And there is no magic number of what a gift should cost. Often times you hear rumors that your gift should at least cover the cost of your meal at the reception. Ignore it. You give what you can because most couples are happier to have you celebrate with them than the gift you give.

However, you may still want to give a gift, but people tend to forget that DIY and personal gifts are equally treasured. After all, something personal and homemade takes far more time, energy, and thought then a simple check. Below are two inexpensive (and easy, even for the non-crafter) gifts that are huge hits with brides and grooms.
DIY wedding gift alternatives – Arts & Living – Citizens’ Voice.