What should I do if I can not afford to buy a wedding gift ?

Between engagement parties and bridal showers on top of travel expenses, the cost of being a guest can add up quickly. If you can't afford to buy the happy couple the cook set of their dreams, there are plenty of alternative ways to give them a memorablewedding dress  gift.

Start by calculating what you can afford and then be proud of what you buy, even if it is small. We recommend choosing a singular, stand-alone item like a vase or bowl rather than pieces to a set, because the present will feel more complete and substantial. But if budget concerns are seriously strict, think outside the box to design an alternative — and oftentimes more personal — wedding gift.

A three-month commitment of homemade goodies like muffins or fresh bread is a lovely surprise, and chances are, you have the majority of ingredients in your kitchen already. Or, well before the wedding, give the bride and groom a thoughtful card telling them how much you value your relationship and offer your services in a last-minute task like picking up grandma from the airport and delivering her to the hotel, dog-sitting during the honeymoon, or spending the night before the wedding tying programs (trust us, this is truly invaluable, and every single bridesmaid would thank you).

Either way, remember that your presence is what should matter most — especially if the wedding requires travel — and the bride and groom will appreciate your attendance as the best gift of all.