How early is too early to send wedding gift?

knottiecadc902b5680e8f6

Is 4-and-a-half months too far in advance to send a wedding gift?  I've heard you should ideally send it when the couple sends out their invitations.  But I've also noticed that often registries are picked over at that point.   I don't love giving cash or a gift card.   I like to give a physical gift, perhaps because after 34 yrs of marriage I still pull things out of my kitchen cabinet and say, "This was a wedding gift from so-n-so,"   so I try to give something they will use for a long time but definitely from their registry.  This couple has a number of $500 items on registry (out of my range), and then a lot of inexpensive kitchen gadgets.  There are only a couple of items in the price range I was looking to spend, so I would like to go ahead and snag one.  I wish registries gave the option to pay now and request a later shipping date.  So....do you think it would be tacky or confusing to send it this early. Thank you!   

ILoveBeachMusic

I usually send a gift  when I get the invitation. However, DD received some gifts when the STDs were sent. I don't see a problem with 4 1/2 months because I understand what you mean about the registry being picked over. I ,too, like to send a physical gift so am annoyed when there isn't much left on the registry. 

knottie7c682baa8072d922

Four and a half months early? Honestly, you’re a dream guest. 😍 There’s no such thing as too early (unless you’re sending perishable food or a puppy, which is highly discouraged) If anything, buying early ensures you have first pick.

Wedding gift timing “rules” are pretty loose. Traditionally, you have up to a year after the wedding, so sending it early isn’t weird at all. If anything, the couple will be thrilled to start getting gifts before the pre-wedding chaos takes over.

When we set up our registry on MyRegistry, our registry was universal ( https://guides.myregistry.com/wedding/what-is-a-universal-wedding-registry-2/ ) so depending on which retailer you’re buying from, you may have the “buy now, ship later” option. So if your friend is using the same (or something similar), you can send the gift hassle-free, without worrying about weird timing. 😀

So, I say go for it. If you’re worried, just add a little note like, “Couldn’t wait to celebrate you! Hope this comes in handy.” But trust me, the couple will just be excited to open the box! 🎉