There are two ways gift giving during a wedding can go. This can either be the give away trinkets that newly weds give the attendees or this may be the gift an attendee can give the couple. The matter can either be depending on budget or practicality.
For the attendees finding the perfect gift can be tricky. While a registry may be present, there is still the dilemma of surplus. Picking
newlywed romantic gifts needs a good amount of thought. If you really consider what the couple wants, practical would always outweigh romantic. But in perspective an extra 500 bucks for the honeymoon does sound pretty romantic already.
Cutting to the chase, these people are bound to receive many presents on such a special day. If you give something remotely useless, it may be endangered of being thrown in the bin, after moving from one house to another to start a family. First off, although it does seem quite unlikely, avoid, or never just ever give them pets.
It would be a stretch too far to say that a single item given by friends or family can affect the marriage in the long run. But initially these things are meant to boost their building of a family to the right direction. The first thing that you should avoid giving are pets. They do not need another liability in their lives, when one, they may be planning to have kids, or two, have spent a fortune on the wedding.
Things that have embossed letters, especially monograms should only be acquired by the bride and groom or anyone who helps with organizing the ceremony. Towels, jewelry or anything really that are monogrammed can be disastrous. And they would also have a hard time returning the gift. The worst thing that could happen is that you might get the wrong initials.
As thoughtful and well meaning a self help book may sound, think against it. Negative implications may be attached to the gesture. This can be seen as telling the couple that they are inadequate and ill prepared for what they are getting into. Newly weds may not take this lightly and end up severing their relations with you.
Pieces of furniture, large or small ones should be given second thoughts. Choosing the right one would take a lot of time, research and even preparation. This is to make sure that everything in their home aesthetically fits. Buying them should be left to the newlyweds. If they say that they want a particular piece and you seem apprehensive on the details, then just choose to give money for them to purchase it.
Do not even consider re gifting. If you are not currently able to give the bride and groom anything best just offer them your best wishes. Excursions during their honeymoon should only be given when they specifically ask for it, otherwise, they may just seem to find the whole activity tiring. They are also likely to have somethings planned out already anyway.
While it is a big issue for those who just got married to ask for cash, that may be exactly what they need. The point of wedding gifts is to help them get started with a life together. If what you give them is not particularly useful then it would just take up space. As a friend and attendee, you may not be able to give them what is stated in their registry so go with a gift card or cash.