What to Choose as a Gift for a Planner You’ve Been Grateful to: Offering a Thoughtful Token of Appreciation Instead of Money

2017.10.04 published

Regarding "gift money" for the planners and staff who helped us.

At weddings, it has been a tradition to give "gift money" to the planners and staff who have helped us, similar to tipping in other countries＊

However, recently, there are instances where people don't give gift money, or in some venues, it may even be refused.

《Reasons for not giving gift money》

The majority of opinions regarding why the bride and groom or their parents have stopped giving gift money at wedding venues is that it's already included in the service charge.

Weddings generally include a "service charge" (which varies depending on the wedding venue), approximately 8 to 10%. Many people interpret this service charge as a substitute for gift money, leading to not giving it at all.

《Reasons for not accepting gift money》

If it's considered monetary gift money, it might not be accepted (or there may be rules prohibiting it).

Additionally, even if the bride and groom want to express their gratitude by giving gift money to the planner, there may be rules that state that it must be collected by the wedding venue (employer of the staff).

While the custom of giving gift money as a sign of appreciation used to be common, many brides today are refraining from giving monetary gift money for these reasons.

Nonetheless, I want to express my gratitude to the staff who helped us!

Even if the service charge includes gift money and the custom has become less pronounced,

many brides still want to show their appreciation to the planners and staff who helped them!

However, there may be concerns about whether money will actually be accepted.

For those brides, it is recommended to express their gratitude with a 'gift' instead of cash＊

Even planners who cannot accept cash may be more likely to accept a gift,

and a present chosen with care for you is undoubtedly delightful ♡

Furthermore, while giving cash may feel a bit impersonal, a gift tends to convey feelings of gratitude much more directly ＊

So, what kinds of gifts do experienced brides choose as a substitute for gift money?

@chiii_wedding.33

Substitute gift for gift money ① Sweets

The most popular substitute gift for gift money is "sweets" ♡

Sweets are easy to give, and local specialties are sure to bring joy ◎

It seems that brides often give individually wrapped sweets to planners, assistants, photographers, etc., and shareable treats to the service staff as well ◎

@nagisa_marry

If you want to express your gratitude to your planner with sweets, how about the "Ring Lace Sable" sold by marry? ♡

These icing cookies with a lace pattern topped with real edible flowers♡ are made to resemble diamond rings♡

This sweet treat embodies the essence of a wedding, so it is sure to be appreciated♡

➡️ Check the product page here♡

Substitute gift for gift money ② Handkerchiefs

Handkerchiefs with initials from brands like Classics, The Small Luxury are also recommended＊

Presenting handkerchiefs costing around 3,000 yen each to planners, photographers, videographers, makeup artists, florists, and performers would likely be welcomed ♡

Since you can never have too many handkerchiefs, they are a great gift ◎

@nagisa_marry

Substitute gift for gift money ③ Pens

A bride gifted a personalized Parker pen, a long-established pen brand＊

Personalized pens have a sense of specialness and familiarity, and if lost in a busy wedding venue, one with a name on it is much easier to find ◎

Substitute gift for gift money ④ Bath sets

A bride gave Jo Malone's bath set to a female planner＊

This bride mentioned that she also bought the bath oil for herself because it smells wonderful♡

A bath set that you might find hard to resist getting for yourself is a foolproof gift choice◎

What to give instead of gift money?

We've introduced some substitute gifts for gift money＊

While there is a tradition of giving gift money, the number of brides choosing to give items instead of cash is on the rise ◎

Regardless, gift money is meant to express gratitude. It's perfectly fine if you don't have anything prepared.

Brides wishing to show appreciation, "I've received so much help, I want to show some gratitude!" should discuss with their parents and partner whether or not to give gift money and what to give instead＊

➡️ For information on giving cash as a gift money, check the detailed article here＊

➡️ Check recommended sweet gifts in the 3,000 to 4,000 yen range here＊