Expert tips for creating the best-dressed gifts at any wedding

Cleveland, Ohio (May 2007) – To keep up with the growing popularity of increasingly fashionable wedding celebrations, guests are striving to impress not only with their gift choices, but also with the presentation of their gifts. Angela Thompson, Lifestyle Expert and Wedding Trend spotter at American Greetings, believes that today’s couples appreciate a well-dressed gift now more than ever because it shows the thought that went into picking the perfect present and making a memorable presentation.

“Finding the perfect gift for any couple can be a challenge, but using a little creativity in your presentation can add some fun that the couple will definitely enjoy and remember,” said Thompson. “Any thoughtful gift can be made to look fabulous with just a small touch or two.”

Here are some fun suggestions for dressing up packages this wedding season from Thompson and American Greetings:

• Consider non-traditional color combinations

Since every bride has her own style and taste in color, guests shouldn’t feel limited by the traditional wedding palettes. “Brides take a great deal of time in coordinating the colors or tone of their weddings,” said Thompson. “The colors in a wedding reflect the bride and groom’s personality, so matching your gift wrap and accessories to their color scheme will ensure a presentation more aligned with their tastes and styles, not to mention it feels very personal and heartfelt.”

• Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize

  Weddings are a fun occasion, and gifts should reflect that spirit. One easy way to accentuate any gift is to embellish it with a thoughtful accessory. “Accessorizing your gift can add a little character to it, which is perfectly in line with modern wedding trends,” said Thompson.

One easy suggestion is to add a simple yet elegant fabric flower as a beautifully unexpected “bow” for the top of your gift.

• Think outside of the box…literally

While gorgeous paper and accessories are always fashionable, a new trend in wedding gifts involves themed gifts that reflect the gift-giver, the couple or the ceremony.

“Weddings today are very personalized and guests are also getting into the spirit,” said Thompson. “More and more people want to give an experience instead of just an item.” She used the example of purchasing a gift certificate for an instructional or exercise class for the couple, to give them something to look forward to together.

Thompson also suggests using the gift itself as part of the presentation to show off your own style. “You can actually use the gift as a centerpiece or container to create a look that really stands out. For example, if you purchase a magazine rack, use it to hold the rest of your presents, such as a cozy blanket or other items for the couple’s living room. This will make your preparation much simpler and the result more beautiful.”

American Greetings wedding, shower, bachelorette and bride-to-be cards can be found in the wedding aisle at Target retail outlets, as well as participating drug chains, grocery stores and super centers nationwide. The newest cards for wedding season can also be found in American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores. Visit www.americangreetings.com/retailers for store locations.