Money is the most traditional and conventional gift to give to a couple at their wedding in Jewish tradition, but who are the couple supposed to gift? What are the expectations? There are a few important people that the new couple should plan on gifting during the course of their wedding event, and there are some distinctive traditional gifts to consider.

Some gift suggestions include:

The ring.

The ring is actually considered to be a gift from the groom, according to Jewish wedding customs. It is not typical for a husband to receive a ring during the ceremony, though if he chooses to wear one, he usually does following the ceremony. It is not unusual for the bride to give a wedding band to her husband after the ceremony as a special gift.

The Mitzvah.

Mitzvah relates to the good deeds involved in a wedding, and the intention to live a life of giving to others. In fact, it is customary for the new couple to give a gift to a worthy charity or cause during the course of their wedding.

Demonstrate your life of giving with one of these suggestions:

• Instead of spending money on elaborate centerpieces for your table, spend the same amount on food items to donate to a shelter or food cupboard after the ceremony. Buy cute mini shopping carts and put a few canned food items to place in the center of your tables, and create a note explaining the donation to guests.
• Many couples designate a charity that they will donate a certain percentage of their wedding gifts to. For instance, a couple may indicate on their invitation that 10% of the money received at their wedding will be donated to a local animal shelter.
• You can also participate in Mitzvah by taking leftover food or the floral displays to a local retirement home or nursing facility for the patients and residents to enjoy.

The Mikvah assistant.

The Mikvah is a traditional bath that the bride has prior to her wedding, and she is usually accompanied by an assistant who helps her bathe, dress, and pray before the big event. If the Mikvah is not a friend or family member, there could be a fee involved, though it is also customary to give the Mikvah a cash gift or tip.

The attendants.

It is traditional to give the bridesmaids and attendants that stand-up for the bride a little something to show appreciation for their participation. These gifts are often the same for each attendant, and may be something classic like a purse-sized silver perfume bottle, engraved with the recipient's name or the date of the wedding.

Gift giving is part of any Jewish wedding, from the intimate gift of a wedding ring to a bride to donating leftover food to a local hospital. Demonstrate your intent to live a life of giving by remembering those that participated in the special day with these gift-giving suggestions.

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