Sample Tips Press Release

Choose the Perfect Wedding Present

Wedding Consultant Jeanne Pierpont's 5 Tips
for Giving a Great Gift...and Avoiding the Peanut Clock

Now that the June wedding season is upon us, you'll no doubt be looking for the perfect gift for the new bride and groom.

Wedding planner June Pierpont, author of "The New June Bride" (published Figgis Publishing), interviewed over 400 couples to find out what gifts they liked the best. The most important thing she discovered was that couples are most appreciative of gifts that they've actually registered for. "Many were frustrated that they received a dozen crystal punchbowls, but couldn't complete their flatware service," Pierpont notes. "It seems like they really wanted their guests to stick to what they put on the registry."

The weirdest gifts? "That's a tough one," says Pierpont. "Their were plenty of gaudy trinkets and hand-me downs. One couple got what could be best described as a peanut clock - the timepiece was made completely out of shells. But the strangest one has got to be the couple that received a case of deviled ham. To make matters worse, they were vegetarians."

To help gift givers, Pierpont used the information she got from the new couples to come up with these 5 tips:

1. Stay with the Registry
Brides and grooms can now register at so many different places, from department stores to hardware stores. Be sure to find out where the couple is registered and buy a gift from the registry. This way you'll give them what they want.

2. Think Practical
Today's young marrieds often want things that they can use every day. So don't be afraid to give a set of kitchen gadgets instead of a crystal vase.

3. If in Doubt, Cash is Fine
Surprisingly, many couples felt that cash did not have the sentimental value that a gift did. So if you do write a check, be sure to include a heartfelt note as well that the bride and groom will remember.

4. Ship It, Don't Bring It
Almost every couple interviewed said they would rather get a gift late than have to drag it home from the reception hall.

5. Be Sure Its Returnable
No matter what you give the new couple, try to make sure they can bring it back to the store it was bought from. This way, if they've gotten multiples (this even happens with registries) or just don't like the gift, they can exchange it for something they want.

Pierpont's book, "The New June Bride," covers everything it takes to plan a wedding that will be remembered. Its full of practical advice -- from engagement rings to thank-you notes, from what to look for in a band to choosing the most flattering gown. Available at bookstores everywhere for $19.95 from Figgis Publishing.

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NOTE TO EDITORS AND PRODUCERS: Jeanne Pierpont is available for interviews. Contact Ann Switzel at (212) 555-5959.

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