Simple security measures to prevent cards and gift theft at your wedding.
You have planned your entire wedding from theme colors and food right down to the small details such as favors and centerpieces. Everything is falling into place, but just with every big event and purchase, you have to think about all the outcomes including what might go wrong. Although it is not common, it is a possibility that your gifts and cards, in which your generous guests brought to celebrate your big day, might be a temptation for certain guests or perhaps a wedding crasher. Let’s look at some practical steps you can take for security around the gift table.
#1 Choose a Gift Collection Area Wisely
Most venues will have suggestions on where to put your gift table, however, go through the day and the flow of traffic to decide an ideal placement. You want a place that goes with the flow of guests arriving to the ceremony site, but not too close to the entrance for easy escape access. You also want a place where there will be plenty of people who would notice anyone out of the ordinary or anyone messing with gifts or cards. It is also wise to put the guest book on the same table to ensure that people will be around the cards.
#2 Designate a Gift Attendant
This is a great job to assign a family member. Often guests do not know where to put gifts so if you have a person who acts as a greeter and informs them of where they can put a card or gift if they are holding one, it streamlines the entrance process and is a service. The most important part of the job is when the ceremony is about to begin, the gift attendant can collect the gifts and cards and take them to a more secure location.
#3 Create an Online Registry
Everyone wants to do everything online anyway so just make it easier and create an online registry with a cash option where guests can send you money prior to the wedding or have gifts delivered directly to your house. This makes it super simple for traveling guests or just the hassle of wrapping. You can even include a message within your invitations that say that you will not be having a gift table for security purposes and you can direct them to your online registry.
#4 Call out a Wedding Crasher
There are a lot of people and everyone is having a fun time, but it is important to let family members know to be on the lookout for wedding crashers. They are not just there for the food, dancing, and girls like Vince and Owen. They are there to steal the possible thousands of dollars worth of stuff just sitting on a table near the entrance. Have family members be on the lookout and be able to speak up if something looks off.
#5 Ask the Venue for Help
The venue may have systems in place to prevent theft. Some will have security cameras and an attendant near the front door. Others do not, so make sure to inquire about what they have. If they do not have much security, create your own. They may have a staff member who is willing to be close to the table while doing their duties, but at least making them aware is helpful. Usually a bartender or a caterer can spot an outsider and can inform a point person if someone looks out of place.
#6 Purchase Wedding Insurance
Wedding insurance has become more popular in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind at your wedding and most policies cover theft. If you are nervous about things going wrong with your wedding because of the area you are in or the possibility of an venue closure, it is wise to insure and have peace of mind.
Although security is not a fun part of wedding planning, it is fun to get gifts and money after a big purchase such as a wedding. It only takes a few prudent steps to ensure your big day stays joyful. Happy planning!
