Here’s the deal. The gift-giving tradition at weddings started because a young couple about to start a new life together could use a little help from their friends. I always think of the scene from “It’s a Wonderful Life” in which Mary and George Bailey are helping the Martini family move into their new home, and Mary gives the family salt and a loaf of bread, and George gives them booze. Sounds great to me! It wasn’t a wedding scene per se, but you get the idea.
Back in the day, gifts ranged from household goods to donations that would make the wedding celebration more memorable: One aunt might have supplied the cake, Grandma might have made the dress and an uncle would have lent his horse and carriage for the bride and groom to use in making their grand exit from the church. When my parents were married, they had but just barely finished college and no one had any money. I spent my first few years in a hand-me-down crib, and from what I remember, it was lovely.
http://www.adn.com/life/story/245900.html
Also see sample wedding invitation wording and inexpensive wedding gifts
