Wedding gifting and wrapping supplies: what to check

Wedding gifting can run both ways: gifts for the couple, and gifts or favours from the hosts. Plan the wrapping as carefully as the gifts: it is bought in bulk, handled in a rush and often thrown away. Paper, cloth and reusable baskets travel well and avoid the plastic items India no longer allows.

Empty hamper baskets and trays

Building gift hampers for family members, hosts and helpers.

What to check

Inside measurements that fit the largest item you plan to put in.
Sturdy handles or sides if the hamper will be carried.
Materials the person can reuse: cane, jute, wood or metal.

What to avoid

Plastic wrapping film around sweet boxes, which is on the single-use plastic list. Paper, cloth or a reusable cover works instead.

Sources: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Gazette of India (copy published by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board): Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021: notification G.S.R. 571(E), 12 August 2021; Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Government notifies the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, prohibiting identified single use plastic items by 2022 (posted 13 August 2021). Checked 26 October 2026.

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Gift wrapping paper and fabric wraps

Wrapping gifts in bulk before and during the wedding.

What to check

Paper thick enough not to tear at the corners of boxes.
Plain or recyclable paper if you want less waste.
Fabric wraps if the wrapping is meant to be part of the gift.
Enough tape, ribbon and tags for the whole count.

What to avoid

Plastic films for wrapping sweet boxes or invitation cards, which are prohibited.

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Paper and cloth gift bags

Handing over gifts quickly and helping guests carry them home.

What to check

Handle strength for the heaviest gift.
Size: a flat base wide enough for boxes.
Paper or cloth rather than plastic carry bags.

What to avoid

Thin plastic carry bags. India requires plastic carry bags to be at least 120 micron thick.

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Thank-you and greeting cards

Thanking guests, helpers and vendors after the wedding, or tucking a note into a gift.

What to check

Envelopes included and the right size.
Paper you can write on with ink without smudging.
Enough cards for every household on your list, plus spares.

What to avoid

Cards sealed in plastic film; the film around invitation cards is on the single-use plastic list.

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Gift money envelopes

Giving cash gifts neatly, and keeping track of gifts received.

What to check

Size that fits notes without folding them many times.
A flap that seals or tucks in securely.
Space to write the giver’s name, so thank-you notes are easy later.

What to avoid

Leaving envelopes unattended on a table. Give one trusted person the job of collecting and recording them.

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Photo frames for gifting

Gifting a print from the engagement or a family photo to elders and hosts.

What to check

Frame size matching standard print sizes you can get printed.
A stand and a wall hook, so it works either way.
An acrylic front if it has to travel, since glass can break in luggage.

What to avoid

Ordering in bulk before you have the photo and print size decided.

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Rules referenced on this page

Under the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021, notified on 12 August 2021, India prohibited the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of listed single-use plastic items from 1 July 2022. The first group on the list includes plastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks and thermocol (polystyrene) for decoration. The second group includes plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, straws, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners under 100 micron, and stirrers; it does not apply to items made of compostable plastic.

The same 2021 amendment rules raised the minimum thickness of plastic carry bags to 75 micron from 30 September 2021 and to 120 micron from 31 December 2022.

General buying and safety information, not legal or professional advice. Rules can change; check the current rules with your local authority or the body cited above before you rely on them.