You received an invitation to a coworker's wedding, and now the hunt is on for the perfect gift. You haven't been to a wedding in years, so you could really use a refresher course on shopping for wedding gifts.

Tradition says that you have up to a year after a wedding to send a gift. However, who wants to put off purchasing a wedding gift that long. Save yourself some trouble. Start shopping for a wedding gift within

Before you step foot into any shop, read the invitation thoroughly. The couple may have requested no gifts. You should abide by their wishes and forgo buying them a gift. If you cannot do that and must absolutely give them a gift, consider making a donation to charity in their names or buying them something small but tasteful.

Couples accepting wedding gifts may have registered for gifts at various places and noted that on the invitation. This should make it easy for you to find out what they would like as a wedding gift. If there is nothing listed on the invitation about a gift registry, then you may want to contact someone close to the couple and find out if they have set up one.

As with any gift, you will need to set a budget. Don't be a penny pincher. This is not the occasion for a gift from the nearest dollar store. Many experts suggest spending at least $100 on the couple. However, this may not be within your means. If not, give what you can.

When shopping for a wedding gift, you may select something from the gift registry the couple has set up, or you may find something on your own. Keep in mind that the couple is responsible for setting up the gift registry, so whatever you choose from it they are sure to like. If you are choosing a gift yourself, go ahead and take a look at the registry. That way, you won't duplicate something on it.

Whatever you do, don't regift. Don't pull out all of the unopened gifts you have received from so-and-so over the years and shop for a wedding gift from the pile. Don't rewrap a gift you received at your own wedding for the couple. Regifting is in poor taste and is never a good idea.

If you think the couple would prefer a monetary gift, you can go that route, too. Simply write them a check and present it in a lovely card. Whom you make out the check to will depend upon whether the wedding has taken place and if the bride has taken the groom's last name.

If possible, send the gift before the wedding to the bride's home. That way, you won't have to lug it to the reception and the couple won't have to worry about getting it home before they leave for their honeymoon.

Shopping for the perfect wedding gift takes time and effort. Don't take shortcuts. Remember, the gift is supposed to be a symbol of your best wishes to the couple and your support for their union. The more thought you put into the gift, the more likely it is to reflect that message.