Wedding Gift Ideas

I was recently asked by a teacher at my son's school, who knows that I'm a wedding planner, "What is a good wedding gift?".  That question really got me thinking....

First thing to think about is WHO is the couple? Are they young and just starting out? Do they already live together? Have they registered for gifts? How much do you want to spend?

The very best place to start is always their gift registry. These are gifts that the bride and groom have selected and are wishing they get! Don't ignore the registry.

If you choose to think outside the gift registry box - use the gift registry as inspiration. For example: They registered for blue bath towels. Purchase a set of white bath towels and then have a custom monogram embroidered in blue to really make them special. The white towels with the blue embroidery are sure to coordinate with the blue towels they registered for that another guest will surely purchase for them.



Here is a list of even more fabulous wedding gifts:


1. The Gift of Experience:
Think of fun things the bride and groom can have fun doing together and get them that experience. A hot air balloon ride, dance lessons, cooking classes, local art museum membership, wine club membership.... OR something as simple as a set of 12 different restaurant gift cards - one for every month of their first year of marriage. Your bride and groom will be grateful to have a date night every month!





2. The Gift of Celebration:
A great company called Wine for a Wedding has created something really special. The gift is a collection of 3 wines in different compartments. Each compartment gives the couple "Open On..." Anniversary instructions. First year anniversary.... Third year anniversary... Fifth year anniversary etc. Each wine is selected so that it will age appropriately for the year it will be opened. AND - on each box, you can customize a special message to the couple to make it truly unique http://wineforawedding.com.

An DIY alternative to this idea is to purchase a selection of wines and create labels for each wine to help the bride and groom celebrate the many FIRSTS in their new life together. "Open on your FIRST Christmas", "Open on your FIRST Valentine's Day", "Open on your FIRST Anniversary" etc.


3. The Gift they NEVER thought of:

That's right - a sewing kit and a tool belt or tool box. Let's face it - most of us won't use these items on a daily basis... but when we need them - we are sure glad to have them. Your bride and groom will be so grateful for these gifts AND they will think of you EVERY TIME they need to hang a picture or sew on a loose button.


WHEN TO GIVE: The old traditional etiquette will say, you have up to a year to send a gift. This is NO longer proper etiquette.  Because shopping on-line has made it so easy to purchase and send a gift, there are no more reasons or excuses to delay. Send the gift as soon as you get the invitation or as close to the wedding date as possible. Out of consideration to your bride and groom send the gift in advanced to the addresses designated on the gift registry or on the RSVP card. They do not want to carry 100's of boxes with them at the end of their wedding night. AND - sending the gift in advanced gives you one less thing to worry about when you're on your way to the celebration.

Share with us your favorite wedding gift you received or have given in the comment box below.

Happy Shopping!

Cheers,
Sara