Having sorted out your wedding gift list, personal gifts for those that have helped, and wedding favours for your guests, you now have the job of thinking of a gift for your new husband or wife to open on the day of your wedding. Having already had to find ideas for past birthdays, Christmas and anniversaries, now the pressure is on as to what to purchase! So what should you give?
Traditionally the groom would purchase an item of jewellery for his wife to wear on their special day. This could be a matching set of necklaces, earrings, a bracelet, or perhaps a diamond pendant or pearl earrings. In turn, the bride would give her groom a watch engraved with their wedding date and names. These items were then classed as family heirlooms and passed down to the generations.
- When choosing, do remember it should come from the heart and be personal between the two of you, expressing your love and commitment to one another and being a reflection of your personalities and likes. It can be cheap, and it is likely you will be expecting an extravagant gift from one another. However, suppose the bride has been suggestive of a particular item, for example, a piece of jewellery that would complete her wedding outfit, and she would wear it over and over again. In that case, she may be slightly disappointed with a bouquet on the wedding morning.
- Many couples like to recreate old memories by revamping previously used gift ideas. The husband new year gift you got for him may be presented again to show how much you appreciate your partner and the time you have spent together.
- Staying with the traditional theme of gift-giving as a groom, you may buy your bride a bottle of expensive perfume. With her wearing it on your wedding day and any day after, its unique scent will bring back many cherished memories. You can’t go far wrong with a necklace; ensure you know which metal she would prefer, so it matches her wedding ring and other wedding jewellery. From a simple diamond pendant, a classic pearl necklace or a pretty engraved locket, it is something that she can keep and treasure forever. As a bride, you could opt for the watch as previously suggested. Each moment he checks the time, he will recall the events of your wedding day. Or there is the option of cufflinks on your big day, which is very useful if he is a regular shirt wearer.
- These are more traditional options; of course, what you choose very much depends on how much you wish to spend. As long as the gift you give is personal to the two of you, loving and meaningful, then it will always be cherished. Sentimental gifts such as handwritten love letters or poems, a collection of ‘your’ songs, a photo album or frame with pictures of happy times together, or simply a single red rose that conveys your love, are all touching and inexpensive gifts, which would mean the world to your partner.
- Other ideas include a gift for the home you share. A dishwasher if you don’t already own one to give the washer up-er a break or that luxurious coffee maker you have both always desired.
- When choosing your wedding present for one only, you know each other best and what your likes and dislikes are, which will help determine the sort of gift they would desire. Consider what kind of sentiment you wish to convey. As the future husband, would your bride prefer to have a giggle at opening her gift or do you aim to make her shed a few happy tears with your romantic gesture?
- It is your personal choice when you exchange your gifts with one another. Some couples exchange them during the speeches, allowing them to express their love further in front of their guests, whilst others prefer it to be more intimate, and it is just the two of them. Often the gifts will be given to the best man or a bridesmaid to present on the wedding morning, to keep the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony. If you intend for your bride’s gift to be opened before the ceremony, and worn for the day, do take the time to make sure it will match her wedding dress and the accessories she already has. If you don’t want to ask her, one of her bridesmaids should be happy to help
- With the growing cost of weddings and more couples paying for their wedding day, some choose not to purchase gifts for each other. Discuss this with your partner, as the last thing you want to be doing is opening up a gift and feeling guilt for not returning the gesture.
Whatever you choose to do, it is the thought that counts! After all, the greatest gift you give each other is a promise of lifelong commitment filled with love and happiness.