Bride and groom gifts to give each other
The exchange of gifts between bride and groom is a time-honoured tradition, however, not everyone does it. There are many couples who agree that the cost of a wedding outweighs the need to give each other bride and groom gifts.
Some even feel that the marriage ceremony is enough of a symbol of love and commitment, without having to show it with a gift.
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If you’ve decided to go down the bride and groom gifts road, we can direct you. Source: Moments Photography NSW.
After you’ve spent time doing the seating plan, agreeing on a first dance song, and settled the great buttercream versus fondant debate, now you have to go gift shopping?
Short answer: technically, no one’s forcing you. Long answer: it’s a sweet way to mark the moment, add a little emotion to the morning-of chaos, and remind each other that behind the florals, favours, and group chats… this whole thing is actually about the two of you.
Arguing in favour of bride and groom gifts, a recently married friend told me that opening the earrings her husband bought her on the morning of the wedding was one of the special moments of the day. She had felt that the wedding had become more about their guests than about her and her fiance. Opening his present and reading the note that came with it helped her to focus on what the wedding was really all about; their love for each other.
What type of bride and groom gifts are there?
Although your gift should have more sentimental value than monetary value, you will probably want to choose something that will last forever, so it should be good quality. Your gift should also be timeless so that it doesn’t go out of style a couple of years down the line.
Many couples choose to buy each other jewellery; perhaps a necklace or bracelet for the bride, cufflinks for the groom, or a watch for either. Gifts of jewellery could be something to be worn on the wedding day itself, but you will need to discuss this beforehand so that you and your fiance don?t buy other items of jewellery to go with your wedding outfits.
If you are looking for a romantic gift, but are on a tight budget, something like a photograph of the two of you, or a printed love poem, in a beautiful frame can make a great gift. You could even just write letters to each other to be opened on the morning of the wedding and kept as a reminder of the love you feel for one another.
You could always choose something practical, such as designer sunglasses or a travel guide for your honeymoon. You could even choose something for the house if you are setting up home together for the first time. However, most couples are looking for something more romantic, and tend to leave these presents for their gift list.
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A gift exchange can be a sentimental moment. Source: Storytellers.
The sentimental stuff (for the emotionally prepared)
If you don’t have the budget for an expensive watch or piece of jewellery, or you want something with more sentimental value, why not consider something a lot more personal.
- A handwritten letter. Look, we’re not saying you have to be Shakespeare, but putting pen to paper can be a moving way to honour your loved one.
- A meaningful keepsake. A tiny book of inside jokes, getting jewellery engraved or a personalised piece that has your wedding date on it, these are all beautiful keepsakes.
- A framed photo. From the day you got engaged, your first trip together, or a Polaroid of some random Tuesday together. It doesn’t matter where from, it just matters that it’s the two of you.
- Custom playlist. The songs that only you two get, a soundtrack to your love story. Maybe it’s a little millennial, but a mixtape is the way to all nostalgia and memories.
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Keep it sentimental for a ‘forever’ gift. Source: Kayla Jean Creations.
The fun/funny gifts (because you’re getting married, not joining the Royals!)
Look, you’re walking the aisle, not the plank. Weddings are a serious commitment, yes. But they don’t need to be serious from start to finish. A way to lift the mood and get rid of any pre-wedding jitters? A jokey gift that maybe only you two get!
We’ve got some fun ideas for a silly gift before you go into the meaningful part of the day.
- Survival kit. Gum, Panadol, some tissues for the speeches and maybe even a fun-size bottle of tequila. A little Post-It note saying “we got this” could be a fun way to seal the day.
- Socks with your face on them. A silly little way to be romantic and goofy – ankle coverage with a personal touch.
- A stash of snacks. Well, they say that the way to a heart is through the stomach, so a picnic basket full of sweet treats? That’s all true love!
- A custom robe. But a fun one. Emblazon it with “taken” or “ball” on one and “chain” on the other.
Don’t take yourself too seriously! Source: Brett Scapin.
Low-key luxe
If you’ve budgeted to your hearts desire and now you’ve found yourself with a bit leftover burning a hole in your pocket, why not splash out a little? We’ve got some low-key luxury items.
- Sentimental jewellery. A watch, a bracelet, something small and quaint. Classy, useful, and every time your partner looks down it’s a reminder of your wedding day.
- A scent you picked up just for them. This one is imperative to give before the ceremony so that this scent is forever your reminder of your wedding day.
- A little getaway. A spa day, some wine tasting, or a staycation. Something to look forward to once the confetti has settled.
Make sure your budget is on track.
Something a little luxe if you’ve got the leftover budget. Source: Happy Vibes Creation.
When should we exchange bride and groom gifts?
When you choose to exchange bride and groom gifts will often depend on the type of gift you are giving. If you are buying each other something to wear to the wedding itself, such as jewellery and cufflinks, you will need to exchange them before the big day.
Assuming you are sticking to tradition and not seeing each other the morning of the wedding, you could exchange gifts the previous evening, just before you go your separate ways.
A lovely alternative is to give the gifts to the best man and bridesmaid to be given to you the morning of the wedding, while you are getting ready. You could include a note with the gift to let your fiance know you are thinking about them as you prepare for the big day.
Some couples wait until after the wedding to exchange their gifts. The wedding night is a very romantic and intimate time to exchange your first night gifts. Alternatively the first night of your honeymoon could be the ideal moment. You don’t necessarily have to agree a time to exchange presents with your fiance, but if you want to wait until the honeymoon, maybe let him know so he doesn’t think you’ve forgotten his present entirely!
As with most aspects of your wedding day, the exchange of gifts is entirely optional and you should do whatever feels right for you and your fiance. If you do give each other presents you will have a treasured keepsake to remind you of your wedding day, but if you don’t their will be many other reminders such as your rings, your photos, and most of all each other.
