Monday, April 28, 2008

Ask the Newlyweds: Wedding Gift Ideas For Your Beloved!

I know what you’re thinking. “I have to buy her a wedding gift, isn’t my hand in marriage enough!?”

You do not have to buy your fiancé a wedding gift—it is not a “rule” or even expected. However, it is something you may want to consider to give her the evening or morning before the wedding to calm her nerves. Wedding gifts to your beloved do not have to be expensive or elaborate, but they should make a statement of a new beginning. Below are some ideas to get you started. Good luck and have fun. Remember, whatever you get or make her she will love because it shows you put even more thought into your special day and new life together.

1. Something with your beloved’s new initials (assuming she will be changing her last name of course) Some ideas are a bathrobe (think Victoria’s Secret) or tote bag with her new initials monogrammed on it; a silver bracelet with a heart charm bearing her new initials and wedding date (think Tiffany and Co.); or new monogrammed stationary (available at any stationary store).

2. A cedar chest, also known as a hope chest, is a traditional gift from new husband to wife. In it she can keep her preserved wedding gown and other mementos from your big day. It will also make a lovely heirloom one day.

3. If you and your beloved met while in college or graduate school, consider buying her something from your alma mater’s bookstore as a special reminder, such as a school ring or nice frame with your school’s name on it and a picture of you two from your dating years.

4. Gifts with your new last name on it are extremely special. My husband have me address labels that said “Caurie and Arthur Putnam” on our wedding day and I think I loved them even more then the diamond earrings he also got me!! To see our names together as husband and wife was so touching. You can go inexpensive, like address labels; to moderate, like a new bible with your names engraved on the front; to higher, like a hand crafted “Welcome to the ______Home” sign for your front door.

5. Make your beloved a gift! Nothing is as special as something truly from the heart. You can assemble a scrapbook or poster of photos, letters, ticket stubs, etc. from your dating years. Or, if you have a special talent, like singing, write her a song and put it on a tape for her to listen to as she gets ready. Another neat idea is to go to a “design your own pottery” store and choose a pre-made piece of pottery (like a jewelry box) to paint and stain for her.

6. If you think your beloved would find this gift more exciting, then draining, considering buying her a gift that will “grow” along with your marriage like a tree for your front yard or a puppy.

7. What woman would not love jewels? You can’t go wrong buying your beloved jewelry as a wedding gift—it is something she will have forever and can wear to remind her of your wedding. Ideas include, charms; a new watch; a locket with your photo inside; diamond or other earrings for her to wear on the wedding day; pearls; a ring for her right hand that compliments her wedding/engagement set; etc.

8. Memories. How do you buy memories? Try a new digital camera or a camcorder. She can use it on the wedding day—or give to a friend to use—and lots of special days to follow.

9. Probably the most special gift you can give your beloved on your wedding day is words from your heart—send her some flowers with a card expressing how you feel about her on this special day. Your words will last a lifetime.

-- Caurie Brockport, New York

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