Exchanging gifts is a wonderful way for the bride and groom to commemorate an unforgettable day. Giving your bride-to-be a special keepsake (besides the ring) is a heartfelt gesture that really shows that you’ve gone all-out to express your everlasting love for the person you hold dear.
While it’s a lovely tradition, the wedding day gift exchange is completely optional, so before you go shopping, make sure you discuss it with your bride, so you’re both on the same page.
Without further adieu, here are 10 exquisite gifts that are sure to make your bride’s heart soar!
1. A Second Getaway
Shared experiences lead to fond memories — the most sentimental gift of all! Even if you already have a honeymoon planned, you can’t go wrong with planning another trip together, even if it’s a few months away. Having plans on the horizon helps to make your everlasting bond become even more real, and it’s always nice to have something to look forward to.
Of course, your honeymoon is the trip where you should be pulling out all the stops, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan a second getaway down the line. Even if it’s just a weekend at a local bed and breakfast, your bride will be so excited to see how bright your future together looks. Make sure to choose a place that holds meaning, or you could even leave it open-ended and let the bride choose the destination.
2. Honeymoon Accessories
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Practical gifts can also be sentimental gifts, especially when you both know you’ll be using them together very soon. Say you’re going on a tropical honeymoon. Some high-end women’s glasses would surely be appreciated on those sunny days lounging at the beach or by the pool.
A fine leather passport holder and/or high-quality luggage are gifts that will always be treasured on all of your trips together. A portable camera is a great choice so you can film the experience, or you could even give your bride a handcrafted journal you can both use to jot down special notes and memories.
Not only do these vacation-centric wedding gifts make the honeymoon more enjoyable, but they’ll get both of you so excited for the upcoming experience on the wedding day. After all, the wedding itself will be over in a flash. The honeymoon is your time to really connect and share a magical experience together.
3. An Upscale Timepiece
Women’s watches are classic gifts that represent time spent together and even better times to come! You could give your bride-to-be an heirloom-quality timepiece that will always be in the family. When choosing a watch, be sure to find a piece that really hits your bride’s personal style.
Or, if your beloved enjoys technology, consider an Apple Watch! It’ll come in so handy on your honeymoon and beyond. Just make sure you look into aftermarket Apple Watch bands so you can really dress it up. A fine leather strap elevates wearable technology to wedding gift-worthy status!
4. A One-of-a-Kind Piece of Art
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A handmade painting, illustration, or even a sculpture would make such a fantastic gift because you’ll both be reminded of your eternal love every time you see it on display in your home. Even if you’re not exactly the next Picasso, just the fact that you put in the effort to try says it all!
Another option is to contact an artist to see about commissioning a piece. Or, if there’s a musician you both enjoy, you could even get in touch about a custom song (or write or cover one yourself)! Whatever medium you choose, the whole point is to create something brand new that’s based on the person you love most in the world.
5. A Custom Photo Frame
It’s no secret that there’s going to be a lot of photography happening on the wedding day. A gorgeous frame would make a perfect complementary present so you can enjoy the photos long after the social media posts have come and gone. You could even have your wedding photos transformed into canvas prints!
Instead of getting a standard frame from a big box store, you could have a local woodworker create something custom, or you could even scour antique shops for something truly divine.
6. A Spa Certificate
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Not all wedding gift ideas have to involve you! While it’s true that you’re joining together as one on this momentous occasion, the happiest couples know that everyone needs a little alone time every once in a while.
A certificate for a luxury spa makes an excellent gift because your bride will have an opportunity to get pampered and relax after all of the stress that goes into the wedding. You may even want to give this gift early so your bride can enjoy a tranquil experience in preparation for the big day. Bonus points if you get an extra certificate for the bride’s bestie!
7. A Decadent Robe
A splendorous, snuggly robe fit for royalty would make a fantastic gift alongside the aforementioned spa certificate. Consider getting it embroidered with your bride’s name, a nickname, your wedding hashtag, or a heartfelt message to make it a personalized gift that will always bring back fond memories.
8. Fine Jewellery
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Sure, you’re already exchanging wedding rings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spoil your bride-to-be with even more! You can’t go wrong with a stunning necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings, especially if you get them engraved.
Another fun idea is to give your bride a charm bracelet. At various stages throughout the wedding or honeymoon, give a new charm to add — each one representing a special memory.
9. A Keepsake Box
A beautiful keepsake box makes such a sentimental gift, especially if you fill it with meaningful trinkets. Here’s a great idea: Get a custom music box that plays your bride’s favorite song when opened.
10. A Hand-Written Note
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Last but certainly not least, a thoughtful note is a gift that’s truly priceless. Even if you’re not the most poetic person, the thought is what counts. Of course, a proper note should be written on high-end stationery, in your best penmanship, and wax-sealed in a stunning envelope. Love letters are read over and over and cherished for a lifetime, so make it count!
The Real Gift Is You
As you check and double-check your wedding checklist, it’s easy and natural to feel overwhelmed. Try to remember that gifts are just an expression of what’s really important: the love that brought you to where you are right now. The best gift you can give is to be thoughtful, present, and kind. Everything after that is just, well, the icing on the wedding cake!
