A wedding gift exchange is a ‘wow’ and ‘aww’ moment at any wedding but many experts say it isn’t entirely necessary as there are a ring and the stuff from the gift registry anyway. But why not go a step further for your spouse and surprise them with something they will always look back fondly upon? And it doesn’t need to be the priciest thing you can afford but rather a testament to how well you know them.
Simple Does It
Any loving partner will know how much stress (especially financial) is brought on by a wedding so don’t feel pressure to go splurge. There is no need to blow your budget because of a simple wedding day gift. Customization with gifts whether it’s a brooch, necklace or a pair of cuff links for the lucky man is something that can later become an heirloom for your kids. Sometimes the more complicated gifts are, the less impressive they ultimately end up being.
Sentiment Not Expenditure
A sentimental item such as something that belonged to your great aunt or your grandfather is a real lasting token of the commitment you have made. Here are some art and craftsy hacks to create a lovely gift you can prop up or frame to preserve:-
A lover’s map is a great gift. Find a map (see if you can find handmade ones on Etsy or vintage ones from eBay) and point the hometowns or birthplaces of both yourself and your partner. Connect with string or some artwork.
We love this watercolor scratch off map. A great gift for the wedding day, Father’s day, or anniversary. Scratch off all of the places you have visited together and watch an amazing display of watercolor appear.
A framed love letter or better yet a poem is also one for the ages! If sketching or painting or composing music is your talent, that works brilliantly too!
Incorporation into your family tree is a fun little gift with amazing sentimental value. Draw out or commission a freelance artist to draw out your family tree, putting your partner’s name in bold next to yours. They’re now officially part of your history.
The Pandora’s box- just kidding. Buy, hand-make, or upscale a reclaimed keepsake box in a style you know your partner will adore. It also saves on the pennies!
The Spirit
Know the spirit behind the giving of a wedding gift. It’s not for Instagram pictures or for showing off in front of friends and that’s why the price tag doesn’t matter. And don’t buy into the mindset that only the bride gets a gift, men need love and tenderness too!
The Cash Conundrum
As anyone who has spent a lot of time around weddings will tell you it is almost never acceptable to give money as a wedding gift. There’s a major red flag if there ever was one! Gift certificates to someone’s favorite store are okay though.
The Clock Is Not Ticking
There is no fixed time to give a wedding gift! You can give it in the month following, during the honeymoon, or even after 6 months. This is one place to let the peer pressure slide, after all the person you married knows your intentions and will welcome the surprise.
