Gifts for the Bride and Groom

Finding gifts for the bride and groom doesn't have to be complicated.  Whether you're buying for the wedding day or just to say congrats, there are 3 simple ways to a sure fire gift that the newlyweds will love.

While selecting off the couple's registry is always a good choice, it can sometimes be a bit impersonal.  Everyone wants to give the happy couple a gift that is going to be special and meaningful.  Not just a gift off their registry but a personal gift.  A custom gift.  One that says 'Hey, I was really thinking of you.  I didn't want to just give you cash.  I wanted to give you something you would remember.'  To find that perfect gift, choose from one of three options.   For the home, For a photo, or For the hobbyists.  It's really that simple.

#1) For the home

You can never go wrong with a good housewarming gift.  This is possibly the easiest gift giving idea and will guarantee a heartfelt thank you every time.  Nearly every newlywed will have a new homestead to furnish after the big day.  With a custom housewarming gift, you can't go wrong.  And luckily there are hundreds of great gift ideas to choose from.  Monogrammed table linens, like the one shown left, will leave sense of luxury with the happy couple and are a memento they can pull out on special occasions to dress up the dinner table.  Other linens like monogrammed bath towels, sheet sets, and pillowcases are also great housewarming gifts.  Don't forget the kitchen.  Engraved glassware and wine gifts are traditional gifts for the bride and groom that have not lost their appeal.  Personalized wine glasses are great for the wine loves while monogrammed mason jars are a unique gift idea that will be unexpected but cherished.

#2) For a photo 

Capture the bride and groom's special day with gifts that will showcase their wedding photos.  Think engraved picture frames, collage frames, personalized photo albums, and photo coasters. For a unique twist on traditional picture frames, give the happy couple and nice bottle of wine tied with an engraved Christmas tree ornament they can use during their first Christmas together as man and wife.

#3) For the hobbyists

If your newlyweds are a couple that share a love for certain hobbies and activities, then play up on their interests.  Give them a gift that will mean the most to them by basing your gift idea on their shared hobby.  Do they love the outdoors?  Choose a gift like hiking gear, camping gear, skiing gear, or water sporting items.  Do the newlyweds love the travel?  Then they will love custom gifts like personalized luggage tags and leather passport holders.  For an extra special gift idea, monogrammed leather luggage sets are a gift idea that the bride and groom are unlikely to splurge on themselves and will be a gift they will cherish for years and years.

What are you getting the happy couple?  We realize that this is by no means a complete list of every gift idea there is.  We would love to hear from you.  Leave a comment and let us know what you're getting the bride and groom?  Is it one of these ideas or something completely different?

Fun Flower Girl Fashion for Some of Your Youngest Wedding Attendants

Most little girls are beyond excited when they learn that they have been selected as the flower girl in a wedding.  With pretty dresses and fun accessories, what little girl wouldn't want a chance to be princess for a day?  Usually a flower girl is between the ages of three and eight, and is a member of the bride or groom's family, or perhaps the daughter of a close friend.  When it comes to her dress and accessories, you can choose whatever will go best with your wedding, but you may want to ask her input so that she is all smiles on your wedding day.

Besides the duties of your flower girl, you will want to consider what type of dress and jewelry she will wear.  She is not limited to wearing a miniature replica of your dress.  Tutus have become popular, as well as off-white tea-length dresses.  There are also many other looks which you can find on Etsy, in a bridal salon, or even in department stores.  

Photo Credits:  Pomander Balls, Green Dress with Unique Print, Tutu, Rosette Dress, A-Line Traditional Dress, Nude-Colored Dress

Whichever look you decide on, you may decide to give your flower girl a jewelry set or other accessory to match her dress as a gift for being in your wedding.  You can find jewelry and other flower girl gifts here.  Another option to dress up your little wedding attendant is a flower hair wreath.  They can be made with the flowers you are using throughout your wedding day, and are so adorable.

Photo Credits:  Flower Girl in Pearls, Pearl Necklace, Personalized Locket, Ivy and White Rose Hair Wreath, Bright Yellow Flower Hair Accessory, Simple Headband 

As far as other items for her flower girl duties go, there are a lot of great trends right now.  Traditionally, a flower girl will carry a basket of flower petals, but recently there have been many other flower girl accessories becoming popular.  Pomander balls, beautiful balls of flowers, often replace flower baskets if the bride does not want petals to be dropped in the aisle.  A few other options are Signs announcing the bride's presence, bubbles, or one of our favorites - ribbon wands!  We have even seen weddings where the flower girl will walk the couple's dog down the aisle.

Photo Credits:  Large Flower Ribbon Wand, Here Comes the Bride Sign

Bridal Registry Basics - Getting Started

I don’t know about you but setting up a bridal registry sounds like about the most fun ever!  As a newly engaged gal myself and a self-proclaimed shopaholic, I can’t imagine not enjoying compiling a list of all the things that my fiancé and I will need for our new life together. But then I realized I didn’t even know where to begin! While your bridal registry may seem like nothing more than the ultimate shopping list, there needs to be a lot of thought put into it. Before you go crazy with that scanner gun, take a moment to plan, research and get organized. Here is some advice I gathered to aide in beginning your bridal registry, advice I will surely be taking too!

When to get started

Start thinking about your registry right away. This may sound a little premature but once hearing about your engagement, some friends or family may want to get you a gift right away. So to better accommodate everyone’s gift-giving strategy, register for a few items soon after your engagement. Since it may be difficult to decide on all the items for your registry this early, more items can and should be added later on. If you are having an engagement party or bridal shower, make sure to register for gifts at least one month beforehand. This gives guests enough time to shop.

What to register for

It can be an overwhelming task deciding what items to select for your registry. There are probably a lot of things you and your future spouse need to begin your lives together. So it is best to prioritize and stay organized. Before going to the store or browsing online, it may be helpful to make your own list of things you need. Go visit a friend or family member’s fully stocked kitchen/dining room/bathroom/etc. Take a look around at the necessities they have and then jot down any items you don’t yet own but would like for your own place. Having this primary list will make it easier when you visit the store or begin your online registry. Think about daily activities, chores and tasks and the items you will need to complete them. Also think about special occasion items that you may need for holidays or entertaining. Once basic items are taken care of then think of fun items or decorating pieces that will complete your living space.

Now if you and your fiancé already live together and have many of the necessary items needed for everyday living. Think about expanding your registry to include items that are tailored to your hobbies and interests. Consider camping equipment, wine chillers, electronics, or gift cards to Home Depot, Lowe's or Target.

To learn more about creating and managing your bridal registry check out the article The Ultimate Shopping List - Creating Your Bridal Registry by our blogger Mandy (Me!)

Photo Credits: Bridal registry couple