I know that wedding registries are created for a reason, however I like to be original when giving people gifts. Whether it's a birthday, Christmas, or special life event, I like to be sure that my gifts to people show that I did not run out the day of the event and just pick something off of a shelf. Do I think that registries are there to be followed? YES! UGH! It's so annoying to get something from a store you're registered at that was not on the registry. I mean, if I wanted it, I would have asked for it. What am I supposed to do now with this giant cotton candy maker?
HOWEVER, like I said before I REALLY like the idea of getting people gifts they do not expect. That may seem like a juxtaposition to my previous statement, but I really do like getting and giving unique gifts. And sometimes it's a lot easier to get someone something that they didn't ask for but you know they'll love than you may have originally thought.
If a couple is registered for a nice flatware set, get them the matching serving spoons to go with that set. Or a really nice flatware case.
While getting a flatware case might not seem like the most amazing gift idea ever, it really is something that a couple could use when they're getting a nice set of flatware. Luckily, when you are very familiar with someone, it is even easier to get them unexpected gifts.
If you're like me and like to get people stuff they register for, yet feel unfulfilled when that's all you get them, there are TONS of options out there to be unique and thoughtful. Sure, go ahead and get them that boring set of bed linens they wanted. But then, get them a nice throw in their favorite team. This way they're still getting something they wanted, but also getting something personalized.
Another way to stick to the registry but be a little unique is to get them that really nice cupcake pan they wanted, but add to the gift by getting them a cupcake cookbook, cupcake stand, cupcake carrier, a cupcake plunger to make filled cupcakes, and/or reusable cupcake liners. Arrange them all in a bag or a nice basket and viola! Awesome and thoughtful gift! Still gets them something from their registry (the cake pan) but then adds things that will come in handy and match the original gift idea.
For those who are REALLY risky and want to get away from the registry all together, there are a few things that every couple (bride) needs before the big day. These are things that usually the couple doesn't even realize they need but when they receive these as gifts, they are very grateful.
Every couple needs toasting flutes at their wedding. This is not usually something the couple goes out and buys, so this is a perfect opportunity for a guest to go and get something that not only will the couple use at their wedding, but it will be something the couple keeps for a long time.
For a couple having a "themed"wedding, these are some really cute ideas for toasting flutes.
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| Peacock |
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| Peacock |
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| Cowboy |
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| Winter |
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| Redneck |
Then there's the option of getting champagne flutes that are individualized to the couple. I like this idea a lot because the glasses still look tasteful and are especially sentimental to the couple.
Then there is the idea of just getting a set of cute flutes that don't necessarily match their wedding theme, but are pretty and unique. (As you can tell I REALLY like the idea of champagne flutes...I also really like looking up pictures of them).
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| Kate Spade (Boring but fancy) |
I could keep going on pictures of flutes, but maybe I'll save that for another post where I talk about my love for kitchenware.
Another good idea for the bride and groom would be a cake cutting set. LET THERE BE CAKE! Almost every wedding has cake. A lot of couples do "cupcake cakes" now, but usually they still get a top tier so they can do the traditional cutting of the cake. There are so many options out now, between traditional stores like "Bed Bath and Beyond" and "Lenox" to even specialty sites like "ETSY". Here are some of my favorites.
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| Classic set by Kate Spade |
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| Mikasa Love Story Set |
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| Beach Wedding |
As you can tell, I also love looking at cutting sets. Hence my previous statement about my obsession for kitchenware.
Another good gift idea that I received for my wedding and I think was absolutely amazing and I couldn't get enough of was picture frames. Naturally, after a wedding, you will have tons of pictures. Between the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and millions of photos a photographer takes the day of the wedding, a couple will be left with so many pictures they won't know what to do with. I am a scrapbooker so I already have places to put photos, but since I got SO many photos that I loved, the picture frames ended up coming in handy. Here are some of my favorite frames and favorite ideas for frames.
Those are only a few of the tons of amazing picture frames out there that are perfect for weddings. While I like the personalized frames with a date and name, I also think plain picture frames are important too because the couple can then choose what types of photos to put in them.
While this post has gotten a little out of control and I should probably just stop, I can't call it quits without mentioning another one of my favorite wedding gifts. This is a very unique gift, one that not many people think of, and one that will mean a lot to the bride on her wedding day. Yes folks, I am talking about a personalized hanger. Every bride gets a shot of her dress. And what better to make this photo amazing than to have a hanger with her new last name. I did not get a hanger like this, but I sure wish I did. I had looked around to so many places to buy one, yet never did. By the time I realized I still hadn't bought one, it was too late. So I really think this is an excellent gift for brides. (All images are from ETSY)
So there you have it. My ridiculously long yet incomplete post about gifts that I think are fabulous to give to couples when they're getting ready for their wedding. What are some gifts that I may have left off that you think are super thoughtful?
