Exchanging gifts (and often love letters) on the wedding day has become a popular tradition between couples. And its truly a beautiful moment I love to photograph, but I understand that this can feel like one more overwhelming detail with so many other wedding plans in full swing, especially if you’ve just learned about the practice. So this guide is here to help. If you and your bride have decided to exchange gifts on your wedding day, but you’re feeling lost for ideas, here are a few of my favorite wedding gifts and resources for bridal gifts that are classic, timeless, thoughtful and sentimental.
Timeless Evening Clutch
I find many brides (myself included) tend to get so caught up in the larger details of the day, that a wedding day clutch either escapes their attention entirely, or falls to the bottom of the must haves. But having a timeless evening clutch, is not only incredibly handy on the wedding day, it’s a statement piece that she can use again and again. Truly the best part in my opinion, is that a gorgeous evening clutch can be considered an accessory closer to jewelry than a bag, and are often passed down to younger generations as family heirlooms. I particularly love this Zhuu Beaded and Pearl Tassel Bag.
BHLDN I Loeffler Randal
Engraved Jewelry
Engraving something sentimental on a piece of fine jewelry is always a classic, and makes another timeless and traditional gift idea for your bride-to-be. This could be a few special words or phrase on a fine watch, your wedding date engraved on a necklace or her new initials. Some of my personal favorites for a personalized piece are modern lockets, dainty signet rings and stackable bar necklaces.
If choosing to engrave your wedding date, one classic style I love is to use Roman Numerals. So for a wedding date of 5-10-2012, you would engrave VXMMXIV. And for ladies’ monograms, it’s traditional for her first initial to go first, followed by her last initial in the middle, then her maiden initial. So for a bride (maiden name Katherine Ford) who’s taking her husband’s last name, Alexander, her married monogram would read KAF. While Tiffany’s is the most iconic label for personalized jewelry, some other beautiful and classic resources are below.
Tiffany’s I Monica Rich Kosan I Mejuri I Gorjana
Personalized Luggage
If travel is something she loves, a beautiful, personalized piece of luggage (or set) is a sentimental gift she can use for your honeymoon and a lifetime beyond. For the serious wanderluster Away’s line of modern and intuitive luggage is praised by travel bloggers as some of the best on the market, and customizable too. For the style conscious bride, Bric’s tuscan train case is functional, classic and beautiful. And for the bride who already loves her luggage, a new customized luggage tag and travel accessories might be a perfect upgrade.
Bric’s I AWAY I Pottery Barn
Hearth and Home
When we got married, one of the most exciting parts of being newlywed’s, for me, was getting to create a home together. We love to cook, snuggle, and spend time outdoors at home. Brunch dates and weekend BBQ’s are our favorites, and we love hosting family for the holidays. So for the bride who loves interior design, entertaining and home decor, you might consider a gift for her for the home. Again, personalizing it will add special sentiment to things like monogramed towels, pillowcases or barware.
RH I Williams Sonoma I Pottery Barn I Crate and Barrel
Robes or Pajamas
If your bride didn’t splurge on a beautiful bridal robe for wedding day, Girl and A Serious Dream makes bridal getting ready robes that will make your bride-to-be feel like royalty. They photograph beautifully on the wedding day and can become a stunning keepsake afterwards. Another customizable favorite favorite of mine, are comfy chic bridal pajamas from Piyama that are perfect for home and honeymoon.
Girl and A Serious Dream I Piyama
A Bridal Gift Box
If you’re honeymoon isn’t happing right after the wedding, or your bride-to-be feels overwhelmed, presenting her with a curated gift box on your wedding day could be the perfect surprise. Some of my favorite bridal gift box themes are Something Blue, Bride Unwind, and Staycation themed boxes from Marigold and Grey (definite bonus points for throwing in a couple’s spa day gift card!).
Marigold and Grey I Simone Le Blanc
Luxury Perfume
Of all five senses, smell is the most closely linked with memory. This is why we can vividly think of smells that evoke powerful memories; the scent of an orchard in blossom conjuring up recollections of a childhood picnic, for example. This is why I absolutely love recommending a beautiful, new perfume for your wedding day. If you and your bride-to-be haven’t chosen new wedding day perfumes, a stunning bottle of luxury perfume can make a gorgeous, sentimental gift for your bride. One that will remind you both of your wedding day every time she wears it.
PENHALIGON’S I CHANEL I CHLOÉ I JO MALONE I HERMÉS
When choosing the perfect wedding day gift, remember to consider your fiancé’s personal style and taste, and if in doubt, it’s always great idea to consult your bride’s mother or bridesmaids. I hope these recommendations have helped inspire the perfect gift idea for your wedding day.
