From building your registry to writing thank-you notes after the celebration, weddings are full of opportunities to share gratitude and meaningful gifts. Along the way, couples may also exchange special presents, create intimate boudoir keepsakes, and choose favors to thank their guests. Here are a few ideas and tips to help guide you through these thoughtful details of wedding planning.
Registry
Your guests won’t want to arrive empty-handed at your wedding or pre-wedding parties. You want to ensure you receive gifts that you and your partner will love and use, so we highly recommend registering for wedding gifts. Even if you prefer not to receive gifts, we suggest still setting up a small registry or links to creative alternatives.
REGISTRY OPTIONS
LOCAL
Shop local and register for items from area shops! You will often find specialty or handmade products that aren’t available in national chains.
NATIONAL
Out-of-town guests appreciate the convenience of a store nearby or online. Many wedding websites give you the ability to pull products from multiple sources on your registry. Take advantage of this to find items of varying price points.
ALTERNATIVE
If you feel you have everything you need for your home, consider other registry ideas such as a wine subscription, meal kit delivery, or home building and honeymoon fund.
CHARITY
In lieu of gifts, ask your guests to donate to a charity you and your partner are passionate about.
REGISTRY TIPS
- Consider setting your online registry up on a free wedding website host like Zola or The Knot.
- Keep receipts in a dedicated safe place in case you need to return any items.
- Providing a registry encourages guests to select gifts that are desired and fit your lifestyle. Be sure to offer your guests robust choices at a variety of price points.
- Hoping for the gift of cash? Set up specific funds or a link on your website for guests to transfer money to you directly.
- It is common to include your registry information on a shower invite and wedding invite. Have your stationer tastefully include this in a subtle line of text to not overpower the critical information and overall design.
Thank-You Cards
Whether a gift from someone is mailed to your home, given at a shower, or brought on your wedding day, you’ll want to be sure to send a note of thanks. Keep track of any gifts given and thank-you cards sent on your guest list spreadsheet. We recommend designating a wedding party member or loved one to note the giver and items gifted during any of your pre- or post-wedding parties.
For gifts given before your wedding, we recommend sending a thank-you card within 1-2 weeks. For gifts received on or after your wedding, prioritize tackling those promptly once you have settled or returned from your honeymoon. If possible, send thank-you notes as you receive gifts so nothing is forgotten, and doing so makes the task less daunting! Besides being proper etiquette, your guests have spent time and money celebrating you, so you’ll want to be sure to show your appreciation.
Discuss thank-you card options with your stationer to develop creative ideas that match the vibe of your wedding and personalities. They will have past samples on hand or can help you come up with something completely unique to you. If your photographer offers sneak peeks, consider using a wedding photo or two in your card design. This is also an excellent opportunity to list first and last names, a new surname if your name has changed, and a new address if applicable.
NOTE: Remember any thank-you notes to parents, vendors, or anyone else who went above and beyond for your wedding.
Gift-Giving
As they say, “It’s better to give than to receive.” You and your partner can celebrate each other by giving something special that expresses your love for one another. Share these gifts at your rehearsal, during your first look, on your wedding night, or at another dedicated time.
Thoughtful gifts can also be given to family and friends who have offered their time, money, and effort to make your wedding special. A personal note included with the gift is encouraged. Consider presenting these gifts privately or publicly at a luncheon, rehearsal dinner, or after all the festivities are over.
It is also not uncommon that close relationships are built as you work with some of your vendors. Giving a special gift or a thank-you note with a tip are great ways to show your appreciation. Simply leaving a positive review is another meaningful way to acknowledge the exceptional service you’ve received.
NOTE: Some gratuities are expected, while others are appreciated. Gratuity information can be found in our guide.
Gift Ideas
SPOUSE: watch, cufflinks, wallet, jewelry, ring dish, photo album, boudoir gift, customized mugs, bucket list book, illustration of the two of you, heartfelt letter or card, or a wedding day essentials basket
PARENTS: wine membership, bed & breakfast stay, restaurant gift cards, jewelry, a personalized tie or handkerchief, watch, cooking class, or wedding photos in a framed print, canvas, or album
WEDDING PARTY: robes, clutches, cufflinks, ties, socks, flasks, tumblers, cigars, spa treatment, travel bag, game or event tickets, watches, jewelry, personalized bottle openers, photos of you and them, themed gift baskets, wine, beer, or liquor, restaurant gift cards, coffee, or mugs
CHILD ATTENDANTS: books, toys, room décor, jewelry, something to wear on the wedding day, movie or restaurant gift cards
SHOWER HOSTS: potted plant, floral arrangement, box of chocolates, jewelry, restaurant gift cards, specialty soaps, candle, bottle of wine, box of cookies, or cupcakes
VENDORS and helpers: flower arrangement, gift card, bottle of wine, chocolates, or a more personalized gift
LK Bridal Studio
Boudoir
Boudoir and dude-oir photography can truly be a life-changing experience. It is an opportunity to see yourself as the beautiful, self-assured, and sexy person you are and that your partner fell in love with. Work with a photographer you trust, and you will leave your session feeling confident and radiant! Consider gifting your spouse-to-be a beautiful, intimate gift from your session on your wedding night or honeymoon.
While simple prints of your boudoir photos make stunning and memorable gifts, consider other engaging and artful applications for your photos. Many photographers offer high-quality albums to showcase multiple gorgeous images all in one place. Similarly, boudoir boxes utilize the same concept as an album without the binding. Your favorite photos can be kept in a stylish heirloom box, allowing you to pull single images out for display and change them as you wish.
If you would prefer a daily reminder of how beautiful you are in the privacy of your own bedroom, bath, or walk-in closet, consider a spicy pin-up calendar or high-quality framed art print. Remember, many materials can showcase your images, such as photo prints, canvas, metal, acrylic, and even wood.
Jolene Dombrowski Boudoir
Favors
Wedding favors offer a unique and personalized
way to say a special thank you to guests who came to celebrate you on your big day. We recommend providing edible favors or items that are useful beyond the wedding day. Talk with your stationer about enhancing the favors with personalized tags or decals, perhaps nodding to a shared passion or your wedding theme.
There are a variety of ways to distribute guest favors. Consider a fun or elegant display with a statement installation, include a favor at each place setting, or hand out individually to your guests for a more personal thank you.
O&B Photo Co.
- Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate
- Cocktail Kits
- Shot Glasses
- Coffee Mugs
- Bottle Openers
- Local Honey, Jam, or Syrup
- Gourmet Olive Oil
- Homemade Vanilla
- Gourmet Popcorn or Snacks
- Luggage Tags
- Keychains
- Pet Treats
- Cookie Mix
- Candles
- Seeds
- Plants or Succulents
- Artwork or Prints
- Playing Cards or Tarot Cards
Ampersand Photography | Anya Kubilus Photography | Dani Stephenson Weddings | Emilee Meador Photography | O&B Photo Co. | Reminisce Photography | Shelby D Photography | The Keel Collective | The McCartneys Photography | The Wedding Flashers | Twig & Olive Photography | Wilk Media
We’d love to see the creative and sentimental ideas you include in your celebration! Share your favorite or most meaningful gifts with us on socials:
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