It's not the gift, but the thought that counts, they say. But doesn't your choice of gift reflect your thought in some manner too? Gifting is an act, but selecting the perfect gift is an art that is known to few—that remain mostly undiscovered until someone has an key life event made even more special by these ace gift-givers. If you're looking to upgrade your gifting skills, it's important to note that along with the receiver's personality, the occasion for the gift should also be considered. And when the occasion is a wedding, the gift has to be a memorable one. With so many options, how does one make the right choice? We understand how picking a wedding gift can feel like a particularly daunting task, but there is an easy way out. Read on for the ultimate guide.
Should you send the happy couple a voucher to go glamping under the stars, or buy them a set of his and hers limited-edition timepieces? Or get them a coffee machine, so that you run on their mind every morning when they make their cuppa? The trick to getting it right is to get into the other's shoes. For a perfect gift, you need to understand what they already have, what they need and what they desire. There is no one gift that is perfect per se, as its relevance depends on the receiver. Besides materialistic possessions that will stay with them forever, there is a recent trend of gifting experiences to millennial couples. To a couple who is not looking for funds to start a new home, shared experiences bring more happiness than money. Something personalised and out of the blue, which they don't get to do every day, would leave a lasting memory. This works if you are close to the couple and know them inside out, otherwise it's just a drain of spent resources. Do you think a couple who is into high adrenaline activities would like to go kayaking or unwind at a spa? Think before you shop.
Honestly, it's not as tricky as it sounds. If you know the couple well and you have an idea about what's on their wish list, go ahead and buy that. But if you don't, it's best to go box-free. With destination weddings being the norm, cash or a voucher works better. Nobody wants to lug heavy gifts back! So no dinner sets, please.
Now the question that arises is, should you choose cash over a voucher or a voucher over cash? This purely depends on the couple, how well you know them and what their lifestyle will be like after marriage. If the couple is working towards setting up their own home, cash always helps. It gives them the option of prioritising their needs. The money they get can go towards the woodwork or crockery or white goods.
Though cash is practical, you may feel like it lacks the personal touch. If the couple is moving into a family home or a place that's already completely done up, gift them vouchers from the places they usually shop at, or of experiences that they will cherish. Would they like a day at the spa or prefer a bespoke fine dining experience? If you're more inclined towards a store voucher, understand their personal style before zeroing down on a brand, or get them one of their favourite label's, should you be aware of it.
What if you could read the couple's mind and get them exactly what's on their wish list? That's where a wedding gift registry comes in. In simple terms, it's the adult version of your childhood letters to Santa, where you list down things that you most desire. Here, the engaged couple registers itself to a store or an online service, and shares the list of things they would like to receive from their friends and family. It could be anything from a coffee maker to an antique lamp, to a branded cookware set. The link is then shared with close guests so that they can access what's on the couple's wish list.
The wedding registry gift list is typically updated whenever an item from the list is purchased, showing what is still available for guests to choose from. In western countries, this is almost a mandatory practice and is considered more of a courtesy for the guests, than a list of demands. “A wedding registry is a convenient tool for guests to use to give the couple a wedding gift that they know the couple actually wants and will use, instead of having to take a wild guess and risk purchasing something that will just be stacked in the store,” says Punit Jasuja, wedding designer and interior designer at Punit Jasuja Productions. “Even if they don't sign in to a wedding registry, the couple should not shy away from sharing what they want. Do you want funds added in your travel fund or an amount donated to your favourite charity? Whatever it is, let your near and dear ones know.”
If the bride is your sister or BFF, gift her something she would actually use in her new life, or go with an unforgettable experience. “A classic piece of jewellery, like a Tiffany Love Lock bracelet or a pair of diamond earrings, is ideal. Think classic, special and at the same time wearable! I don't believe in gifting things that will be locked up in closets or lockers,” adds Jasuja. Being in the bride's inner circle, you would definitely be privy to her honeymoon itinerary. Giving her something that she could flaunt on her post-wedding breaks, such as a pair of designer sunglasses or a gorgeous tote, are some other options. While a perfume makes for a great wedding gift, it can't get more special than limited-edition fragrances. The gorgeous stiletto-shaped bottle of Carolina Herrera Good Girl Swarovski Edition Eau De Parfum is a celebratory keepsake, while an indulgent hamper of scented candles and bath and body products from Jo Malone London is sure to bring a smile on any bride's face. Or, gift wrap Amazon Echo to present the bride with an on-demand, at-home personal assistant to check the weather, cue up a playlist, read a recipe, set an alarm, or help with anything they may need to manage their ever-growing to-do list.
As the couple commits to each other for a lifetime, timepieces become popular gift options. A set of his and hers couples' watches in a style that best complements the newlyweds' own, from prestigious brands such as Rolex and Omega, make for heirlooms that last for generations. You have a choice of theme here too—you can either let a ‘less is more' approach guide you as you pick the couples watches, or you can go edgy with latest modern innovations. To make your task easier, Rado, a top-of-the-line luxury Swiss watchmaker, has categorised watches as per emotions/moods. So depending on the couple and their sensibilities, you can choose from urban, bohemian, minimalist and classic designs.
Help the couple that cares more about passport stamps than fancy furniture tick more places off their bucket list by presenting them with some inspiring getaways. What about an utterly indulgent stay at a royal palace? Another great option for the couple who enjoys wellness, is a spa retreat in the midst of nature. Gift a foodie couple an exquisite dining experience at a unique romantic location as a wedding gift. What about a four-course meal on a luxury cruise liner or a cosy meal for two under the stars? Or you could gift them a pre-wedding photoshoot where a professional will capture their candid moments as they discover a new place. Alternatively, gift them an adventure in a gift card—this way, they can pick whatever they like, whether it's scuba diving in the Andaman or a ski trip to Swiss Alps.
Not so long ago, it was a tradition to give silverware to your close family members, especially your nieces and nephews. Though the sheen of silver is still intact, the items on the wish list are a bit different now. Instead of a dinner or tea set that gets taken out of the cupboard once in a blue moon, the millennial couple desires something that can make every day a little luxurious. An engraved silver tray or a champagne bucket is more utilitarian—silver-plated and sterling-silver options are considered celebratory.
For a couple building their new home, carefully chosen home decor items make for practical yet memorable wedding gifts. As a simple rule, things that come in a pair make for symbolic gifts, such as bookends, salt and pepper shakers or champagne flutes. To get started, know their personal style and blend it with your own aesthetic. Anything that's personalised and adds colour to the kitchen, like a custom-engraved, wooden chopping board, is a great gift for the couple that loves to cook. Hand painted signature ceramic pieces are a delight for couples with an affinity to home decor. Think of a singular piece that will add depth and definition to their space. If they're invested in culture, get them something that captures traditional art, but in a functional space. Think Swiss cuckoo wall clock or Turkish mosaic glass lamps, or even a handcrafted German musical box set to their favourite tune. For newlyweds who look forward to hosting friends and family over for intimate dinners, look for pieces that will help them create a memorable dining experience for their friends.
6 planners reveal the most extravagant Indian weddings they've organised
How Instagram has transformed the face of weddings
20 perfumes that make for the perfect wedding gifts
Everything you need to know before you zero down on a wedding planner
