Shopping for the perfect wedding gift can be hard, especially if you’re on a tight budget or waited a little too long and all of the good stuff on their registry has already been taken. No need to panic, we’ve got you! Here are some unexpectedly thoughtful wedding gifts that every couple will LOVE!
PHOTOGRAPHY | Kenzie Victory
It goes without saying that getting something from their registry is the easiest and safest way to go when it comes to choosing the right wedding gift. After all, that’s why registries were invented. This all sounds simple, but in reality, all of the stars have to align just right for you to snag the perfect gift off the registry. If you don’t commit right away you risk being left with the dregs of the registry like napkin holders or $500 designer pillow shams–we’ve all been there! And while the happy couple will certainly appreciate anything you contribute to their new home together you may wind up feeling unsatisfied with your options. If you find yourself in this situation where only the big-ticket items are left, check and see if their registry has a group gifting option. This allows you and other guests to chip in together to purchase some of the pricier items; which is perfect if you are attending the wedding as part of a group, like friends or office-mates.
Now let’s think outside the registry and cover some fun unexpected gifts that any couple will be thrilled with!
PHOTOGRAPHY | Weddings By Scott And Dana
These days, it’s not uncommon for couples to live together before they get married and most already have a lot of the basics needed to outfit their house or apartment. Thankfully registries are starting to think outside the box and allow couples to register for experiences rather than just household goods. Some registries have cash funds that guests can contribute to; they also offer guests the ability to purchase individual, specific experiences. If the couple you are shopping for isn’t registered at one of these places, find a fun experience in their home town that you think they would enjoy. Just make sure that it is a recurring event so that the couple can book their experience on a date that works for them. It will give them something fun to do on a rainy day and remind them of you!
PHOTOGRAPHY | KT Merry Photography
If you know that the couple loves to entertain, a cake stand is always a great gift! Most couples remember to register for the basics (plates, glasses, etc.), but fun accessories, like dessert displays are often forgotten. Chances are they’ll want to host an event soon after their wedding to put all of their new crockery and stemware to good use. They’ll think of you when they bring it out for a party or on an anniversary down the road.
CAKE STAND | Style Me Pretty Shop
Photos are one of the biggest investments a couple makes for their wedding. Most couples remember to hire the photographer, but so many forget to register for frames or photo albums. It’s always a safe bet to purchase a frame or frames from the place they registered, but some retailers are easier to navigate than others. If their wedding registry store has too many options, you can always opt for a gift card to a framing and printing company like Artifact Uprising–this way they can pick out the exact frame that they want–what’s not to love?! Another great thing about this site is that they offer photo album printing as well, so the couple can use your gift to have all of their photos printed in one beautiful book. Household goods go in and out of style but photos are forever!
PHOTO & FRAME | Artifact Uprising
Everyone’s gotta eat, why not make it fun? Give the gift of a meal-kit delivery service! This will save the couple time and money when it comes to their weekly grocery trips and give them something fun to cook together. It seems like there is a new meal service popping up all the time, some of our favorites are Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, and Daily Harvest (for the vegan couple).
PHOTOGRAPHY | Katie Parra Photography
CHEF | Megan Doherty
Who doesn’t like to relax and get pampered, especially after planning a wedding? Getting a spa gift card for a couple is always a great idea for a wedding gift! If you know where they will be spending their honeymoon, you can get them a gift card for a spa in their destination city, or you can always get them one for their hometown. They’ll love it–we promise!
PHOTOGRAPHY | Thecablookfotolab
If you know which hotel the couple will be staying at for their wedding night or for their honeymoon, you can get them a gift card for that hotel. This allows them to splurge on the fun extras that a hotel offers like room service, cabana rentals, or spa treatments.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Rossini Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY | Gina Purcell Photography
If you need something little to add to your gift or you don’t know the couple very well, a ring dish is just the thing! Most couples don’t register for one, but if you’ve got a ring, a ring dish is a must-have!
PHOTOGRAPHY | Brancoprata
Most couples will be traveling for their honeymoon and custom luggage tags with their monogram on them are a fun and unexpected gift that they can use right away. Choose a neutral color like black or tan that can complement any color of luggage.
PHOTO & LUGGAGE TAG | Love and Luxe Handmade