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Alternative Wedding Gift List Ideas

If a traditional wedding gift list isn’t for you, check out our alternative ideas

Guests buy presents for couples to show thanks for being allowed to join their celebrations. Traditionally these wedding gifts were given to newlyweds to contribute towards kitting out their new marital home and life together. But, with an increasing number of couples nowadays already living together or owning their own home before marriage, couples need to be more creative when it comes to alternative gifts.

There are many different ways for guests to show appreciation, but it’s great to actually get something that can be of good use without going down the familiar route of vouchers.

Couples can get the ball rolling by letting their guests know in the early stages of planning that, in the nicest way possible, ‘of course gifts aren’t expected, just to have your company on our big day is more than enough – but if you did want to get a little something… please don’t get us a toaster.’

This article is dedicated to helping you choose an alternative wedding gift list if you aren’t a fan of the traditional high street style wedding gift list.

A financial wedding present

A suggestion of a gift can be money. Asking for money doesn’t always sit comfortably with couples and it can be an uncomfortable scenario to ask for money as a wedding gift, especially to the older more traditional generation?

However, all that’s needed in these situations is a little bit of tact. It’s no longer seen as ‘rude’ to ask for money, in fact, guests prefer to give a contribution that can go towards something.
Money can be put towards items for a ‘future’ dream house, a new car, or a honeymoon; jetting off to a dream destination that’s out of budget. Now doesn’t that sound nicer than a china set?

Top tip:

If you don’t want to ask for physical cash, you could still opt for vouchers from a specific shop or travel company, so that you can spend them as you wish in the future.

Unforgettable experience-style wedding gift

Alternatively, another idea may include a memory-making gift. Most couples will have been saving for a long time for their Big Day, missing out on some of the finer things in life. So why not be treated to something a little different that will always be remembered? How about a fancy meal in a Michelin star restaurant, a hot air balloon ride, or maybe even a skydive for the more adventurous couple?

Alternative experience wedding gift ideas include:

  • A weekend away
  • A cooking class
  • A couple’s massage

Personalised wedding gift ideas

This one is more for the guest in need of a bit of inspiration on alternative gifting…

Personalised gifts are always greatly received; they’re considered thoughtful and sentimental, now who doesn’t like that? A keepsake that will always remind couples of the day – this can be anything from engraved glasses, planting a tree for them, or a photoshoot for their first anniversary. Another personal gift idea is ‘Something that grows old with you’; why not buy them a collection of vintage wine that improves with time, just like they will!

Newlywed couples may also like:

  • Personalised chopping board
  • Personalised swing seat for the garden – with either the surname of the couple or perhaps the name of their wedding venue?
  • Personalised champagne glasses
  • His ‘n’ Hers mugs, towels, or pillow cases

Sign up for a charity wedding gift list

Giving something back is a perfect, feel-good present. Donating to charity, sponsoring a good cause, or getting sponsored for the London Marathon (if that’s your sort of thing) is a lovely idea for a gift. Helping someone else who is less fortunate feel the love that a newly-married couple has.

Wedding gift ideas:

For the bride

Couples may wish to give each other a memorable wedding gift that is hand-delivered by a bridesmaid or best man whilst everyone is getting ready. The words for a card will always be personal, but below are our top 10 wedding day gift ideas for the bride.

  • Beautiful earrings to wear with her dress
  • A necklace, perhaps with her new surname engraved on it. Ie. Mrs Smith
  • Lingerie to take away on your honeymoon
  • A luxurious pair of heels to wear on future dates
  • A memory photo album of all your best times together
    ’10 things I love about you’ – framed
  • A hamper full of ‘wifey’ themed products (mug, apron, dressing gown etc.)
  • A new watch (now that you have all the time in the world to spend with each other)
  • A bottle of perfume
  • A jewellery box, to keep all of her pretty accessories

 

For the groom

The groom will be equally as touched with a special gift to remind him of the big day. 10 gift ideas for the groom below:

  • An engraved decanter or hip flask
  • A vintage bottle of his favourite drink during your first year of marriage
  • A set of whiskey tumblers
  • A bottle of aftershave
  • A pocket watch
  • A special golf club
  • Cufflinks for your future special occasions
  • A new wallet
  • Organise a surprise at the wedding, such as a firework display or a band he loves
  • A map with all of the places pin pointed of where you’d like to travel as a couple in the future

All suggestions aside no matter what the gift from your guests, them being there on the wedding day really is all that matters!

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If a traditional wedding gift list isn’t for you, check out our alternative ideas

Guests buy presents for couples to show thanks for being allowed to join their celebrations. Traditionally these wedding gifts were given to newlyweds to contribute towards kitting out their new marital home and life together. But, with an increasing number of couples nowadays already living together or owning their own home before marriage, couples need to be more creative when it comes to alternative gifts.

There are many different ways for guests to show appreciation, but it’s great to actually get something that can be of good use without going down the familiar route of vouchers.

Couples can get the ball rolling by letting their guests know in the early stages of planning that, in the nicest way possible, ‘of course gifts aren’t expected, just to have your company on our big day is more than enough – but if you did want to get a little something… please don’t get us a toaster.’

This article is dedicated to helping you choose an alternative wedding gift list if you aren’t a fan of the traditional high street style wedding gift list.

A financial wedding present

A suggestion of a gift can be money. Asking for money doesn’t always sit comfortably with couples and it can be an uncomfortable scenario to ask for money as a wedding gift, especially to the older more traditional generation?

However, all that’s needed in these situations is a little bit of tact. It’s no longer seen as ‘rude’ to ask for money, in fact, guests prefer to give a contribution that can go towards something.
Money can be put towards items for a ‘future’ dream house, a new car, or a honeymoon; jetting off to a dream destination that’s out of budget. Now doesn’t that sound nicer than a china set?

Top tip:

If you don’t want to ask for physical cash, you could still opt for vouchers from a specific shop or travel company, so that you can spend them as you wish in the future.

Unforgettable experience-style wedding gift

Alternatively, another idea may include a memory-making gift. Most couples will have been saving for a long time for their Big Day, missing out on some of the finer things in life. So why not be treated to something a little different that will always be remembered? How about a fancy meal in a Michelin star restaurant, a hot air balloon ride, or maybe even a skydive for the more adventurous couple?

Alternative experience wedding gift ideas include:

  • A weekend away
  • A cooking class
  • A couple’s massage

Personalised wedding gift ideas

This one is more for the guest in need of a bit of inspiration on alternative gifting…

Personalised gifts are always greatly received; they’re considered thoughtful and sentimental, now who doesn’t like that? A keepsake that will always remind couples of the day – this can be anything from engraved glasses, planting a tree for them, or a photoshoot for their first anniversary. Another personal gift idea is ‘Something that grows old with you’; why not buy them a collection of vintage wine that improves with time, just like they will!

Newlywed couples may also like:

  • Personalised chopping board
  • Personalised swing seat for the garden – with either the surname of the couple or perhaps the name of their wedding venue?
  • Personalised champagne glasses
  • His ‘n’ Hers mugs, towels, or pillow cases

Sign up for a charity wedding gift list

Giving something back is a perfect, feel-good present. Donating to charity, sponsoring a good cause, or getting sponsored for the London Marathon (if that’s your sort of thing) is a lovely idea for a gift. Helping someone else who is less fortunate feel the love that a newly-married couple has.

Wedding gift ideas:

For the bride

Couples may wish to give each other a memorable wedding gift that is hand-delivered by a bridesmaid or best man whilst everyone is getting ready. The words for a card will always be personal, but below are our top 10 wedding day gift ideas for the bride.

  • Beautiful earrings to wear with her dress
  • A necklace, perhaps with her new surname engraved on it. Ie. Mrs Smith
  • Lingerie to take away on your honeymoon
  • A luxurious pair of heels to wear on future dates
  • A memory photo album of all your best times together
    ’10 things I love about you’ – framed
  • A hamper full of ‘wifey’ themed products (mug, apron, dressing gown etc.)
  • A new watch (now that you have all the time in the world to spend with each other)
  • A bottle of perfume
  • A jewellery box, to keep all of her pretty accessories

 

For the groom

The groom will be equally as touched with a special gift to remind him of the big day. 10 gift ideas for the groom below:

  • An engraved decanter or hip flask
  • A vintage bottle of his favourite drink during your first year of marriage
  • A set of whiskey tumblers
  • A bottle of aftershave
  • A pocket watch
  • A special golf club
  • Cufflinks for your future special occasions
  • A new wallet
  • Organise a surprise at the wedding, such as a firework display or a band he loves
  • A map with all of the places pin pointed of where you’d like to travel as a couple in the future

All suggestions aside no matter what the gift from your guests, them being there on the wedding day really is all that matters!

The Harper Team

Harper Weddings is a family-owned and family-run company. We’ve been helping couples bring their wedding dreams to life for over twenty five years, with heartfelt hospitality and a spirit of fun. We’d be delighted to do the same for you.
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