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When someone close to you is getting married, finding the perfect wedding gift can be a challenge, especially if the bride and groom don’t have a wedding registry or if you just want to give them something unique. To help you narrow down your options and find something truly special, we turned to expert wedding planners for their best gift recommendations and advice. From experiential gifts for the adventurous couple to home essentials, there’s something for everyone.
When searching for the perfect gift, wedding planner Danielle Leilani says uniqueness is key. “The typical modern couple are already living together, and some may even be building a house,” she explains. “Some couples may still have a registry, but if nothing speaks to you, think outside the box and get Creative!” Chances are the couple will appreciate a thoughtful gift with personality and intention behind it.
Meet the expert
- Mindy Weiss is a celebrity event planner and author who has worked with notable couples like Justin and Hailey Bieber, Sarah Hyland and Wells Adams, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, among others.
- Danielle Leilani is a bohemian wedding planner and the founder of The BachBox, an all-in-one gift site that offers themed decoration kits for bachelorette parties.
- Erin Taylor is the owner and creative director of Bustle Events, a full-service event design and planning company for all-day, full-weekend, and destination weddings.
- Cathleen Holloway is the Founder and Creative Director of Holloway Events, a Houston-based wedding planning service that organizes exquisite events across the United States.
Read on for the best wedding gifts, according to wedding planners.
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Pricing at time of publication: $2,000
“I’m a big fan of coffee (fun fact: I was a barista in college!), so for me, a great coffee maker or espresso machine is the ultimate wedding gift. Being able to make delicious coffee at home is such luxury!I am obsessed with this particular model, it comes in a gorgeous slate blue color.Danielle Leilani, Boho Wedding Planner and Founder of The BachBox
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Price at time of publication: $360
“The gift I love the most right now is a bit pricey, but I think it’s so cool for a modern couple. This beautiful tray is a conversation piece – and who doesn’t love a good piece of conversation in her home? This is a traditional and iconic brand, but created with a modern twist. For some couples, it can even be a relevant piece of art in their home. This is my favorite!” —Mindy Weiss, celebrity wedding and event planner
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Amazon
“You can never go wrong providing a fun experience – it means the couple can make memories while enjoying your gift. This one is great because as the couple return from their honeymoon and life gets better installs, it’s fun for them to have fun experiences coming up that they can plan for a free weekend. It gives them something fun to look forward to! —Erin Taylor, owner and creative director of Bustle Events
Pricing at time of publication: From $100
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Price at time of publication: $265
“I love buying a beautiful cake dome for my clients and friends. It is multi-use and is such a great accessory for your home collection. I have one that is used weekly with lovely pastries or a cake or the occasional dessert!William Yeoward’s is a current favorite and a frequent item in the basket. –Cathleen Holloway, Founder and Creative Director of Holloway Events
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Pricing at time of publication: $295
“For adventure-loving couples, there’s no better solution than matching, personalized suitcases – our personal favorites are from eco-friendly brand Paravel. ‘Aviator, these tried and tested bags will last for many trips to come – and the couple will never mistake each other’s bags!’ —Peggy O’Brien and Willa Callahan, founders of Poppy Gifting
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Pricing at time of publication: $165
“We like to anticipate the next steps for the couple, like heating a house, hosting and travelling. For couples who like to entertain, we fell in love with Tricia Lowenfield’s Cache Pot. Not only is a wine and ice bucket a necessity when hosting, but it doubles as a chic and memorable fun piece displaying the wedding details of your choice, either a crest, name or wedding date . And when not in use, it makes a great standalone decor adorning a hutch or sideboard. —Peggy O’Brien and Willa Callahan, founders of Poppy Gifting
What to look for in a wedding gift
Something that is both sentimental and useful
“When considering what to offer newly engaged or newlyweds, I first do a thorough review of their registry and make sure their bases are covered,” says Callahan. “From there, the challenge is to find a bespoke gift that commemorates this milestone and is equally well-loved in her everyday lifestyle.” Callahan recommends avoiding anything that seems overly valuable or fragile.
“Items that both elicit feelings and fit seamlessly into their lives are the most important criteria,” she adds. Instead, Callahan recommends items like a personalized blanket that features their beloved pets, game-night-inspired cocktail napkins for weekend entertaining, unexpected barware for their famous margaritas, and a culinary collection for foodies who like to experiment in the kitchen.
Consider their hobbies and interests
“If the couple’s registry is nearing completion or it’s a couple that I know might enjoy an off-registry item, channel a shared hobby or special destination,” O’Brien advises. She recommends gifts such as cocktail-making supplies and/or serving pieces (perfect for the couple who like to throw parties), or a piece of art from an artist in their hometown.
Weiss adds that it’s important to consider the unique personalities of the gift recipients. “Look for things that are personal to the couple that you know will spark joy for them,” she says.
Why Trust Brides
Chloe Caldwell is a bridal business writer who specializes in shopping and lifestyle topics. She has over five years of journalism experience, writing about everything fashion, beauty, travel and wellness.
