Wedding gift ideas: guest giving a gift to a bride

A wedding is one of the happiest times in life. It’s the start of a new union, an exciting journey, and a lifetime of love. If you’re lucky enough to be celebrating with the happy couple, you’ll likely need to pick out a gift to mark the momentous occasion.

Regardless of your relationship to the couple, you’ll find appropriate wedding gift ideas on this list. From traditional presents for a classic love story to modern options for contemporary couples, there’s something they’re sure to love. 

Plus, we’ve included personalized presents for an added touch and experiential gifts that ensure the couple continues creating happy memories together. Best of all, there’s something for every budget so you can splurge on something special for your bestie or buy something affordable and meaningful.

15 of the Best Wedding Gift Ideas

Wedding gift ideas: bride, groom, and a guest looking at a large photo album

If you’re looking for wedding gift ideas, a good place to start is the couple’s wedding registry. They’ll have selected items that they love and know they need, making it easy to snag practical gifts and things they’ll actually use. Wedding gift etiquette experts recommend that couples have the wedding registry completed four to six months before the wedding. That gives you plenty of time to browse and pick the perfect present on their wish list. If you need a few ideas to get started, we’ve highlighted some of our top wedding gift ideas.

1. Fancy Glassware

Engraved champagne flutes are a popular wedding present. They offer a celebratory way to honor the special occasion and the newlyweds can reuse them each year on their anniversary. 

If the couple isn’t into champagne, you can find glasses that better reflect their tastes. Consider wine glasses for the couple that loves trying out new grapes, snifters for whiskey enthusiasts, or camping mugs for an adventurous duo. 

These also make great anniversary gifts or engagement gifts. For something extra special, you can choose a glassware set with a matching decanter.

2. Le Creuset Cookware

One of the most popular physical gifts for weddings is fancy cookware. Choose an elegant brand like Le Creuset, the legendary French designer offering a range of cooking supplies that are often handed down from generation to generation. A large Dutch oven is perfect for the couple to cook holiday dinners together while they’re sure to use dishes and cookware sets every day for years to come.

3. Luggage

Wedding gift ideas: Airmail Invitation

Design: Carmia Jordaan

These nuptials are the start of a new adventure for the happy couple. Remind them of their special day by giving them luggage they can bring everywhere they go. You can splurge on a luggage set from Beis or get something more affordable from a reputable brand like Samsonite. Make it extra special by adding a monogram or keep it more affordable by choosing personalized luggage tags rather than a full suitcase set.

4. Luxurious Cashmere Blankets

Invite the happy couple to cozy up in luxury with a cashmere blanket like this one from Naadam. They’ll love snuggling under the soft fabric while watching their favorite show or spending a quiet evening together in their new home. Available in five colors and made of 100% Mongolian cashmere, it’s sure to add a touch of elegance and comfort that brings the couple closer together.

5. Make a Thoughtful Gift With Wedding Flowers

If you can find out the type of flowers the couple plans on using at their wedding, you can create a unique DIY gift that doesn’t break the bank. Buy or gather fresh flowers and insert them into a glass picture frame. They can choose a photo from their wedding day to put inside for a unique keepsake. Alternatively, you can press flowers from the wedding day into a journal where the happy couple can document their best adventures.

6. Elegant Dinnerware

Wedding gift ideas: Vintage Orange Grove Invitation

Design: Robinson Creative House

As a married couple, your loved ones are likely to be hosting friends and family members at their new place. Make their job easier by gifting them stunning dishware like the pieces from Monique Lhuillier at Pottery Barn. Featuring scalloped edges and floral elements, they offer an elegant European style inspired by Italian and French motifs that are perfect for dinner parties.

7. Digital Picture Frame

Skip that traditional picture frame and put a modern spin on things with a digital photo album frame instead. We love the 10-inch and 15-inch digital frames from Aura. It’s a great gift for relatives that live far away since you can invite others to share photos. The built-in speaker also plays videos, bringing your best moments to life. With a sleek design, it’s ideal for contemporary couples.

8. Personalized Cutting Board

Whether you’re a bridesmaid in the wedding party or a plus one attending a friend’s nuptials, a personalized gift like a cutting board is a great option. Choose from a wide range of materials, like wood for a couple that likes a rustic aesthetic or marble for a contemporary pair. Have the item engraved with the couple’s names or initials and their wedding date.

9. Plan a Date Night

Couple dancing at home

Give the happy couple the gift of an experience rather than a memento or physical gift by planning a special date night for them. You can make it as fancy or casual as you want, ensuring this gift idea is suitable for all budgets. Send the happy couple on a weekend getaway to wine country or give a gift card for a special dinner at the restaurant where they had their first date.

10. KitchenAid Stand Mixer

Another classic wedding gift idea is a stand mixer, which is particularly useful for couples who like to spend time in the kitchen together. They’ll love using this item to whip up meringue, mix batter, and make their own sausages. 

11. Flatware

Metallic Touch Invitation

Design: Lissa Anglin

Give the couple flatware that’s as stylish and beautiful as their love story. Choose from classic stainless steel flatware or go for something more modern like rose gold or black flatware to celebrate their nuptials. Splurge on silver flatware from an expensive brand like Tiffany’s for an extra special gift or choose an affordable, yet stunning alternative from a brand like Oneida.

12. Gift Card or Cash Gift

If you’re not sure what to get the happy couple or need a last-minute gift — don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! — a gift card or cash is the perfect choice. This option is also great for any budget since you can pick the exact amount you want to give. Alternatively, you can also donate money to the couple’s honeymoon or new house fund.

13. Monogram Linens

A set of monogram linens

Help the newlyweds outfit their new home with monogram linens that double as home decor. Choose from a variety of linens from cloth napkins, towels, and bedding for a special gift the couple is sure to love. Monogrammed linens like bathrobes also make great bachelorette party favors and bridal shower gifts.

14. Married Couple Card Game

Getting married is a lovely time, but it’s also a period of adjustment. Many couples move in together for the first time and there’s plenty of room for compromise. Get them the gift of a seamless transition with the Fair Play card game. It helps couples divvy up the household chores in a fun way and helps them build their life in a way that balances each individual’s needs.

15. Miniature Greenhouse

For a unique wedding gift idea, consider this sophisticated greenhouse that lets the couple grow plants alongside their love. It features brass plating for an elegant look and has an app for customizable programming, making it ideal for tech-loving couples.

Shower the Happy Couple With Gifts They’ll Love

Wedding gifts on a table

With these wedding gift ideas, you’re sure to find a present for the happy couple that suits their personality and your budget. From personalized gifts that put them in the spotlight to thoughtful gifts that make them feel loved and easy gifts to buy at the last minute, there’s something for everyone.

We’ll leave you with one final gift idea that’s sure to make the couple feel supported and loved. Throw them a special party before or after the wedding to keep the celebrations going! Browse our digital invitations to find the perfect design to match their wedding aesthetic or personalities. Make it a surprise party or keep them in the loop by offering to host — and pay for — one of their wedding gatherings like the engagement party or post-nuptial brunch.

For more ideas, our Stationers blog has you covered with advice for gifts, party planning, and more. Plus, it’s packed with etiquette tips so you don’t commit any wedding faux pas.