Your wedding will be one of the biggest, if not the greatest day of your life. Some moments in life are just too precious to be immortalized by a cell phone or willing family member with a camera. We can all agree that it is important to find the right person, a professional photographer, for the job. With so mThe answer is “it depends.” Although gift giving gets overlooked by many brides, it’s a normal tradition. Of course, each culture has its own unique customs. Couples should decide if it makes sense for them as the cost of modern weddings can be quite expensive. If it is important, the couple can agree on a reasonable budget.
While the popular belief is that a wedding is all about the bride, it’s not entirely accurate. Many grooms look forward to this day just as lots of brides have since being young girls. Giving a groom a gift on his big day shows that the bride acknowledges just that. Men appreciate thoughtful presents too, especially from the person they plan to spend the rest of their lives with.
Now that we all know that brides should give grooms gifts, as you would expect, it’s customary for both the bride and groom to exchange gifts for their sacred union. Though it will possibly be one of the priciest presents a groom will ever buy his wife-to-be, to his surprise, an engagement ring doesn’t qualify for this gift exchange tradition condition. He is not off the hook. The groom needs to return the gesture and purchase a gift for his bride in addition to the sparkly hand candy.
Brides, since we know that the act of receiving won’t be a one-sided affair, let’s focus on the groom’s gift again. When a bride gives the groom something that is specifically for him, he will feel extra special.
Below is some advice to common questions of the bride:
- What type of gift should I give? Being considerate of the significance of the occasion, a romantic or sentimental gift is very appropriate. The ideal gift will be one that is thoughtful, personal to him, and can endure the test of time. Many grooms receive designer watches, cufflinks (to wear at the altar), or premium flasks as gifts however you can broaden your list to other things that you know your future husband will appreciate. More gift ideas are other forms of jewelry (bracelets or necklaces), useful gadgets that will be practical for years, finer items relating to his hobbies, designer articles (wallet, ties, pocket squares, etc.), a high-end camera, or an experience such as sky diving, a spa massage membership, or a future trip. You can consider paying for an excursion for your honeymoon as an unforgettable experience.
For less expensive gift ideas you can frame a picture of you as a couple, an expressive poem, or a sentimental image such as a pushpin map that includes places you want to visit together. You can also put together a scrap book, photo album, or create a playlist that includes all of the songs that hold the best memories for you both.
When should you exchange gifts? There are actually a few times that are appropriate. You can share gifts the night before the ceremony or on the morning of the wedding. If you believe that it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before “I do” and you prefer receiving your present before the ceremony, bridesmaids and groomsmen make great delivery carriers. You can also play it safe and exchange gifts after your wedding before leaving for your honeymoon.
Is there anything else that I need to consider? Engravings or monograms are popular and adds an elegant touch of personalization, particularly on jewelry. Along with your gift, share sentimental words with your partner to remind him how much you mean to him and how important it is to become a permanent part of each other’s lives. Write a hand-written letter, poem, or note that the groom can read just moments before seeing you walk down the aisle.
Browse some of our other articles with helpful wedding ideas:
How to Keep Guests Happy During Wedding Party Photos
Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Wedding Photographer
Romantic, Adrenaline Rush, and Funny Wedding Proposal Ideas
2019 Average Cost of a Wedding
Plan a Wedding in 6 Months or Less