There are basic wedding rules everyone knows: Don’t wear white to the wedding, be on time to the ceremony, and don’t bring uninvited guests. Here is one you may not have considered : get the wedding couple gifts they actually need.
The stresses that come with pre-wedding jitters, event planning, and the inevitable post-wedding credit card debt can overshadow major part of the marital process: building a home for two. For many couples, living together isn’t an option until after they tie the knot. This means that the couples are forced to bring two sets of home goods into one home–a fast-track to cluttered chaos.
The worst thing you can do as a wedding guest is add to the couple’s stress. As cute as that yard gnome may be, gifting functional home goods that combine utility with style will inevitable benefit the couple for years to come.
Cookware is certainly at the top of many couple’s registries, but there are far more functional gifts than just pots and pans. Here is a guide for functional wedding gifts that are sure to make the newlyweds send a heartfelt thank you.
1.Bedding and Linens
Cohabitation brings on a myriad of potential relationship stressors. How should the dishwasher be loaded? What temperature is the house? How often is the bathroom cleaned? Or perhaps the most underrated: How firm is the bed?
Mattresses, bedding, and linens can become a pricey affair. The cost of high thread count sheets and a luxury mattress can deter couples from buying new bedding for their home. What they are neglecting, though, it that quality sleep is imperative for the success of a relationship.
If you are insecure about gifting such a personal item, simply be upfront with the couple and let them know your plan. They will be eager to help select this thoughtful gift that will last them a decade. There are even helpful guides that can help you buy a mattress online and have it shipped directly to their home.
2. His and Hers Smart Wallets or Item Trackers
If you have ever lost a credit card, you know the gut-wrenching feeling that swiftly follows. Imagine being newly married, stressing over legal paperwork and changing ID’s , then discovering that you cannot find your wallet. Cue panic attack.
According to Tile, the average American spends over 60 hours a year looking for missing items. Luckily, there is a variety of tech on the market to help combat your prized possessions. Buying the bride and groom a smart wallet that can track if a card is missing, or a GPS tracker they can put on their keys will cut down on time tearing the house apart, and maximize quality time with each other. These products are especially useful if the couple is going on an international honeymoon.
3. Smart Home Gadget : Security and AI
After an expensive wedding, buying the latest tech isn’t always in the budget. Products such as the Amazon Alexa can aid in every day tasks like buying groceries, or can help set the mood with music on demand. Moreso, a smart home equipped with industry-leading security can set a new couple’s mind at ease. This is especially true when they may not be able to afford a home in the safest neighbourhood in town.
Give the couple the gift of peace by simplifying their life and keeping their home safe.
4. High-tech Cleaning Supplies
Whether you love cleaning or hate it, everyone could still use a little help every once in a while. High tech cleaning supplies such as Roomba vacuum can help alleviate some of the stress. This is particularly true if the family has a little one on the way, or already has a few small humans in the house.
Here’s a story: a good friend of mine was once the best man in a wedding. He gave the couple a really nice trash can. Do you know what that couple still uses 3 years later? The trash can. It may not be the most glamorous gift but the couple will certainly use it.
5. Handcrafted Art
Handcrafted goods add a sentimental touch to what can feel like a very impersonal exchange of goods. Commissioning a painting of the couple’s favorite photo, engraving a set of ceramic flatware, or buying a handcrafted wood cooler might just be the unique gift they cherish for a lifetime.
Customizing basic home goods to the couple’s specific needs is a great way to show you care for the couple, and provides them with things they would probably never have the chance to buy for themselves. However, don’t get too crazy with the design unless you really know the couple. A neutral color palette will help your gift remain timeless.
6. Subscriptions
When you are trying to cut costs, the first thing a financial planner will tell you is to cut your subscriptions. Why? Because they are expensive! Subscriptions to Netflix, HelloFresh, Dollar Shave Club, or Barkbox can seem like unnecessarry luxuries. Though the money adds up, people subscribe because they feel the service will improve their quality of life. So rather than gifting them another set of mugs, give them a gift that will keep on giving.
7. Gift Cards to Home Stores
If you aren’t sure what item to buy the couple, don’t stress. There will be lots of unforseen necessities that weren’t on the registry. By providing them with a gift card, you take the stress of buying these home goods off the couple. Though it may seem impersonal, you are providing them with the power to buy what they truly want. Some great stores to keep in mind would be Home Goods, Home Depot, Target, Walmart, or even gas stations or their favorite local restaurant.
You can even provide your gift before the wedding. help the bride take care of pre-wedding hygiene with a gift card to her favorite salon. here is a guide for pre-wedding self care if you need help picking a service.
Can’t decide where to buy a gift card to? Don’t stress about that either. Cash is always a welcomed gift at any major life event (or just in general…)
When it comes to wedding gifts, it is best to follow the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. Come to the wedding with a smile, be on time, and be sure to give them a gift they will actually use. You will feel better knowing you saved the couple some stress, and they will be truly thankful. Happy shopping!
About the Author: Stephanie Annon is a freelance writer in Raleigh, North Carolina. When she isn’t writing, she loves playing with her goldendoodle Ollie and spoiling her nephew.