Another wedding to attend, another uninspiring gift list to choose from. Remember – most people now live together before tying the knot, so give them what they really, really want instead. We’ve asked some smug marrieds what makes a wedding present super special. And if you're looking for a special deal – try our exclusives with Dartington, Wedgwood, Arthur Price and Waterford.
Buyer's guide to original wedding presents
Give them something different
Shutterstock
-
2. Gifts that keep on giving
‘Give something long-lasting and beautiful like a magnolia or an olea europaea,’ says Lucy Clifton of the Designer Wedding Show, who has been married for eight years. 'Every time they bloom, the happy couple will think of you and your good wishes for them on their wedding day.’ They could take this charming bespoke wedding plantabox (£40) from notonthehighstreet.com whenever they move home.
-
3. Lifetime of a honeymoon
Where have they been? Where do they want to go? Help them plan the rest of their lives together on this Magnetic world map memo board and magnets(£34.95) from dwell. Globes always make popular gifts. The Homeworld globe (£199) from Purves & Purves has a brushed stainless steel base that will make them swoon.
-
4. Wedding photos
The bride and groom will want to show off their wedding photos. And what better way than with this chic Bespoke framed pinboard montage (£165) from 55Max. Printed on photographic paper, using layers and shading to create the 3D pinboard effect, this collage will last for years and years to come. Say cheese.
-
5.Fun beyond the big day
‘Experience presents such as a hot air balloon ride are great presents,’ says Joseph. Help them ditch post honeymoon blues with something to look forward to like the Virgin Experience days national trust day out for two (£59) from John Lewis.
-
6. Marriage chest
Often short on space, newly marrieds will always welcome extra storage. Recently married writer Annabel Jack remembers, ‘A girlfriend bought me the Large wooden trunk (£225) from OKA which holds my wedding dress, shoes, thank you letters and fun memorabilia of the big day. In fact, anything from OKA was very welcome.'
-
7. Testosterone treats
It’s not all about spoiling the bride. Fashion sales manager Claire Hope, who is getting married herself this July says, ‘How about a 4ft air hockey table (£79.99) from regular old Argos for the boys?’ Win over both the Mr and Mrs with our buyers guide to kitchen gadgets.
-
8. Silver discounts just for you
Think beyond silver photo frames. mydeco users get a 25% discount from stylish silver shop Arthur Price until 31 July. Type the discount code MD08 at checkout. These heart salt and pepper pots are reduced from £24 to £18. Bargain.
-
9. Designer wish list
mydeco's very own Design Manager Pia Munden will be walking down the aisle this August. On her wish list are 'lots of beautiful Scandinavian products, Missoni pouffes, Italian ceramics and fun things like shopping baskets and David Mellor kitchen stuff'. She's hoping for this brass leaf bowl (£75) from The Conran Shop. -
10. Board games
Marrieds should enjoy playtime too. Deborah Joseph, Editor of Brides magazine says, ‘My favourite wedding present was not on our list. It was a special edition gold scrabble set. The people knew that we loved Scrabble.’ Dream of Mayfair mansions and Piccadilly pads on this frighfully smart black leather Monopoly set (£750) from Fortnum & Mason. Or get them the more affordable Monopoly (£10.70) from John Lewis.
We've scoured the internet to track down the best-selling wedding presents on sale. They'll never know how little you've spent!
Or check out our special deals with Dartington, Wedgwood, Arthur Price and Waterford, just in time for the wedding season.
Like what you read? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
