Wedding Gifts

A household item or a cash contribution toward the honeymoon? Wedding guests often face the dilemma of choosing the perfect gift. The wish to offer something useful goes hand in hand with the desire to surprise—and, let’s admit it, to bask in the glow of seeing the couple’s delight in receiving it. Yet this age-old challenge isn’t always easy to solve. Uncovering the right idea takes time, a deep understanding of the bride and groom’s tastes and personalities, and a willingness to “take a risk,” so to speak…

Why not commission an artist to paint live at the wedding? A portrait of you alongside the future bride and groom, immortalizing your bond forever. Short on time or looking to wow everyone at the last minute? Provide the painter with a photo of you together and reveal the surprise at the perfect moment. A true professional will deliver a masterpiece—and if you happen to be an artist yourself, grab canvas and brush. Whatever emerges, born from the heart, will be priceless.

Be clever. The honeymoon is likely to be packed with activities—perhaps a spa massage, a boat excursion, a desert trek, or even an exotic safari. Choose which adventure you’d like to fund and allocate your gift accordingly. They’ll be all the more grateful when they return.

Surprise within a surprise: dedicate an entire day just to the newlyweds. Think of it as a small celebration, delightfully old-fashioned in its intent. Book a stay in a mountain lodge, a seaside weekend, a museum visit, or simply a private dinner with closest friends in a locale that speaks to your shared history. Bonds are strengthened by shared experiences, and what seems simple at first glance can feel extraordinary when charged with genuine meaning.

What unites people more than an adventure taken hand in hand? Chase an adrenaline rush, spark everyone’s creativity, and immerse your friends in an unconventional setting—voluntarily “forced,” of course—to step outside their comfort zones. A high-altitude jump, a water sport… let “adventure” be your guiding word. Remember, you’re gifting fresh, unforgettable memories that will tie them together in the days to come.

Here’s another idea: an offbeat post-ceremony photo shoot. An irreverent retelling of the wedding day—complete with outfits for him and her—staged in a spectacular location. Picture yourselves submerged in water amid a riot of color, or, for an extra dose of creativity, go fully DIY. Use footage captured on smartphones to craft a bespoke video in whatever style you choose.

If you’re more practical by nature and prefer to stick with tradition, focus on the details. Even a simple card enclosing money gains significance when it connects to the event’s mood. It’s an extra touch—unnecessary but undeniably memorable. Contact the designer who handled the wedding invitations and ask for a small illustration that reflects your gesture. “Pecunia non olet,” the saying goes, but presenting cash with care still makes all the difference.