Wedding Presents Between Spouses – Is it a Thing?

The big day is just around the corner, the dress is sorted, the caterer is booked, the venue is perfect…and then someone asks you what you’re giving your future spouse as a wedding present. You may think ‘Err my unending love?!’ or “Crikey I’d totally forgotten” or “Nothing, because it’s not a thing”. However, if it is a ‘thing’ that you would like to do, then the question is what?! And how much to spend? Does it have to be jewellery?! Read on for some insight and ideas that might help answer some of those questions!

Tradition says…

Traditionally, a bride and groom do exchange gifts on the morning of their wedding day, and it can be something for the day itself or something sentimental that will be carried forward through their lives together. Many think it dates to the dowry days, and for some, they find this concept a bit problematic. But just because tradition says so – doesn’t mean you have to!

However, those that do want to, see it as a great way to have a moment of reflective, private calm when they set aside the time to open the wedding gift from their other half. It can refocus the day ahead back to the two of you, and not just the huge social event it may have turned into. 

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune, but if you are thinking of exchanging spousal wedding gifts, then going for something that is well made and classic means you won’t be too far off the mark. Fundamentally, it’s about what the present symbolises and not it’s monetary value! You want to show your other half that you know them and their taste,

For Her…

Knowing what to get your bride can be complex but there are some traditional gifts that stand the test of time and will always be another part of your story together. The most obvious are wedding earrings. Often these are a match to the engagement ring and given as a gift on the morning of the wedding or the night before. This allows the bride to be able to wear them on the special day and form part of the symbolic commitment to one another.

Another frequently thought of gift is a small pendant. Again, using the stones and shape from the engagement ring to form the design, it ties the jewellery all together and becomes part of the ‘set’ of your special day.

If you don’t want to follow the engagement ring theme, then pearls are another fail safe timeless present. Pearls don’t need to be horrendously expensive either. Cultured, freshwater pearl earrings are a perfect choice and there is a plethora of design styles to choose, from studs to drops and everything in between. However, you could choose a pendant, bracelet or ring – there’s nothing to say what form the jewellery must take! The choice is yours.

Lastly, a watch is often considered a romantic gift – symbolising the time you’ve spent together. Watches and brands can vary hugely in price, so this a gift that requires some research and thought into the type of timepiece that’s suitable.

For Him…

Some say that choosing jewellery for men is harder than for women, but both can be a tricky endeavour to make sure you’ve hit the spot! When it comes to a wedding gift though, just like for the brides, there are some classic gifts that are sentimental, thoughtful and don’t need to cost a fortune.

A tie pin is an underrated gift for grooms but is the perfect subtle addition to the wedding outfit. Most grooms will be in a tie, so why not give them something to embellish it? Antique tie pins are well made, classic and will be cheaper to source than having one made from scratch. I, in fact, gave my husband one for our wedding day so I may be biased!

Cufflinks are one of the more obvious choices and these can range from the simple to the lavish! It all depends on the design and the metal/gemstone choices. This means that you can very effectively tailor them to your desired budget.

As for women, a watch is another option. Probably more readily given to grooms than brides, a timepiece is a great way to show your love. Engraving the watch too, also helps in making it extra special.

For Them?!

Although slightly left of field, there is also a train of thought about gifts for the wedding party too. These really don’t need to be expensive, but sometimes a couple may decide they want to buy something meaningful for the best man and bridesmaid(s). Silver cufflinks for the best man are always a winner and simple freshwater pearl earrings or a bracelet can be a thoughtful gesture for a bridesmaid(s). These gifts symbolise your thanks to those that have supported you in your journey together and allow you to give them something that ties them to your story. 

In conclusion…

Jewellery and watches form the backbone of wedding gifts for a reason: they’re sentimental, cherished and used for special occasions and often then gifted through generations as an heirloom piece. They evoke emotional stories and memories and when considered wisely, they are priceless.

If you need any help in sourcing an antique wedding gift or having something created as a bespoke piece of wedding jewellery, then do get in touch and let’s start your story.