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Tips and Insights on Wedding Gift Giving:
Our Wedding Gifts From 20 Years Ago
Winners: Engraved Wedding Glasses
Losers: Trendy China
Before getting married, we went through the usual wedding registry process. Some items we picked, from deco artwork to trendy china patterns, have failed to stand the test of time. Other wedding gifts, like engraved crystal glasses, have remained favorites and remind us of the people who had the wisdom to get us a gift of lasting value.
If you are engaged, getting ready to put items on a wedding registry or are a wedding guest who wants to find the perfect wedding gift, perhaps my thoughts and experience will be helpful.
What we registered for:
At the risk of embarrassing ourselves, I will now disclose some of the things I thought would last for years and remain favorites. I picked out Dansk dishes with a blue trim for everyday use at breakfast, lunch and dinner. I also selected some more expensive formal china. The formal china was rarely used and I quickly got tired of the pattern on the Dansk dishes, although they did last. They lasted so long I got sick of them way before they got scratched and worn. I was tempted to drop a few on purpose, just to be able to get some new dishes. We eventually gave them to a thrift store and cheerfully sent them on their way.
We also registered for more practical items such as microwave ovens, toasters, vacuum cleaners and personalized drinking and wine glasses. I also signed up for my silver pattern, although I actually chose gold-colored cutlery, a striking color against my fancier china plates.
We also registered at an eclectic art boutique and wedding guests bought us nice pottery, some artwork and other items from that store. I was thrilled.
The Wedding Gifts That Lasted
Guess which wedding gifts we still use and love? We don't have the exact same microwave as I did twenty years ago but I have a similar one. The vacuum cleaner was much appreciated - as was the toaster, drinking and engraved crystal wine glasses. We still have and use those personalized glasses! Every toast we make reminds us of our special day. It adds such a personal touch to have fine crystal glasses monogrammed with our initials. My silverware (which is actually gold plated) is still a favorite. The dishes - not so much. When it comes to china patterns, I didn't have a knack for picking timeless classics. Stick with the simple pattern as you are not likely to get tired of them. Wedding gifts I didn't ask for but loved: Liquor Decanter and glasses set, the first addition to our home bar, (made us feel like adults), vases in a wide collection of sizes and shapes, bath towels, kitchen accessories and gadgets, a footstool, foot massager (why anyone picked that as a wedding gift is beyond me but we loved it).
What to Give as a Wedding Gift
Here are some suggestions for those picking out wedding gifts: Think about the couple and their everyday habits. What basics do you use everyday that might be helpful to a wedding couple? Sometimes newlyweds don't anticipate every need. There are the practical gifts such as the microwave, vacuum cleaner, toaster oven, but these gifts don't really leave an impression. If possible, go with solid colored or neutral items. Avoid patterns. They'll mix and match better. If the wedding couple is registered for patterned china, of course, you can't get around that but you could choose solid napkins, side plates or other pieces that compliment or match with the pattern. That way, if tastes change, your wedding gifts may be used with the new dishes.
The personalized Wine Decanter and glasses we received were such a huge hit with us, we give them to the couple at every wedding we attend. They are as impressive 5 years later as they are the moment they are opened. They are not just beautiful but practical as well. Name brand crystal is the best, such as Riedel or Waterford. Our favorite place to purchase these personalized Crystal barware gifts is CrystalizeOnline.com - their selection is good and the customer service is outstanding.
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