Trends in Second Wedding Gift Giving

Your friend just announced she is getting married -- again. What could you possibly give someone who has everything? Think unusual wedding gift!

If the bride or groom-to-be has been married before, they probably already have at least some of the traditional registry items. They may have a blender, a coffee maker, a tea kettle. For a second wedding, the guest list may be quite limited -- just family and very close friends. There may not be a bridal shower or traditional engagement party, so the opportunity to give the couple a gift might seem remote. Couples celebrating a second marriage generally do not register for gifts -- although some do, so be sure to check our online registry to see what they've requested. Whether they're registered or not, whether you are invited to the actual ceremony or not, you may wish to get the couple a gift. By all means, if you want to get them a gift, you should.

Your job is to find a gift for them that is unusual, yet special. (It's not as difficult as you may think!) Try to find a gift that reflects the style and interests of the couple. Here are some suggestions:

• If they like to go out dancing, a gift certificate for swing or salsa lessons may be appropriate. Restaurant gift certificates are always appreciated, especially for after a long day at the office when no one wants to cook. A nice, relaxing dinner out may be the perfect solution. If they love art, consider a membership in a local museum, or tickets to an opening gala. Music lovers? Try front row seats for a great concert.
• Great new home items are coming into vogue all the time, so consider a hot new kitchen appliance for the couple. Even if one or both have been married before, they may have never received an espresso machine, an indoor grill, a bread machine, or a martini shaker set.
• Consider getting them something to use in their wedding celebration, such as beautiful personalized champagne flutes for their first toast. A set of wine glasses and a decanter with the date of the wedding makes for the perfect gift. It will be lovely when opened and still useful many years into the future.
• If neither the bride nor groom has been living in a house and they plan to after they wed, they would probably love to receive anything that they can enjoy in their newly yard, such as patio furniture, a hammock (sized for two -- how romantic!), or a barbeque. A personalized welcome mat for their front porch will be an ongoing reminder of your thoughfulness.
• If the bride and groom have children from a previous marriage, a nice gift may be something for the whole family, such as a package of tickets to the aquarium or zoo -- an especially great gift for families with younger children. A dinner cruise or tickets to a sporting event may be appropriate for those with older kids. Other possibilities: an evening at the theater to enjoy a family-appropriate musical, or day lift tickets for a nearby ski resort.
• Another great wedding gift idea is to send the couple off for a relaxing weekend getaway. Many times, couples marrying for a second time do not go away on a honeymoon. A weekend getaway vacation to an elegant resort or spa may be a nice surprise. Day spas are also an excellent way for the couple to spend a few hours relaxing together for a little rejuvenation after some hectic months of planning the wedding.
• Does the couple enjoy a glass of Chardonnay during the evening? If so, a membership to a "Wine of the Month" club would be a much-appreciated gift. Combine that together with the personalized wine glasses and you have a gift that keeps on giving.
• If the couple is renovating their home to accommodate living together, try a gift certificate to a home supply store.
• Even if either partner has married before, it may be quite appropriate to give a traditional wedding gift such as pots and pans, dinnerware or flatware. Try to subtly ascertain whether or not the couple might need some replacement items. The only thing to avoid: replacement pieces of china or silver that was a part of the wedding registry of a previous marriage. No one needs to be reminded of the past right now. Instead, get them something for their wonderful future together.

See related article on wedding gift giving trends in 2009.