Wedding Wednesday: Unexpected Gifts For The Bride & Groom

( Via Inslee )

Registries are a helpful tool for both the newlyweds and the guests. They take the guesswork out of gifting. Even if you want to go off the grid with your gift, it is good to check their list to see the couple's taste and color scheme. I tend to give the unexpected for the wedding, then use the registry for the showers. If you are looking for inspiration, this edit is for you with something for all budgets.

Ten Totally Unique Gifts

Juniper Books Love Poems Set
Why not gift the couple with something romantic? The set consists of poems and letters from the works of John Donne, Christina Rossetti, W.H. Auden, E.E. Cummings, William Shakespeare, W.B. Yeats, and other amorists. Perfect for those shopping on a budget.
AHALife  

Family Vintage Wine Box

Handmade and so very well done, this is a gift with vineyard worthy style. I personally was gifted with this keepsake box, and love ours. For extra credit, fill it with wine.
Uncommon Goods  

Dorset Basket For Four With Blanket
Everything they will need for a romantic picnic but the ants! They will use this for tailgating, outdoor concerts, and of course, picnics!
Domino

Stelle Audio Audio Pillar Wireless Speaker

Fill their new home with the sound of music! These stylish speakers can be moved from room to room and run on batteries. Fabulous!
Neiman Marcus

Nostalgic Wedding Portrait by a Celebrated Fashion Illustrator
Gift the newly married couple with something they will never expect but always cherish. Guaranteed to be one of their favorite wedding gifts! Details at....
IFOnly  

Ernest Chrome Bar Cart
The coolest cart on wheels. The new couple will love this addition to their home. Its' small footprint will work in any size of living spaces. 
CB2  

Vintage French Champagne Bucket
The newlyweds will have plenty to celebrate in the coming years. Let them do it with French flair. Each bucket is unique, vintage, fancy but still practical.  Love!
Food52  

Kiss Dinner Napkins
Kelly Wearstler's unique twist on the classic will please the couple with a modern aesthetic. 100% Linen and ever so chic. Do add a note that says: "Always have a kiss on your lips for each other."
Kelly Wearstler

Anna New York Casca Bowl

Hand carved and heavenly, this bowl is made from natural organic shaped agate. The newlyweds will be thrilled with this unique and functional piece of art! 

Barneys New York

Gathered Moments Canvas Photo Art

Here's a thoughtful idea that is designed by you online. Take some candids at the wedding, and surprise the couple with this cool keepsake.

Wedding Paper Divas

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 Wedding Wednesday: A Pretty Pink Palette

Wedding Wednesday: Winter Details For A Merry Marriage

(Via Inslee Designs)

Winter weddings are not for the faint of heart, yet there is no more romantic time of year. The color red itself, represents love and and matters of the heart.  If you are planning a December wedding, you are down to the last details. Here's how to wrap things up and make your Winter Wedding a Merry Marriage!

Blushing Bride

What a perfect photograph for a Christmastime wedding. A simple sweater in ravishing red makes a stylish statement.

Bride Bubble

Emerald City

Elegant seasonal inspiration with a nod to Art Deco. 

Sonia Sharma Events

Snowflake Table Card

A place card is another way to express your wedding theme and colors. The snowflake will cover all cold weather Winter Weddings. I have made place cards with rhinestones before. They are very tedious! Best to leave it to a pro.

 Angels Of Heaven at Etsy

Winter Personalized Print

I love this idea as a one of a kind wedding present. Also available in canvas. Details at 

Picture It Personal at Etsy

Glitter Votive Holders

You simply cannot have too much candlelight at a wedding! Oh the glow and sparkle these will add to every table! Also available in gold.

Beau-Coup

Snowflake Favor Boxes

A really nice gift box for your guests, or even for the Bridesmaid Luncheon. They will look spectacular lined up on a table!

Beau-coup

Holiday Print

Add instant pizazz to a haute holiday wedding. This instant digital download can be printed in a flash from home. Hand painted signs like this add a festive flair to a reception bar area.

Fine and Dandy Paperie at Etsy

Personalized Ceramic Ornament

A marvelous memento for gifting your guests. These are so well done, and the price reflects the beauty. Lovely for a small guest list.

Mooseberry Paper Co. at Etsy

Love Made Love Red Rose Dress

This faux fur trimmed dress and head piece is Winter Wonderland wonderful!

Childrensalon

Watercolor Table Numbers

Keep the fabulous floral theme going throughout your reception. These table numbers are from heavy matte stock and would be lovely framed.

Mooseberry Paper Co. at Etsy

Kate Spade Lucinda Clutch

From The Wedding Belles Collection, and so wedding worthy! A special gift for the bridesmaids, too.

Kate Spade New York

Montmartre Jacket

If you are determined to wear a sleeveless dress, you need this marvi marabou jacket. It's fanciful enough for your wedding day and beyond.

BHLDN

Love's Arrow Ornament

Gift your guests with these pretty petite ornaments. They'll love that Cupid thought of them. Creatively display them for guests to see and take home at the end of the reception.

Anthropologie

Let It Snow!

Of course no one really wants a snowstorm on their big day, but a little snow for effect could be quite spectacular. Perfect as you exit the church or while you enjoy your first dance. You can make this happen with a snow machine from

Amazon

Green Wedding Inspiration

What a beautiful outdoor wedding! Green and white are just so elegant together, indoors or out. Click for the delicious details.

Wedding Paper Divas

Bar Signage

Now this is a great idea on a blustery Winter Day! You can print this up from home and frame it yourself. Your guests won't mind if there was a little Peppermint Schnapps to go along with the cocoa!

Creative Unions At Etsy

End Of Wedding Treat

A Winter warmer. Send them off with a little breakfast following an evening of merry making.

Martha Stewart

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Wedding Wednesday: Reception Details

Wedding Wednesday: Uncommon Gifting

My wedding was very large, with about 400 guests.  We received many gifts, and some were just lovely,  I still have the gift list. When reviewing the gifts recently, I saw that I received 6 toasters and 7 mixers. Really? Of course, each of those were returned, as I had received a toaster and mixer at bridal showers. When choosing a gift, at least check their registry.  In doing so you will see the colors they want, what they have, and the style of decor they desire. Finding a registry is simple, just Google "Jane Smith, Chicago Wedding Registry." Or look at the list of Registries at the end of the post.

Colin Cowie, party planner extraordinaire had the following to say about gifting: How Much Should I Give As A Wedding Gift?

"What you think what is appropriate and what you can afford to give. No one is going to judge you for the cost of your gift."

I will add, be thoughtful and creative, no matter what your budget. In a sea of china plates and wine glasses, an uncommon gift is a welcome one. Also another hint - do not bring your gift to the reception.  Be considerate of your hosts and send it before or after the event.  Here's a little inspiration for your own gift giving.

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Lucite Letters
Talk about a personal gift! Pair two of these letters in the couples initials. They make quite the statement at over 7 inches tall. Best yet, they go with any type of decor. it's a clearly clever gift.
C. Wonder

Perfect for any couple

Save 30% sitewide. No code needed. Discount will be taken at checkout.

Ray Geary Heart
This heart is swimming with a combination of over the counter pills cast in resin, by artist Ray Geary. Every piece is one of a kind and begs to be displayed.

AHALife

Enjoy 15% off + Free U.S. Shipping on all orders with code: ENJOY15 Restrictions Apply. Expires 8/31/2014)

Perfect For:  Doctors, Nurses and Caregiving Couples

A Cloud 9 Experience Gift
Consider the gift of the experience of a lifetime! If you just can't decide what to give, an experience is something they will never forget. Shop by the part of the country the couple live in.  A Romantic Dinner For Two in NYC, Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise, Gondola Dinner Cruise in Dallas, etc. You can pick the adventure or give an Experience Certificate. Fun and really something very different. I'd love it.
Cloud Nine Living

RabLabs Kiva Platters

These natural stone large platters are a luxe gift. Their natural beauty is amazing. Barney's has a stunning selection of colors.

Barney's New York

Perfect For: Couples who entertain

Fire Hurricane Lamp 

These indoor/outdoor tealights are priced right for buying in multiples. "Once the wick is fired up, the mirrored finish "dissolves" allowing the twinkle to show through the luster." Available in matt black or copper. You can bet they don't have any of these.

A + R Store 

Perfect for Casual Couples that might prefer wood to crystal

Monogrammed Faux Fur Throw 

A personalized gift is always appreciated, especially one this luxe. Choose from four fab faux furs, and select your own monogram style and thread colors. Ships free!

Zhush

Perfect for couples living in colder climates

Maison Martin Margiela 

Champagne Pail

Designed by the elusive and ever so revered fashion designer, Maison Martin Margiela. This is one unique container.  It has been handcrafted and the side is embossed with the designers stamp. You'll love the beautifully wrapped presentation. 

A + R Store

Perfect for fashion forward friends and champagne lovers.

Cooking Class Gift Cards

The couple that cook together stays together. Surely someone said that. These cooking classes are offered in most major cities across the country.  They make a fun date night.  Select an amount between $10 - $500.

Sur La Table

Perfect for Foodies and Couples who cook

Tse and Tse

Modern French design is pretty wonderful. These interesting shaped vessels are sold individually and oh so versatile. The couple will pair them with their fine china and their picnic-ware.

Shop Horn

Perfect for Chic Couples

9-Pc Horn Bartender Set

The couple will have this set for a very long time. It is classic in design, so it will never go out of style. Chances are, they will toast to your good taste each time they use it.  Cheers!

One Kings Lane

Perfect for all couples who enjoy a cocktail

If Only Recipe of the Month Collection
A curated collection of 25 star chefs.  In the first month, in addition to the two recipes of the month, your loved one will receive an elegant lacquered recipe box and a hand-signed recipe from Michael Mina. Each subsequent month, they will mail two seasonal recipes from the exceptional list of chefs to complete the collection. A truly unique gift, sure to put a smile on their face.
IfOnly

Perfect for foodies and home cooks

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Find A Wedding Registry

Amazon,  Barney's New York  Bloomingdales 
Crate and Barrel  Macy's  Neiman Marcus  
Sur La Table  Target  The Knot

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