Does the mother of the groom give the bride a gift? A thoughtful gift to the newlyweds is a wonderful opportunity for the parents of the groom to welcome the bride into their family. Experiences, items with sentimental value, and helping the couple achieve a marriage goal top the list. Consider some of the following wedding gift ideas from parents, and remember, the best gifts are those that come from the heart.
From Past to Present
A printed photo album with photos of the bride and groom from when they were children to present is sure to bring a smile to their faces, and in an age of digital imagery, this gift has staying power for future generations. Try Blurb or Mixbook to create your personalized album gift.
Memory Box
A memory box including photos, favorite items, toys, awards, artwork, certificates, and memorabilia of the groom from his baby days to date is a gift that the bride will cherish. Not to mention it's a treasure box for future grandchildren to get to know dad when he was a kid too.
Heirloom Keepsakes
Give the couple items that have been passed down from generation to generation within the family. An item, such as a piece of jewelry someone in the groom's family owned can also be given to the bride to welcome her to the family. Alternatively, you can also gift a piece from the couple's registry that has heirloom potential.
Future Delights
Have an enthusiast culinarian joining the family? Why not share your most cherished recipes? Print a personalized cooking book using Shutterfly or similar service. Make sure to highlight the groom's favorites and to include those your future daughter-in-law has enjoyed!
Professional Photography
Wedding photography, videography, or even a honeymoon photo session are all excellent gifts that will last a lifetime. Visit Fearless Photographers or the Wedding Photojournalist Association for recommendations of photographers in your area or worldwide (for that honeymoon shoot).
Special Wall Art
A picture is worth a thousand words. Live Wedding Art offers to paint a unique picture of the wedding live at the wedding! Alternatively, you can have a meaningful photo of the couple printed on a canvas. It's the kind of splurge newlyweds don't do but wish they did.
Dress a Room
Couples that are just starting out will appreciate the gift of furniture, especially when they get to pick and you get to pay. Choose a room, set a budget, and plan a shopping day. Hit the couple's favorite home furnishing stores, enjoy a meal together, and cherish the feeling of helping them create a warm new home.
Home Improvement
If the couple are DIYers, and are investing some serious elbow grease in their future home, helping them with their home improvement projects could be extremely meaningful. A project like helping the couple clear out their yard and maybe gifting them a grill to enjoy outdoor dining would be a very memorable gift.
Honeymoon Fun
Many times, the bride and groom are responsible for paying for all the meals and activities on their honeymoon, which can get costly. Items for area restaurants or spas that the couple can use together make great gifts. Consider contacting their hotel or travel agent to prepare gifts that make their honeymoon more memorable.
Anniversary Wine
A long term gift says so much about your wishes for the couple. Gift them a bottle of wine or two that will be at its prime on a significant anniversary. Wine Folly offers some tips and great recommendations for each anniversary.
Subscription Box for Two
A gift that keeps on giving, subscription boxes are a great way to let the couple know you are thinking of them month in and month out. Martha Stewart has some fabulous recommendations, but Crated with Love and Night In Boxes are great favorites among couples.
A Shared Hobby
There's nothing like shared experiences to tighten the marriage bonds. Gift the couple the joy of spending time together doing something fun. Take into account both their interests and shoot for something they both like and enjoy. Some ideas include:
- Season tickets for theater, their favorite sports team, or both
- Membership to an upscale gym/spa, museum/arts institute, sports/golf club
- A pair of bicycles, camping gear, picnic in a backpack
Accommodations and Upgrades
Paying for special accommodations or upgrades for the bride and groom for the day of the wedding or even for their honeymoon can be a special wedding present. Accommodations given as a gift should be special and more than just a standard hotel room. If the couple already has accommodations, an upgrade, perks, a personalized welcome package, or even an extended stay could be a great way to enhance the experience.
Gift Giving Etiquette and Considerations
According to most rules of etiquette, the parents of the groom are responsible for paying for the rehearsal dinner and a portion of the personal flowers. They may also pay for the honeymoon, the groom's cake, and the alcohol at the reception. Nowadays who pays what is completely dependent on each couple and their families. Regardless, a gift or detail with sentimental value is always in order.
How Much to Spend
How much parents of the groom spend should be directly related to their financial means and their contribution to paying for wedding costs. There is no set rule, but do make the most of this opportunity to encourage the couple as they start their marriage.
The Must-Have Element
It is a polite gesture to write a letter to the bride and to her parents on the day of the wedding. The letter should welcome the bride and her family to the groom's family. Independently of the parents' involvement in the wedding, or even what kind of gift they choose to give, offering a kind and welcoming letter is a must.
When to Give the Gift
Parents of the groom who want to give a special wedding gift to their son and his bride should give the gift to the couple together either at the rehearsal dinner, the morning of the ceremony, or in the few days leading up the ceremony. For accommodations and honeymoon gifts you may want to give the couple a bit more notice so they can schedule accordingly.
The Perfect Wedding Gifts
No matter what type of gift parents of the groom decide to give their son and his new bride, gifts should always focus around the new couple and their love for one another. While choosing a gift keep the couple's personalities in mind to make sure their gift is truly a perfect sentiment for their special day.
