The do’s and don’ts of wedding gifts – including the ultimate ones to steer clear of for the happy couple
With wedding season just around the corner, guests are dusting off their formal wear, getting ready to celebrate and wondering what on earth to get the happy couple. Whilst in the past a gift registry was the normal way of things, couples now often deviate leaving guests wondering whether a cheque or cash in a card is enough as a wedding gift.
Katrina Aleksa, founder of gifting specialist and wrapping service Roxy Wraps, explains: “A wedding gift should feel thoughtful, not transactional. It’s about celebrating the couple’s future while respecting their tastes and lifestyle. A great gift doesn’t have to be expensive—it just needs to be intentional.”
She added: “Wedding gifts are an opportunity to show your support, not just your shopping skills. Think about the couple’s lifestyle, their shared passions, and what will help them build a life together.”
Five Gift Ideas that Show You Care and Will be Loved by the Bride and Groom
Customised Keepsakes
Adding a touch of personalisation can make a simple gift feel really thoughtful and bespoke. Think personalised cutting boards, illustrated couple portraits or engraved champagne flutes with the newlyweds’ new surname. “A touch of personalisation makes a gift feel unique and memorable,” says Katrina.
High Quality Home Essentials
Whether it’s luxury linens, artisanal serving platters or a state-of-the-art coffee machine, sometimes functional and beautiful household items are a perfect item – especially if it’s something they haven’t yet bought themselves.
Experiential Gifts
“Give them a memory instead of a material thing, which can be something they will treasure for years” Katrina suggests. Spa days, cooking classes or even wine subscriptions make for delightful surprises and one the couple can do at their own leisure when the festivities around the wedding day have died down
Cash or Gift Cards
It might feel like the soft option but sometimes it means a couple can do more, and will appreciate the gesture all the same as an actual gift. “Couples appreciate the flexibility,” Katrina says. Just be sure to include a heartfelt note so it doesn’t feel impersonal.
Don’t Make these Gifting mistakes – the Five Things not to Get
Ignoring the Registry
Katrina explains: “If a couple has shared a registry list, then it’s important to respect the time that couple spent curating that list. If you’re going to go off the list then you need to be 100% sure they will love it – and maybe keep a receipt just in case they don’t!”
Overly Personal Décor
Steer clear of bold art pieces or niche home items that may not fit their aesthetic and might come across as odd. “I’ve heard of one wedding where an uncle gifted the couple some art that included himself in it, which didn’t go down well and was in fact a very odd gift to give! Needless to say I don’t think the newlyweds were putting that up in their home,” laughs Katrina.
Joke Gifts, Funny Pranks or Gag Items
Save the humour for the bachelor party rather than the wedding day, as often what feels funny at the time can go down like a lead balloon on the big day. “Weddings are sentimental milestones, not roast sessions. Your ‘in’ joke with the groom might not seem so funny when in-laws and family members are exposed to it” Katrina warns.
Regifting
If it’s not something you’d buy for them brand new, don’t wrap it up. “Whilst regifting might feel like you’re making sure something is getting used, it can sometimes come across as cheap and if it’s not something a couple might want then it might feel mismatched,” shares Katrina.
Bringing a Physical Gift to the Wedding
Unless it’s small and easy to carry, send it to their home where they can enjoy it after the wedding celebrations are over. Katrina explained: “Couples don’t want to lug boxes back from the venue, and sending it to their home means they can enjoy it when they’re ready. Plus a large gift can be distracting and even be a bit of an eye sore in the background of wedding photographs on the day.”
About Roxy Wraps
Roxy Wraps is a premier gifting concierge service specialising in curating bespoke and high value gifts for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
With an expert eye for rarity, craftsmanship and investment potential, Roxy Wraps ensures every gift is as meaningful as it is timeless.
For media enquiries, contact:
Chad Teixeira Media – chad@chadteixeira.com | +44 020 3911 3562
Related Content
