The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Gifts

The moment that wedding invitation arrives in the post (or inbox), you’ll no doubt start running through a mental checklist: outfit, accommodation and gift. The latter can be a bit of a minefield. Some couples make it easy and provide a registry; others make it harder. Either by declaring your attendance is gift enough, or by asking for cash (AKA a honeymoon or renovation contribution).

But if turning up on the day empty-handed feels strange for you, we’ve selected ten of the best wedding gifts which will make the happy couple that much happier.

Gold Bar Cart

It’s tradition to gift household items at a wedding – stemming from a time of dowries and the couple not living with each other before the marriage. Although these practices are less common, the tradition somewhat remains. That doesn’t mean every present has to be purely functional. This gold bar cart from RH brings sculptural drama to everyday life, making the ritual of pouring a glass of Champagne that much more glamorous. With its X shape and crisp geometric lines, it’s a striking centrepiece for any home bar.

KitchenAid Mixer

Life can be quite simply segmented into two: BK – before KitchenAid – and AK – after KitchenAid. If there isn’t at least one baker or chef in the couple, then there sure will be after they receive this mixer. It comes in an oat shade so goes with most kitchen designs and has multiple attachments – a whisk, a bread knead and more. That’s before you add any of the bells and whistles. I recently tried a pasta attachment and it’s so worth it – you get fresh pasta without having to roll out long pasta sheets.

Personalised Towels

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One of the reasons we love staying in a hotel is because of the fluffy, fluffy towels. Despite it being an item we use daily, it tends to be something we neglect at home. So, a wedding is the perfect opportunity to elevate the everyday with these monogrammed Peter Reed towels. Plus it’s a lovely chance to gift them something with their new shared initials (if they’re taking the same name, that is).

Trinket Tray

One of the many perks of getting married – besides celebrating love and a lifelong commitment – is the jewellery. Between the glitzy engagement ring and the elegant new wedding band, the newlyweds will need somewhere chic to put their new hardware whenever they take it off. This leather trinket tray from Katharine Pooley and Italian luxury accessories manufacturer Pinetti, makes for the perfect bedside or sink-side companion to keep those precious rings safe.

Antique and Vintage French Crystal Champagne Bucket

Whether it’s leftover Champagne from the big day or the numerous bottles they’ll receive, the new spouses will likely have a surplus. The 1990s antique French Crystal Champagne bucket from ABASK is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece that will see plenty of use. Be it a spontaneous bottle or celebrating their first anniversary, this piece will add a touch of occasion to every pour.

Large Terracotta Pot

Terracotta looks good in any garden. It lends an earthy, European quality that contrasts beautifully against a blue sky (when it decides to come out). That’s why a large terracotta pot, like this one from Mims Garden Pottery, is the perfect statement piece for the newlyweds’ outdoor space. The beauty is they can do with it what they please – use it as a base for an olive tree, the new home for a herb garden or leave it just as it is.

Ceramic Tray

Social media feeds have been littered with curated coffee tables – Assouline travel books, chrome candles and small house plants. The latest edition is decorative trays and this Anut Cairo ceramic version would be a stunning addition to the trend. It’s hand-painted and made by potters in the Fayoum oasis village of Tunis, meaning that each one has an individual character.

Cheese Knife Set

I’ve always thought the best part of any meal is the cheese course. A creamy brie, sharp cheddar or a tart goat’s cheese is the best way to end the evening. No cheese board is complete, however, without the correct tools. Presented in a beautiful gift box, this Fortnum & Mason’s cheese knife set comes with an acacia wood handle and a sharp stainless-steel blade and is a must. It’s a small, thoughtful upgrade to the newlyweds’ dinner table.

Mother of Pearl Silver Servers

There’s something to be said for tableware that doubles as a talking point. These Objet Luxe mother-of-pearl silver servers will absolutely be the topic of conversation around the new spouses' dinner table. With the sculptural, silver handles cast in the shape of a langoustine or the smooth curve of each shell, they’ll more than earn their place among the wedding china.

Three-Tier Tea Stand

For the couple who love to entertain, this Mackenzie-Childs hand-painted three-tier tea stand is the stuff of garden party fantasies. Stack it with macarons, scones, or even a pile of weekend pastries, it has the feel of a real vintage afternoon tea. You’ll be sure to get an invite back if you gift this.